Ohio Bobcats
Mid-American Conference
The Athens-based school started off the year with a bang, toppling what turned out to be a strong Penn State program raked with turmoil following the firing and subsequent death of longtime coach Joe Paterno. The Bobcats began the year 7-0 and got plenty of recognition nationally until in-state rival Miami tripped them up with a 23-20 loss at Oxford. Still, despite dropping four of its last five contests, Ohio finished with a strong record which got them a bowl game. Ohio didn’t make the MAC title game like last year but did finish with another strong record.
2012 Record: 8-4, 4-4
Coach: Frank Solich
Coach Bowl Record: 3-6
Big Wins: 9/1 at Penn State (24-14), 9/15 at Marshall (27-24)
Bad Losses: 10/27 at Miami (OH) (20-23), 11/7 Bowling Green (14-26)
Strengths:
Ohio’s strong offense revolves around running back Beau Blankenship, who is now the best single-season rusher in school history. His 1,500 yards surpassed that of Kalvin McRae, who completed his career at Ohio in 2007. This balanced attack helped Ohio amass 435.5 yards of total offense per game, a decent number given the team’s late-season struggles. Quarterback Tyler Tettleton has been super-efficient on the field, throwing just three interceptions to go with his 16 touchdowns, and kicker Matt Weller has a decent foot from 40 yards and beyond. We won’t talk about how he does between 30 and 39 yards, but he’s only missed eight field goals and five are in that range.
Weaknesses:
Tettleton may be a strong passer, but Ohio’s pass defense is near the middle of the pack as is its run defense. Neither one shines quite brightly, and it may be a reason why the Bobcats ultimately failed in their title run. Donte Foster has 629 yards receiving and seven touchdowns, and the team does have other pass catchers with touchdowns, but there isn’t a dominant threat. That may be more of a strength other than a weakness, but it is here because Ohio hasn’t been strong as of late.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Beau Blankenship, RB, 1,500 yards
Passing: Tyler Tettleton, QB, 2,513 yards
Receiving: Donte Foster, WR, 629 yards
Tackles: Keith Moore, LB, 89
Sacks: Neal Huynh, DL, 2.5
Interceptions: Jelani Woseley, LB, 3
2012 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 202.00 (28th in nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 233.50 (61, 8)
Total Offense: 435.50 (42, 5)
Scoring Offense: 30.58 (51, 5)
Rushing Defense: 164.75 (69, 6)
Pass Defense: 229.83 (55, 6)
Total Defense: 394.58 (60, 4)
Scoring Defense: 25.67 (52, 4)
Turnover Margin: 1.17 (9, 2)
Sacks: 1.67 (78, 7)
Sacks Allowed: 2.25 (82, 10)
Recent Bowl Appearances:
2011 Idaho Potato Bowl Utah State (24-23)
2010 New Orleans Bowl Troy (21-48)
2009 Little Caesars Bowl Marshall (17-21)
2006 GMAC Bowl Southern Mississippi (7-28)
1968 Tangerine Bowl Richmond (42-49)
*all team stats through 11/24
