Sports
Solich Sets His Sights on Eastern Illinois
By: Patrick Klinger
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Following a non-conference win over the Idaho Vandals in Ohio’s home-opener, head coach Frank Solich appeared optimistic about his team in his weekly press conference.
“I felt that all three units contributed heavily to the win,” Solich said. “I thought our special teams was very good at establishing good field position. Defensively, I thought we controlled their ground game, including that goal-line stand. Offensively, I felt that we were able to run and throw the ball effectively.”
For only four weeks into the college football season, the Bobcats have already felt the impact of having multiple players go down with injuries. The most notable on the list came last week, when starting quarterback Derrius Vick exited the game with a knee injury. Solich has ruled Vick out for this week’s matchup with Eastern Illinois and says that he will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
With Vick out of the lineup, redshirt sophomore J.D. Sprague will make his first career start for the Green and White. Solich made it clear that the game plan would not change with Sprague at the helm because he is also a dual-threat quarterback.
Ohio has used the two-quarterback system all season, which thrusts another redshirt sophomore, Greg Windham, into the spotlight. Although he’s seen a limited amount of time on the field, the tenth year head coach claims that Windham will get a lot more reps at practice this week.
“Hopefully he can gain some experience,” Solich said. “He does have talent, and we think he can develop into a very fine quarterback.”
Solich also addressed the running back situation going into week five. After true-freshman A.J. Oullette put up 132 yards on 27 carries, including two touchdowns. There still have been no changes in the depth chart, and Solich still feels that this is the best group of backs that he’s ever had.
“Daz (Patterson) has done some great things for us returning punts and kicks,” Solich said. “He just needs to take better care of the football on the line of scrimmage. With that being said, A.J. has certainly earned some more reps.”
Ohio is looking for their first ever victory over Eastern Illinois this weekend. The Panthers are 1-3 this season, but the Bobcats know they are dealing with a talented football program that is used to winning.
“We approach every game the same way,” Solich said. “We’re boring in that regard, but we’ve worked hard at being boring. It’s the best way to have the ability to put together wins.”