1968.
That’s the last time Ohio won the Mid-American Conference Championship, and this season the Bobcats were picked in the preseason to win it. It’s all back in the spotlight as they start MAC play this week.
Coach Frank Solich said he will only look at MAC stats and Nathan Rourke said it’s a new season.
On Saturday at Dix Stadium, Ohio (2-2) will take on Kent State (1-4) on ESPN+ at 3:30 p.m. If that 50-year streak is to be broken this season, Saturday is the first step.
Below you’ll find a guide to gameday, with how to follow along, the depth chart, the injury report, who has the edge, reading guide and predictions.
Following along
How to watch: Beginning this year, the Ohio and the MAC will have a large presence on ESPN+, as many games will be carried exclusively on the new direct-to-consumer streaming platform.
Ohio continues its ESPN+ schedule Saturday at Kent State. Michael Reghi and Je'Rod Cherry will have the call. Fans can receive a free one month trial of the service and then subscribe to ESPN+ for $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) on ESPN.com or with the ESPN app.
How to listen: The game can be heard on the Ohio IMG Sports Network — Russ Eisenstein and Rob Cornelius will be behind the mic. The broadcasts are available online through OhioBobcats.com and TuneIn.com/OhioBobcats.
How to find stats: https://kentstatesports.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
Depth charts
Injury report
Out: WR Elijah Ball (knee), OL Cole Irland (knee), OL Adam Notestine (shoulder), WR Jerome Buckner (knee), DE Juan Watkins (shoulder), DL Amir Miller (knee), TE Noah Hoffman (undisclosed), CB Justin Birchette (undisclosed), Tyler Tupa (knee).
Questionable: OL Marques Grimes (undisclosed), OL Felipe Fernandez (undisclosed).
Probable: RB Julian Ross, DE Chukwudi Chukwu, DE Austin Conrad.
The edge
When Ohio runs…
The Bobcats destroyed UMass on the ground, rushing for 394 yards and four touchdowns. Nathan Rourke had 189 yards on the ground, which was a career high. Maleek Irons, who was suspended for all of last season, has been a spark in Ohio’s run game. He’s got 299 yards rushing and four touchdowns on the year. Also, Ohio’s veteran offensive line is hitting its stride.
Kent State, meanwhile, is 102nd nationally in rushing defense, giving up 202 yards per game on the ground. The Flashes have given up 16 rushing touchdowns through five games.
Edge: Ohio
When Ohio passes...
With Nathan Rourke clicking, Ohio’s offense is tough to stop. His top-three targets, Papi White, Cam Odom and Andrew Meyer seem to be in rhythm with the junior quarterback. White is averaging 98 receiving yards per game.
Rourke should be able to pick apart the Kent State pass defense that is allowing 325.8 yards per game through the air. Ole Miss’ Jordan Ta’amu had 442 yards passing against the Flashes.
Edge: Ohio
When Kent runs…
Kent State quarterback Woody Barrett, an Auburn transfer, is a dual threat quarterback similar to Virginia’s Bryce Perkins. But Perkins didn’t have success on the ground against the Bobcats; he just torched them through the air.
Barrett is second on the Flashes in rushing behind Justin Rankin, who has 338 yards on the ground. The Bobcats rushing defense had glimpses of its 2017 form against UMass, allowing the Minutemen to just 147 yards on the ground.
Edge: Ohio
When Kent passes…
Ohio’s pass defense has shown signs of improvement. UMass had trouble with the Bobcats, and Javon Hagan had an interception last week. Still, the Bobcats are giving up 386.8 yards per game through the air. That stat bodes well for Barrett.
Barrett is averaging 228 yards passing per game, and he’s shown signs of being an elite passer in the MAC. Ohio’s ability to stop Barrett will go a long way in determining the outcome of the game.
Edge: Draw
Special teams
Ohio’s special teams unit continues to be the best in the MAC, and it’s one of the best in the country. Punter Michael Farkas and kicker Louie Zervos are a dangerous duo for the Bobcats.
Kent State’s punter, Matthew Trickett, is averaging 38.6 yards per punt. Trickett is 5-of-6 on field goals this season.
Edge: Ohio
Reading Guide
- Last three games against Kent State
- Frank Solich Week 6 press conference
- MAC Power Rankings
- Final thoughts from UMass
- Stock watch after UMass
- Some numbers of note at the end of nonconference
- Q&A with Kent State beat writer
- What to know about Kent State
- News and notes from Ohio
Predictions
Spencer: Ohio never plays well at Kent State, but I think these Bobcats can buck that trend. The Golden Flashes’ defense won’t be able to defend Rourke and the Ohio offense. Kent State will be able to score on Ohio’s defense, but it won’t be enough. The Bobcats find stops and extend their lead in the second half. Ohio wins 41-20.
Pete: Ohio is the better team on paper, but they were against Howard and UMass, too. Saturday gives the Bobcats the opportunity to play a complete game, pick up their first win of MAC play and have the lead for the entire game. This all happens if the offense continues to dominate and the pass defense improves. Ohio wins 56-21.
