Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Can Ohio football be a serious MAC contender in 2022?

By Dante Pryor

Dec 19, 2018; Frisco, TX, United States; Ohio Bobcats head coach Frank Solich and running back Jake Neatherton (27) celebrate winning the game against the San Diego State Aztecs in the 2018 Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2018; Frisco, TX, United States; Ohio Bobcats head coach Frank Solich and running back Jake Neatherton (27) celebrate winning the game against the San Diego State Aztecs in the 2018 Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan. 3, 2020; Boise, Idaho, USA; Ohio Bobcats quarterback Nathan Rourke (12) runs for a touchdown during the first half of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl versus the Nevada Wolf Pack at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 3, 2020; Boise, Idaho, USA; Ohio Bobcats quarterback Nathan Rourke (12) runs for a touchdown during the first half of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl versus the Nevada Wolf Pack at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the Bobcats create more explosive plays this season?

The offense wasn’t terrible last year. The points per game are slightly skewed (22.6) because of two Power Five opponents (Syracuse and Northwestern). The Bobcats averaged 27 points per game in Mid-American Conference play, scoring 20 or more points in every game save one. However, offensive coordinator Scott Isphording and his offensive staff have some pieces to replace.

The Bobcats lost their top two running backs from last season, De’Montre Tuggle and Armani Rodgers (who also played quarterback). That leaves redshirt junior running back O’Shann Allison to carry the bulk of the running load. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke is a dual-threat quarterback, but the Bobcats like to have at least two quality running backs in their option-based offense.

Where the Bobcats need to improve is explosive plays. None of their wide receivers averaged more than 14 yards per reception last season. Last season’s leading receiver Cameron Odom is gone, and Isaiah Cox transferred to Texas A&M. Tyler Walton, who led the team in receptions, returns. August Pietre (Rice) should give the Bobcats a downfield threat.

The offensive line is nearly fully intact and could be the strength of the offense. This group is experienced, with every player having at least three years in the program. Rourke or UCF transfer Parker Navarro will have time to throw. If Pitre can give the Bobcats some downfield punch, the Bobcats are going to put some points on the board.

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