Despite being severe underdogs, ’Cats thrilled about OSU game
By Caleb Troop
September 4, 2008
The Ohio Bobcats know they are underdogs heading into their match-up this weekend at The Horseshoe in Columbus against the third-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. To be exact, the ’Cats are 34.5 point underdogs.
But the chance to play one of the best programs in the nation in a regional game is ideal for the ’Cats.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” said sophomore linebacker Noah Keller. “They are obviously a great team, and they very well deserve their number (three) national ranking. It’s a great chance for us to be out on national TV, showcase our talents, and just try to play the best game we can play.”
Ohio Head Coach Frank Solich was once on the opposite end of the spectrum, playing the part of the big-time coach at the big-time program when he coached for six years at Nebraska. But this year, Buckeyes Head Coach Jim Tressel is leading the heavily favored Top 25 program, not Solich.
“There is excitement for (the game),” Solich said Monday. “I think players look toward those kind of games. They want to match up and see where they are at with some of the very best players in the country. Obviously, if you are an athlete, you want to have those challenges at times in your career. This will be one of those times for us.”
Away from the football field, OU Director of Athletics Jim Schaus said, the game is important for other reasons as well.
“Playing Ohio State has many benefits to the university and athletic program” Schaus said. “There is value in playing high-profile institutions for image reasons. There are many students who come from Columbus, and (it is) the university’s largest alumni base city in the state. Many contributors to the university reside in the region and enjoy us playing them.
“It makes sense to play regional opponents since our fans recognize these programs. We do receive a large guarantee ($750,000) for going on the road and playing Ohio State, and that is very much needed for our operational budget. The players enjoy getting up for playing big-name opponents as well. They are an excellent university and athletic program — it is always a positive to compete with other quality institutions.”
The ’Cats have never beaten the Buckeyes (0-5) and have failed 13 straight times against a ranked opponent. Ohio, however, did have a solid showing against nationally ranked Virginia Tech last year on the road. With the game tied at 7 at the break, the Hokies scored 21 unanswered points in the final two frames to pull out the victory.
Likewise, the last time Ohio faced Ohio State in 1999 it was 7 apiece at the break. But the then 12th-ranked Buckeyes shut down the ’Cats in the latter half, and cruised on to a 40-16 victory. Keller knows Ohio has to play their “A” game to pull off a monumental upset.
“You just got to be physical the whole game. They are going to keep bringing it to you every single snap. You got to be able to try and match that for four quarters,” Keller said. “Their personnel is going to be a lot better (than Wyoming’s personnel). Just trying to get off of blocks, I think, will be a lot harder. Their offensive line will be a lot more athletic, I think, than Wyoming’s was.”
In the final reckoning, though, the opportunity to play one of the nation’s top programs is a no-brainer. Ohio University sees it as a win-win situation for the school and the program whether the team wins or not.
“Over 100,000 people, it’s going to be crazy,” Keller said. “I loved it last year when we played at Virginia Tech. Their fans were very enthusiastic, very into the game. I always hear all the people from Ohio talking about Ohio State. I think it will be exciting.”
Scott Passes Test
Junior quarterback Theo Scott saw action in 10 games last season, including three starts in Ohio’s last four games of the season. But last Saturday against Wyoming marked the first time Scott was the true leader under center, the starting quarterback heading into week one.
To his credit, Scott didn’t disappoint. The 6-2, 195-pound dual-threat gunslinger set career highs all over the field against the Cowboys. Scott completed 26 of 35 passes for 224 yards, all new high marks for the California native.
But ’Cats coach Solich said Scott needs to do more this weekend against the Buckeyes.
“He needs to become a better runner,” Solich said. “He’s got the ability to be an excellent runner, and we need to get him to convert that running ability to something that’s really positive for us. He’s carrying out things really well in practice; he just needs to now step it up in terms of what he’s all about as a runner in ballgames, because he has the ability to do it on both ends.”
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