The Bobcats have a tough road ahead in 2008 and potentially stare a last place finish in the MAC East in the face. OU was picked ahead of Akron in the preseason voting by MAC Media members but I’m going to need to see this team win before I would go that far. As much as it pains me as an Ohio Alum, I will call for them to finish behind Akron and in last place.
While the offensive line returns four guys with starting experience, the rest of the offense is rather disheveled. The QB competition is far from being settled at this point with JUCO transfer Boo Jackson fighting 2007’s part-time starter Theo Scott for the job. The biggest piece missing from the offensive puzzle though is Kalvin McRae, who after four amazing years in Athens is gone. McRae was easily the most relied upon player in the MAC East last season with 294 carries, 1434 yards and 19 TDs. He accounted for 119 of OU’s 259 MAC points. The loss of their workhorse likely affects this offense in more than one way. For starter it takes away a weapon from the receiving corps as Chris Garret moves to the backfield. The initial buzz around town is the Bobcats plan on using more spread-option looks this year to compensate the loss of the power rush attack HC Solich prefers. That means extra pressure on the QB, whoever it may be, to make plays and extra pressure on WRs to establish themselves as legitimate options. I really don’t foresee a smooth transition here.
On the other side the Bobcats return a decent secondary, but unless they create pressure up front, the spread offenses they will face will have no trouble picking that secondary apart. The loss of their starting tackles probably exposes this team up the middle, not a good omen considering they were already one of the bottom four in the MAC in stopping the run last year. Rush defense has been a key issue in fall camp thus far and both DC Jimmy Burrow and HC Frank Solich seem optimistic about the level of athleticism in tracking to the ball. I don’t know if I buy it though. If you are tracking ten yards downfield, what's the use? This team was torched so many times last year, giving up more than 30 points six times, more than 40 points in half of those. Again, I think this will be a “prove it” scenario.
In looking at the schedule the Bobcats have seven road games, six of which come in the first eight weeks, including a stretch of three straight against Western Michigan, Kent State and Temple in conference play. They host Central Michigan in week three one week after squaring off against the Buckeyes. At best I think they will go 1-3 in their first four MAC games. The home slate isn’t any easier with an improved Buffalo side and Bowling Green making the pilgrimage to Athens and the fact that they host Akron a week before heading to arch rival Miami means yet another tricky spot in what should have been a winnable game at home. When it rains it pours!
