Last year Ohio got off to a slow start but after winning some big conference games, the Bobcats made a late run and were in contention for the Mid-American Conference East Division going into the game against Marshall.
This year their chances for a run in the division are minute with a 1-3 record in Mid-American Conference games, but the Bobcats are looking to make a similar turnaround in the final stretch this season.
I think you've got to challenge their motivation just from the standpoint of we've got a lot to play for
Ohio coach Brian Knorr said. We've got four East Division games... If we finish strong I mean it would be very difficult to win the stars would have to align
but certainly we finish high and build a lot of momentum for the off-season.
Ohio will face Kent State this week, followed by Akron, Miami and Marshall.
The Last Time
The Bobcats went to Kent State last year and came home with a 50-0 win. The shutout was the first for Ohio since defeating Bowling Green, 24-0, in 1997. Ohio held Central Florida scoreless this year, 28-0.
Ohio quarterback Fred Ray said that while it would be nice for another shutout, the Bobcats just want a win to get back on track after the loss at Buffalo two weeks ago.
Playing well would really revitalize us - just getting the win
not necessarily 50-0 but just beating them here and then end the season with three more victories
Ray said.
In the 2002 Kent State game, the Bobcats also forced five turnovers, including four interceptions. That was the last time Ohio recorded as many interceptions.
Three picks were off throws from Kent State's heralded quarterback Joshua Cribbs. Ohio cornerback Chip Cox said the defense was able to read Cribbs' passes because he was having an off day, which is unusual for the Kent State standout.
All four interceptions resulted in scores.
We had great field position
Knorr said. I think we started inside their 20 three or four times.
The average starting field position for Ohio was at the Kent State 48.
The Injuries
Ever since the Northern Illinois game, the quarterback position has been up in the air each week. It is no different this week. Ray re-injured his shoulder at Buffalo and is questionable again this week. Ryan Hawk, who played the majority of that game after Ray went out, could see time again this week.
We're hoping that Hawk will be available
Knorr said. Fred is probably a long shot
but we weren't sure if we had him for Buffalo
and he got well the last three days... Austen Everson and Adam Porter are taking some reps too.
With a bye last week, Ray and Hawk have been able to rest up, but it is hard to say whether they are healthy enough yet, Knorr said.
Running back Stafford Owens, who suffered a high ankle sprain at Northern Illinois, has been practicing more in the last two weeks, but Knorr said he is not yet at full speed. He will likely play Saturday, but the amount of playing time is not certain.
Two outside linebackers had surgery recently. Tyler Russ, who was taken down in the Kentucky game three weeks ago, had reconstructive knee surgery. Knorr said the results were favorable, though he has a tough road ahead of him to recover from the torn ligaments, including the ACL. Tuesday, Chuck Terry had surgery on his dislocated shoulder, which he re-injured at Buffalo.
