Sports
Ohio Looking to Get Back on Track Against FCS Opponent
By: Mike Rizzo
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Red zone problems still continue to be a tick on Frank Solich’s neck this season and he is not afraid of letting people know about it either.
“We have to find a way to put more touchdowns on the board and kick less field goals,” Solich said. “That comes from us as coaches in our approach to things, and that has to come somewhat from players in terms of getting things done in short yardage and especially in the red zone.”
The Bobcats were four for four on red zone opportunities last week, but the problem is kicker Louie Zervos was the unsung hero once again as Ohio only managed to put up 16 points in those opportunities.
Ohio (1-2) will try to turn around their red zone offense this Saturday against Gardner-Webb (1-2). The Bobcats will return home for the first time since the overtime thriller against Texas State.
This seems like the perfect opportunity for the Ohio to get their red zone offense back on track against an FCS team like Gardner-Webb. Under Solich, Ohio has taken care of FCS opponents with a record of 10-0.
Although this record is impressive, Solich said that he knows the Runnin’ Bulldogs expect to win on Saturday. “I think our players understand,” Solich said, “we drill it in them from day what we have to do when we step on the field every time playing to our ability.”
With wide receiver Sebastian Smith at full strength, the Bobcats throwing game seems to be their best option on offense now.
Running backs Dorian Brown and Malik Irons are on the injured list this week, so Ohio will be starting a walk-on at that position if neither Brown nor Irons are able to go. This game is having that smell of a blow-out, but anything can happen. Solich and his team will be ready for any opponent for the rest of the season after their week one woes against Texas State.
Kickoff at Peden Stadium is at 2 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN 3.