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Topic: Questions about 2011 team...

Topic: Questions about 2011 team...

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Marshall2004
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Member Since: 7/4/2011
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Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/6/2011 8:35:46 PM

I have heard some pre-season buzz about Ohio this year (Phil Steele has you as a surprise team if I am not mistaken). I am sure that the schedule is part of it. You miss NIU out of the West and your OOC games are all potentially winnable (even Rutgers). You get Temple at home as well as your senior day against Miami(OH) in what I am sure you hope to be the game of the year on your schedule. I had a couple questions though.

First, I read that you have retooled your offense. How will your offense differ with Tyler Tettleton? What are his strengths?

Second, I am somewhat surprised to hear so much expectation for this year given what seems to be a defensive roster decimated by graduation. Noah Keller is a top notch player, but what do you expect from the defense with so many new starters? Strengths? Weaknesses?

Finally, I am sure Gardner-Webb will provide little resistance in game 2. What are your expectations for the opener against New Mexico State? I know nothing about them.

C Money
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/6/2011 9:11:02 PM

Marshall2004 wrote:

Yes, the schedule is a big part of the optimism in Bobcat Nation. 10 wins is a definite possibility, and less than a decade ago the suggestion of a 10 win season would have been laughable .

My understanding isn't that we haven't retooled our offense...we've just FINALLY added a hurry-up capability.

On defense, the big losses were on the line. You mentioned the return of Keller, but another key returner is Gerald Moore. While the losses on the D line were significant (all 4 starters), we regularly rotated lineman in last year so it's not like we'll be starting 4 totally inexperienced lineman. We've also recruited some players that have the potential to be absolute beasts, so they may be able to contribute immediately. IMO, the strength will be the secondary. If the line shakes out OK, we'll be stout from top to bottom.

I think most on here expect a win against NMSU, but we've not played well out west, so there is some concern.

How about you guys? Is Doc dead set on Sullivan over Graham at QB? And will your secondary be any better this year?

The Optimist
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/6/2011 9:36:17 PM

Our secondary has the chance to be very, very good.

I've seen crazier things happen.

Marshall2004
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/6/2011 9:50:06 PM

It seems Marshall fans disagree on what to expect, but here is how I see it.

OFFENSE: We have plenty of playmakers at the skill positions. Doc has recruited very well in his 2 classes. We have a very solid group of running backs and are deep at receiver. The question is at OL and QB. It takes more time to build a line than the skill positions. We are good up front I think, but very thin in terms of depth. I see this hampering our running game all year. At QB, I would be shocked if Sullivan wins the job in fall camp. To me, it looks like AJ Graham's job to lose. If he loses it, it may be to incoming Rakeem Cato. Sullivan just looks to not have it. AJ is unproven as well. If either our OL or QB can play well, I see us being a decent offense. If both play well, we could have a nice year. If neither develop as hoped (I fear perhaps likely) we could struggle to put up points.

DEFENSE: Doc claims the secondary is now "the strength of the team." While that is hard to believe after watching us for the past several years (last year included), we do have some new eligible talent back there. I tend to trust Doc. He is not much for sugar coating. Plus, they looked very good in the spring (is it them or just poor QB play? -always hard to tell). Not sure what to expect at LB. We have some experience being pushed by more talented new comers. I think it is a good mix. No Mario Harvey anymore. We look solid on the DL, with Vinny Curry obviously being the anchor. I look for our defense to carry the team and be very good and aggressive.

SPECIAL TEAMS: We have plenty of strong return options. However, our kicking game continues to be a dumpster fire as it has been for years.

SCHEDULE: Our schedule is brutal this year. We only have 5 home games. We get Virginia Tech at home, but are on the road at WVU and Louisville. We actually have to beat Ohio to have a bowl shot in my opinion. With UCF on the road as well as drawing the West's two best teams, Tulsa and Houston (both on the road), we have little margin for error on the way to bowl eligibility.

Pataskala
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/6/2011 10:32:26 PM

Even though a lot of the team is new, I really like our chances this year, and not just because of the apparently lame-o schedule (which may have just gotten tougher with Buffalo getting a pretty solid QB). The QB position is strange: the better skilled QBs are untested and our more experienced QB is better suited for RB or wideout. The line is solid, and the receiving corps is top-notch, especially with Lavon Brazill back. The running game should also be improved from last year. The D line will need to grow help at first, but should get it from an experienced LB corps. The secondary should be very, very good with Moore, Carrie and the Leftwichs. Special teams should be A+. Because of some of the questions at QB and D line I'm predicting at least 8 wins, but 10-12 is likely.

We will get by.
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We will get by.
We will survive.

UpSan Bobcat
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/7/2011 12:01:54 AM

Ohio's biggest question marks are at the two most important positions, quarterback and running back. I think most are hoping for whoever is at QB to simply not lose games. But the pressure will be on because our running backs were not great last year. QBs were two of the top rushers last year. The wide receivers are outstanding and everyone on the O-line returns. With a ton of injuries on the line the last few years, there is a ton of depth there now. Tight end is also a very strong, deep position.

Defensively, all four starts on the line graduated, and now a probable starting defensive end, a transfer from Indiana, has been kicked off the team. A few backups played quite well last year, and I think a few newcomers could make some big impacts, but it's definitely going to be an inexperienced group. Linebackers should be much improved, especially with the return of Keller, and DB should be a strength. Some very good players graduated, but it was a deep position last year and Gerald Moore hopefully will be back in good health.

Ohio's special teams has got to rank as one of the best in the MAC and maybe in the country. Brazil was one of the nation's best returners two years ago. Punter and kicker both should be All-MAC selections.

The schedule is quite favorable. Even on the road, New Mexico State should be a win without too much trouble, as should Gardner-Webb at home. The Marshall and Rutgers games will be key going into MAC play, but even then, the first four MAC opponents had losing records last year. Then of course, Miami and Temple both are at home. Depending on how things play out, there's potential that Ohio is favored in every game this year. Certainly I'm not saying the Bobcats should go undefeated, but the schedule is very favorable for a good season. If everything comes together just right, it could be a very special season.

Monroe Slavin
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/7/2011 3:17:14 AM

The question mark is the d-line. With the main concern being ability to get pressure on the qb. Considering that we haven't had consistent qb pressure for time beyond memory and that there will be a lot of guys getting their first significant playing time on the d-line--well, it's a big question mark.

If we get d-line play, we will be mighty tough.

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L.C.
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/7/2011 11:49:43 AM

The returning starters numbers are a little deceptive because Ohio has considerably more depth than they did 5-6 years ago. Four people who will probably start were not starters at the end of 2010, but were starters earlier. Brazill, Moore, and Keller were not only starters, but among the best players on the team prior to being injured early in 2010 plus 2009. Curt Meyers was a starter in 2008 or 2009 at DE prior to injuries. Most of the other new starters have played extensively.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

Paul Graham
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/7/2011 12:48:21 PM

Given the losses to graduation, the rust on Brazill, Keller and Moore, the new offensive pace and a brand new QB...I think it would be reasonable to expect the group to start slow out of the gate. Those that are expecting 10+ wins are setting themselves up for a letdown.

This season is a bit of a rebuilding year made easier by an agreeable schedule and the return of a handful of former stars. It could go either way but I expect to see about 6-8 wins by our guys this year.

Though, a great season by Tyler/Kyle would change my expectations entirely. That is the key. We should not forget that we were a HOT MESS last season until Boo's arm started to feel better.

Last Edited: 7/7/2011 12:53:37 PM by Paul Graham

L.C.
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/7/2011 3:35:37 PM

One mistake I think that people make is to look at the offense and to focus primarily on the QB and the RB. This team returns the entire offensive line, plus almost all of the backups. Several of the returnees are projected to be all-MAC, and for good reason. That will take a lot of pressure off the QB and RB. I expect to see some holes big enough that even I could gain yards, and I expect the QB's to have time to find receivers. So long as they find a QB that is solid, and doesn't try to do too much, and get too creative, the offense will be fine.

The only question mark to me is how the returnees adapt to the new offensive pace. The good news is that if some of the players need a rest now and then, the depth is there at pretty much all the positions.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

Jeff McKinney
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/7/2011 4:20:10 PM

L.C. wrote:

I expect to see some holes big enough that even I could gain yards

Holes that you could fit a NASA launching platform into?

colobobcat66
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/7/2011 7:40:10 PM

Paul Graham wrote:

+1 Way too many losses on the defensive side for me.

BattleCat
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/7/2011 11:06:44 PM

This team is loaded, not since 74' have I been so excited.

Marshall2004
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/8/2011 12:28:46 PM

Sounds like many of you expect to be 2-0 coming into the Marshall game. What are your expectations for the Marshall game? What about crowd-wise? Do you anticipate a sellout?

I have never been to a football game in Athens. Any suggestions for decent tailgate spots where I can pay for a single game?

Finally, I would really like to see Floyd Mayweather's fight with Victor Ortiz the evening after the game. I had really hoped the game would be at noon for that reason. Oh well. Any suggestions of a bar or something in Athens that may show the fight? I will not have time to get home for it.

UpSan Bobcat
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/8/2011 1:57:03 PM

Marshall2004 wrote:

I think there's no doubt Ohio should be 2-0 going into the game, but I don't think any game can be taken for granted. It seems to me that on paper Ohio should have a slightly better team than Marshall this year, and with the game at home, I think the Bobcats should win this time. But Marshall definitely will be a challenge. It's hard to say how things play out. There are question marks for the Bobcats. If those things don't work out, and if things do work out for Marshall, it's not out of the question that Marshall turns out to be the better team by far. Or it could turn out the other way around. But somewhere in between is the most likely scenario. I expect it to be a good game and a good crowd. I'm not going to suggest a sellout, but I think it will be without a doubt close to one and a sellout is a strong possibility.

I'll let others answer your other questions, however.

Paul Graham
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/8/2011 2:13:22 PM

Here is my position by position for 2011. I'm using the following notation...

+ : improvement over last season
++ : much improved over last season
- : decline from last year
-- : serious losses from last year
| : About the same

QB : - -

We lost our all-time leader in touchdowns thrown. The suitors are completely unproven and those that have seen the field have been VERY disappointing.

RB : |

We lost Davidson but the rest return.

WR: +

The same guys are back plus we have Brazill so I'll give a plus.

OL: +

We get them all back. Should be bigger, stronger, faster...

TE: +

We are all set here.

DL: - -

Huge losses here. We lose our entire starting line. Granted, some of our expected starters are perhaps improvements (Jones) but overall the lack of depth is scary.

LB: +

Keller is back, which is awesome. Just a single plus because we don't know how much rust is there.

DB: -

Major losses to graduation in the defensive backfield. Not to mention that last season wasn't a great year for this group in the first place (New Orleans).

Special Teams : +

We have great special teams. Our kicking game is excellent and Brazill should add some spark to the return game.

Net Result - +

My completely unscientific formula yields a single plus improvement. So maybe a 10 win year isn't so crazy?

UpSan Bobcat
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/8/2011 6:08:11 PM

Paul Graham wrote:

Pretty fair. I'd put OL and TE as ++. We didn't really lose anyone at all at those positions. We are adding guys. The scenario is great for those.

You could argue WR as even because of the losses of McCrae and Goulet.

Otherwise that breakdown is right on. I think talent-wise, this team might be slightly better than last year, and the schedule is more favorable. My guess is about 10 wins and a bowl game again, but unfortunately, not a MAC title. I hope I'm wrong on that part.

71 BOBCAT
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/8/2011 6:22:33 PM

Paul....Good and simple rating. I would would have the QB as a - not - - . The reason being that Boo threw 17 INT's.

GO BOBCATS

Good cat Good cat
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/8/2011 11:41:19 PM

The defensive line clearly is the weak spot on this team, followed closely by the unsettled QB position. I have a deep concern that the D-line will get bullied against the run - especially early in the season - with teams finding ample running lanes until they hit the second wave of defense. A recent loss of a DE transfer from Indiana has not helped depth.

As for the QB spot, Phil Bates played some QB last year, although I believe 99.5% of Bobcat fans will be relieved if he is moved to the RB or WR position, as is anticipated. Based upon Solich's comments this spring, the primary QB will be Sophomore Tyler Tettleton or Redshirt Freshman Kyle Snyder. I would not be surprised if - yet again - Solich goes with a QB 'platoon' or alternated snaps between Tettleton and Snyder. ( Personally, I am hoping for once that Solich will pick a QB and stick with him, although I am not holding my breath.) Really, the QB position was arguably so-so last year if one looks at the entire season (the Ohio State game was a nightmare, with two QBs who couldn't throw 10 yards downfield). Boo Jackson had his moments, especially during the hot streak in MAC play, but if Tettleton and/or Snyder play within themselves with the coaching staff maintaining a shorter leash, perhaps the QB play will only slightly drop off, or even be on par with last year - keep in mind that Jackson did have 17 picks last season, and Bates was simply woeful in passing the ball. Hopefully, the coaches won't get too 'gimicky' utilizing Bates, as this oftentimes interrupts the flow of the offense, although there were times last year where Bates was used very effectively. Bates, however, seems to be prone to injury.

I think overall we are fine at RB - Ryan Boykin has good size and averaged over 5 yards a carry as a Redshirt Freshman last yr with the smaller - but shiftier - Donte Harden likely seeing some carries as well. The WR and TE positions are a strength. Much depth exists on the offensive line - arguably is the best in the MAC.

I wouldn't call the defensive backfield and LB position 'great' (see Troy Bowl game last season), but I think these spots will be fine. If both Moore and Keller come back 100% (you never know for sure) and stay healthy, the defense should be improved at these positions from last year. Currently, the DL position is a black hole.

And, as everyone has indicated, Ohio has a very soft schedule this year. All non-conference games are winnable, although Marshall and the away game at Rutgers will be tough. The opener at New Mexico State is a toss-up, as you never know what you are going to get with openers under Solich. The Aggie game may be tricky, due to the distance and inexperienced QBs. Once again, the last four games of the season are NOT played on Saturday.

Critically looking at the team, a 9 win season seems likely. Could be a win or so better or worse depending upon the QB play and how quickly the D-line forms.

Last Edited: 7/8/2011 11:51:33 PM by Good cat Good cat

L.C.
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/9/2011 1:29:35 AM

Good cat Good cat wrote:

... I would not be surprised if - yet again - Solich goes with a QB 'platoon' or alternated snaps between Tettleton and Snyder. ( Personally, I am hoping for once that Solich will pick a QB and stick with him, although I am not holding my breath.)....

I would guess that what we will see will be the usual way things have been done, when the situation is close, and where both QB's need experience. One QB will get the start, and will play the first quarter, perhaps a quarter and a half. Then the second string will play either a drive, or the remainder of the second quarter. If the difference is clear, the starter will play a quarter and a half, and the second QB only a drive or two. If they are close, they may each play a full quarter.

The idea of this method is to give the backup some experience when it isn't mop-up time, but when the pressure isn't super high. Under this plan the QB's go into the game, both knowing what to expect. That way they don't feel like they were yanked, and it reduces a lot of the pressure.

Last Edited: 7/9/2011 1:30:13 AM by L.C.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

71 BOBCAT
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RE: Questions about 2011 team...

Posted: 7/9/2011 9:06:06 AM

L.C. As usual you make a great deal of sense. Frank knows how to handle players. We finally have a real shot at having a QB as a starter for more than 1 or 2 years. Having some continuity in this position would be a real step forward for the program.

GO BOBCATS

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