Ohio Football: Will Bobcats continue bowl streak in 2020?

How will Ohio football fare in 2020?

Two things could make or break the Bobcats’ season.

First, they need to decide who starts at quarterback. Armanu Rodgers could be a game-changer as an athlete in Solich’s option-based system. Second, they need more turnovers and sacks. If neither improve, it could be another six or seven-win season in Athens. If both grow, they will contend for the MAC title.

Here’s a breakdown of each game this season.

• Sept. 5: vs. NC Central (W) — The Bobcats better be ready for NCCU. They’ve struggled the last two seasons, but they will play the Bobcats tough.
• Sept. 12: at Boston College (L) — Could be a possible upset given the Eagles’ quarterback situation, but the BC’s defense wins the day here.
• Sept. 19: vs. Marshall (W) — Ohio avenges a close loss from last season.
• Sept. 26: at Texas State (W) — Ohio wins “The Battle of the Bobcats.” This game needs a trophy so severely.
• Oct. 3: at Toledo (W) — This could be a spot for Solich’s annual head-scratching loss at the Glass Bowl, but Toledo’s defense is atrocious.
• Oct. 10: vs. Eastern Michigan (L) — This will be the spot for Solich’s annual head-scratching loss.
• Oct. 17: at Miami (OH) (W) — The Bobcats win the Battle of Ohio. The offense should be rolling at this point. This game also needs a trophy.
• Oct. 24: vs. Bowling Green (W) — Worst program in the MAC.
• Nov. 4: at Central Michigan (L) — The Chippewas are good. This is a 50/50 game, but CMU wins at home.
• Nov. 11: at Kent State (W) — The Golden Flashes are improving, but not good enough to beat Ohio.
• Nov. 18: vs. Buffalo (W) — This is a crucial game for both teams. The Bulls have both 1,000-yard rushers back, but Rodgers and the offense a bit too much at home for Buffalo.
• Nov. 27: vs. Akron (W) — OK, so they are the worst team in the MAC.

Prediction: 9-3, 6-2 MAC

Rodgers starts and is the catalyst for the Bobcats this season. If they can avoid the annual “Solich stinker” game against an underdog in the conference, Ohio should contend for the MAC title.