Scouting Report: Ohio Bobcats

It has always been said that revenge is a dish best served cold.

The Bulls (0-8, 0-4 MAC) will take the field Saturday, looking to avenge last year's heartbreaking loss to the Ohio University Bobcats. Last season, Buffalo went into Athens and took Ohio down to the last 10 seconds before a game-winning field goal soared through the uprights, nullifying the Bulls efforts.

UB's head coach Jim Hofher knows his team will have to play and execute even better this time around to produce a win.

"They are the best Ohio University team that I've seen since I've been coaching at UB," said Hofher. "They play hard and physical across the board. They are a tremendous challenge to our football team - there is no doubt about it."

The Bobcats (2-5, 1-2 MAC) head into UB Stadium coming off a 35-14 loss at Kentucky.

Offense

Hofher and the Bulls must prepare differently for the Bobcats than they have for their last two opponents. Ohio relies heavily on their rushing game as opposed to the air attack of previous opponents, Marshall and Miami of Ohio. Ohio uses an array of running backs to make up one of the most effective ground attacks in the MAC. The Bobcats' 200.1 yards per game are good enough to place them as the 15th best rushing team in the nation (second in the MAC).

OU's leader on the ground is also their leader in the air. Quarterback Fred Ray leads the Bobcats with 337 yards and seven touchdowns on 62 carries. However, Ray has missed the last two Ohio contests due to a shoulder injury and it is unsure if the senior leader will make the start on Saturday against the Bulls.

If Ray is out of the game, his running ability and 494 yards through the air will have to be made up by true freshman Austen Everson. Everson has filled in magnificently for the Bobcats the last two weeks. The freshman earned MAC East Offensive Player of the Week Honors in his first career start versus Central Florida.

In two games, Everson has amassed two passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns to complement his 265 yards of passing and 158 yards rushing.

Known for their lack of passing, OU will use the legs of whoever is starting at quarterback or one of their numerous rushers. Ohio has four running backs with 30 or more carries and a total of five rushers who have totaled more than 100 yards. Despite the multitude of running backs, the majority of the carries will be taken by the OU starting quarterback, whether it be Ray or Everson.

Defense

Ohio is an average defensive team, as they rank in the middle of the MAC in most categories.

UB may try to attack through the air more than usual this weekend, as the OU secondary and pass rush are not much to fear. The Bobcats as a team only have 15 sacks and seven interceptions while giving up 1,508 yards through the air (seventh in MAC).

Defensive lineman Eli Kiener anchors the Ohio defensive line and leads the team, with only three sacks. The secondary is lead by T.J. Wright, who has intercepted a team high two passes and returned them for a total of 71 yards. He is the defensive back of whom the Bulls must be aware.

The Bobcats' defense practices against one of the nation's leading running attacks everyday and it shows. OU is much better at defending the run, only giving up 132.3 yards game (fourth in MAC). Inside linebacker Dennis Chukwuemka is the leader of the Bobcat defensive unit. He leads the team with 63 tackles, seven of them for losses.

Chukwuemka is a well-rounded linebacker who also has contributed an interception and a fumble recovery.

Summary

Ohio makes up for its weaknesses on defense with a time consuming, ball control offense. By keeping their opponents' offense off the field, they will look to reduce the opportunities the Bulls have to score. Buffalo's offense will have to be efficient and their drives must result in points if they want to come out with the win.

UB's defense will have to stop the productive OU running game while being aware of not giving up the big pass play. The Bobcats do not throw much but when they do they usually go for a big gain. The Buffalo secondary must also watch out for quick screens and make good open field tackles to prevent yards gained after the catch. This game looks as good as any for the Bulls to win if they play a solid game like they did last week against Marshall.