Ohio Football: Bobcats facing new challenges ahead of 2021 season

Defense has experience throughout the field

Much like the offense last year, the Bobcats shifted several starters on the defensive side of the ball. With only three games, 2020 was the season to look for potential impact players for a more complete 2021 season.

The Bobcats defense, however, made some serious strides to play efficient football. Ohio’s defense ranked seventh in the nation in points allowed per game (16.7) and 51st in total yards allowed per game (389).

There will more pressure for co-defensive coordinators Ron Collins and Pete Germano to replicate the same impact of consistency. The Bobcats will return seven starters from last season. This is a defense that played better as a unit than relied on their star players to make the plays. The Bobcats hope to have several starters, who are young to step up and build consistency in their development.

On the defensive line, the Bobcats return both of their starters in the interior. Senior nose tackle Kai Caesar is a huge, aggressive lineman in the middle of the defensive line at 6-1, 310 pounds. He is a tough defender for the opposing offense to run the ball at. Defensive tackle Kylen McCracken has been growing as a development player.

The Bobcats will need to find some key talent at the defensive end positions. Redshirt junior Bryce Dugan has only played in three games in 2020, which is the most he has ever played in his career. Former captain Will Evans will be expected to be back in 2019 form when he accounted for 36 total tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss. He will return as the starting strong-side defensive end while several candidates like Dugan, Vonnie Watkins, and Bryce Stai compete for the weak-side end.

Ohio was more efficient in its three games this past season against the pass. Last year, the Bobcats ranked 94th in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (193.7). They could afford to be more effective at stopping the run. The Bobcats return their two starting outside linebackers in junior strongside linebacker Jeremiah Wood and junior weakside linebacker Keye Thompson. Altogether last season, Wood and Thompson accumulated 17 total tackles, 14 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception.

The Bobcats will decide between junior Jack McCrory and sophomore Cannon Blauser as the starting middle linebacker. McClory has the edge in experience as he played in all three games in 2020 and 13 games in the 2019 season.

Returning an experienced secondary, the Bobcats bring back three of their four 2020 starters. The problem with the secondary is that redshirt junior strong safety Jarren Hampton is the only player with two or more years of experience. He played in all 13 games in 2018 and 2019, while starting in the latter.

Redshirt junior free safety Jamison Collier was the Bobcats leading tackler this past season as he had 19 tackles. Justin Birchette returns as the main starting cornerback for the Bobcats, while Jamal Hudson is the projected other starting cornerback.