For one night this weekend, the Bobcats will stop trying to figure out how to scare opposing defenses and will focus instead on scaring one another.
With the mid-week game against Temple looming, Ohio will have Saturday night off for the annual Uptown Halloween block party for the first time since 2008.
Although receiver LaVon Brazill said the team’s focus remains on Temple, he said many of his teammates have plans for Saturday night.
“Everybody is trying to stay focused for the game, but we’re going to have a little fun,” Brazill said, “a little getting together with family and friends and hopefully not go too wild.”
Two nights before the festivities begin, Brazill said he was still trying to figure out his costume.
“I’ve heard a lot of guys say they want to be me for Halloween.” he said. “I was going to be myself, but I guess I have to change it up.”
Last season, the Bobcats had to put their Halloween plans on hold in order to defeat a pesky Louisiana squad. Ohio held off the Ragin’ Cajuns to win 38-31.
With no game to worry about tomorrow, senior lineman A.J. Strum already has his costume figured out.
“I’m going to go out,” Strum said. “I don’t know if I’m going to do much, but me and (Noah) Keller and a bunch of other guys are going to go as Entourage and I’m going to be Johnny Drama. I’ve got to get the fedora hat going.”
While the players finalize costumes, coach Frank Solich’s agenda includes keeping everyone out of trouble.
“You always have concern about something like that,” Solich said. “I feel that we have mature players. They know what they want to get done and the program is bigger than just them. I think they know that. We preach that and our actions have got to reflect that.”
As of yesterday, the coaches had not set a curfew, but that could change, Brazill said.
The only downside to having Saturday off, Strum said, will be the string of games to follow.
“I like the Wednesday night showcase on ESPN but after that, we’ve got three games in two weeks, so it’s going be challenging both mentally and physically,” he said.
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