Sports
Confident Solich Approaches Central Michigan Week
By: Patrick Klinger
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In the week leading up to the beginning of Ohio's Mid-American Conference slate, head coach Frank Solich listed starting quarterback Derrius Vick as "doubtful" in his weekly press conference, leaving JD Sprague as the starter for the second consecutive week.
Vick went down with a knee injury two weeks ago in a non-conference game against Idaho and has been listed as "week-to-week" ever since.
“We don’t really have much to announce on him,” Solich said. “His injury is coming along, but he is still on a week-to-week status.”
With Vick on the sidelines, the quarterback duties are passed to redshirt sophomore Sprague. Sprague played an important role in Ohio’s dual-quarterback system through the first half of the season, and received his first career start last week facing Eastern Illinois.
In his first start, Sprague completed 15-of-28 pass attempts for 143 yards and two interceptions. He did not find the endzone on any of his passes, but he did have a big impact on the ground game. His mobility in the pocket led to 69 rushing yards, including two touchdowns.
Solich was pleased with the development of his backup quarterback, but explained that the one aspect that he would like to see some improvement is in Sprague’s ability to throw the deep ball.
“We want to be able to connect on those deep throws,” Solich said. “If he can start to complete some of those, he is very capable of being a 60 plus percent passer. I think that it’s going to happen, because it’s hard to step in with your first start and expect to be perfect.”
The Bobcats will return to MAC play this week as they travel to Central Michigan to take on the Chippewas. Ohio already achieved its first conference win off of its chest with a week one victory at Kent State. Solich said that he has a balanced team that is up to the challenge.
“I think that our offense has grown through this non-conference schedule, which has given us the ability to be strong in all three units,” Solich said. “Our defense has matured and is able to stop the run very well, and on special teams, we have a great kicker, punter and return guys. We’re striving to have all three units contribute to the win.”