2013 Ohio Spring Football Analysis

Ohio Bobcats 2013 ... Head Coach: Frank Solich

Ohio Bobcats

2013 Schedule
8/31 at Louisville
9/7 North Texas
9/14 Marshall
9/21 Austin Peay
9/28 OPEN DATE
10/5 at Akron
10/12 Central Michigan
10/19 at Eastern Mich
10/26 Miami Univ.
11/5 at Buffalo
11/9 OPEN DATE
11/12 at Bowling Green
11/19 Kent State
11/29 at UMass

Why To Be Excited ... The offense that found its groove in the bowl blowout over ULM should be back and rolling. The attack died late in the season, but with quarterback Tyler Tettleton and seven other starters returning, this should be among the MAC’s most efficient offenses. Star running back Beau Blankenship is back along with Donte Foster and all the top receivers. The defense loses several key players, but the secondary should be terrific with corners Ian Wells and Larenzo Fisher along with safety Josh Kristoff all growing into their roles.

Why To Be Grouchy ... The offense should be a killer with all the stars back, but the line has to replace center Skyler Allen and guard Eric Herman – two of the team’s key run blasters. The bigger problem is on defense where linebackers Alphonso Lewis and Jelani Woseley are gone on the outside. Free safety Gerald Moore will also be missed. Rock-solid kicker Matt Weller needs to be replaced; the new guy will have to prove to be as clutch.

What Needs Working On ... The offensive line has to keep Tyler Tettleton upright. He’s a good runner and takes several sacks, but it wasn’t helped that the line got him popped on a regular basis. The punting game needs to be far better statistically after a rough season from Grant Venham, who averaged 39.5 yards per kick. Defensively, it would be nice to get off the field faster after giving up way too many third down conversions, allowing teams to hit on 44% of their chances.

Non-Conference Games: at Louisville, North Texas, Marshall, Austin Peay
Games Against The West: Central Michigan, at Eastern Michigan
Realistic Best Case Record: 10-2
Worst Case Record: 6-6
Likely Finish: 9-3

Pre-Preseason Projected Wins: North Texas, Marshall, Austin Peay, at Akron, Central Michigan, at Eastern Michigan, Miami Univ., Kent State, UMass

Pre-Preseason Projected Losses: at Louisville, at Buffalo, at Bowling Green

Schedule Analysis: Ohio was able to shock the world with a win over Penn State to start 2012, can it come up with a win at Louisville to kick off 2013? Three home games in a row against North Texas, Marshall and Austin Peay should make up for the tough start, and then there’s a two week break before going to Akron to start MAC play. A run of four road games in six weeks would normally be tough, but getting away to face Akron, Eastern Michigan and Buffalo isn’t that bad. However, finishing off the stretch by going to Bowling Green won’t be fun. Finishing up with Kent State at home and UMass on the road shouldn’t be bad.

Team Concerns For 2013: The Bobcats have to replace six starters off a defense that struggled down the stretch. The pass rush was pedestrian and the run defense wasn't consistent, but the offense and the running game should be terrific as long as the line can do a little more against the quicker defensive fronts. Grant Venham has to get more blast for a punting game that netted just 35 yards per boot.

The 2013 Class Is Heavy On ... Instant defensive tackles. The Bobcats are losing nose guard Neal Huynh and tackle Carl Jones, and now they need more depth and more options up front. That's where JUCO transfers Watson Tautuaki and Cameron McLeod come in. Tony Porter is a 270-pound tackle for the future, while end Trent Smart could see time early on as a situational pass rusher. The coaching staff worked on tight ends with four good MAC recruits led by wide receiver-like target Leon Alexander out of Detroit. Running back Chris Carson out of Georgia will eventually be a star in Frank Solich's offense.

2012 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 103. That Class Was Heavy On ... Not a lot. Last year’s class was huge after a few light ones, and this year there isn’t much room for new bodies. The defensive line will get a little bit of instant help from the JUCO ranks with Wade Wells and Ty Branz for the ends, and JUCO transfer Matt Waters will help out the receiving corps, but last year was about the future. The Bobcats aren’t bringing in a ton of talents, but JUCO transfer Wade Wells should be an instant boost on the end and Trae Clark is a ready-made interior prospect who was a nice get. He’ll be an anchor in the near future. The receiving corps got help with JUCO transfer Matt Waters, while Chris Murray will be a quick target to be used in a few years. 

2011 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 80. That Class Was Heavy On ... Bodies. The last two recruiting classes have been relatively light after a huge 2008 class, and now Frank Solich is bringing in more players to beef up both sides of the ball. While quarterbacks Ronnie Bell and Derrius Vick are going to get most of the attention, diminutive RB Kyle Hammonds could be the star of the show. The best position brought in is defensive end, with Andrew Bennett and Justin Haser two good-sized prospects, but the best defensive lineman should be 6-2, 280-pound tackle Antwan Crutcher.

2010 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 120. That Class Was Heavy On ... Hope for next year. This wasn't a huge class and Frank Solich wasn't able to do much to capitalize on the big East winning campaign. There are some decent linebackers and Chase Cochran is a receiver who'll end up being the No. 1 target, but there isn't a lot to be excited about with few spots to fill after last year. Watch out for Kenny Ashley, a JUCO transfer who could be the teams' No. 1 RB from Day One.

2009 CFN Recruiting Ranking: 120. That Class Was Heavy On ... Hope for last year’s class. Last year’s class was about boosting up the passing game, and this year’s group is really, really light in all areas. There weren’t a lot of openings, so the staff went heavy on a few stars. Jon Lechner could be a special offensive tackle, while LB Dylan Reda should be a good one.