Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Ohio Football: Preview, prediction for Bobcats’ 2019 season

By Dante Pryor

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 02: Head coach Frank Solich of the Ohio Bobcats yells for the sideline while playing the Western Michigan Broncos during the MAC Championship on December 2, 2016 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 02: Head coach Frank Solich of the Ohio Bobcats yells for the sideline while playing the Western Michigan Broncos during the MAC Championship on December 2, 2016 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
HADLEY, MA – SEPTEMBER 30: Andy Isabella #23 of the Massachusetts Minutemen is unable to make a catch as he is defended by Jalen Fox #21 of the Ohio Bobcats during the second half at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Hadley, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
HADLEY, MA – SEPTEMBER 30: Andy Isabella #23 of the Massachusetts Minutemen is unable to make a catch as he is defended by Jalen Fox #21 of the Ohio Bobcats during the second half at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Hadley, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

Previewing the defense

One thing we know about Frank Solich-coached teams, they are going to be good on defense. Last season was no different. The Bobcats surrendered just 24.5 points and 390 yards per game.

Although they return seven players from last years defense, the Bobcats lost some key pieces. One such piece is linebacker Evan Croutch but according to Pete Fiutak, Javon Hagan should compete to be one of the best defensive players in the conference and the leader of the defense.

One place the defense needs to improve is against the pass. Specifically, they need to get more pressure on the quarterback. They had a paltry 25 sacks as a team and only two players had five sacks last season.

Without adequate and consistent pressure on the quarterback, receivers eventually get open. They are hoping their depth upfront can produce some pressure on the quarterback.

Home/MAC