[NU Sports] Ohio Game Notes

[warneradams]

Some other game notes, although Coach Roy and the other great Wildcat fans
have probably has reported these somewhere else:

 

Northwestern enters today's game 431-592-43 all time and 1-1 against Ohio
and 7-9-1 all time against current MAC teams.  Surprisingly, we've only ever
played four MAC teams (Ohio, Miami (OH), Northern Illinois and Bowling
Green).

 

Last year Ohio beat Kentucky, at KY, 28-16 thanks, in part, to 4 turnover
edge in their favor.  Their other BCS conference win in the last 5 years was
a 23-17 victory at Minnesota in 2000 as 23 point underdogs.  

 

Our history is not littered with successful efforts against wishbone and
option attacks so to the extent Solich is running that offense, we might
find ourselves in trouble.   Only 4 teams threw for more than 200 yards
against the Bobcats last year and they have 8 starters back on defense,
including their entire linebacking unit and 3 of 4 defensive backs.

 

Ohio was 4-7 last year overall and 2-6 in the MAC.  The preseason magazines
seem to have them a consensus 4th in the MAC East.  Miami and Bowling Green
are the class of the division and then Ohio, Akron and Kent seem to be
fighting for 3rd.  As shown earlier this week, it appears Buffalo will not
be too tough in 2005 and will end up last.

 

Northwestern is the first of three tough nonconference games for the
Bobcats.  They get Pitt at home next week and then travel to Virginia Tech
the week thereafter.

 

I'll be at Wildcat Alley by 10:00 A.M.!  Hope to see a big turnout.

 

David Warner

Evanston

CAS 88