Ohio Football: Will Bobcats continue bowl streak in 2020?

Who will replace Nathan Rourke?

For the Bobcats to contend and possibly win the MAC, they have to replace outgoing quarterback Nathan Rourke. He led the team in passing, rushing touchdowns and was second in rushing yards.

There is a four-way battle to decide Rourke’s replacement. First, there is Nathan’s younger brother Kurtis — a bigger version of his older brother. Second is redshirt sophomore Drew Kezei who played receiver last year. There are two X-factors; UNLV transfer Armani Rodgers and incoming freshman CJ Harris.

Rodgers and Harris both upgrade the athleticism of the quarterback room. Rodgers is still a bit raw as a passer. Harris is a good passer and understands the option game, but Solich would prefer to play an experienced quarterback if he could.

Whoever is calling the signals for the Bobcats has an excellent skill group around them. All of the Bobcats’ leading receivers return this year. The offensive line is reasonably experienced though they lose three starters.

Both of Ohio’s leading running backs return as well. O’Shaan Allison and De’Montre Tuggle are a great one-two punch next to whoever plays quarterback. They are talented enough for defenses to respect the pitchman in the read-option game.

The offense scored over 30 points per game. If the quarterback congeals with the rest of this talented skill group, they’ll light up the scoreboard again next season.