Sports

With the very clear intent of forgetting the week eight result against Western Michigan, Ohio head coach Frank Solich jumped right into the issues facing the Bobcats as they prepare to take on Buffalo, including the starting quarterback position.

 

“Derrius Vick will start for us against Buffalo,” Solich said. “But with that, he will still have to continue to prove that he’s at 100 percent and performing well.”

 

Last week, the redshirt junior saw his first action on the gridiron since his knee injury in week three against Idaho. Vick completed 18-of-31 pass attempts for 246 yards, including a touchdown and an interception. He wore a brace on his injured knee, but did not appear to be having trouble with mobility inside and outside of the pocket.

 

Solich reassured the room that redshirt sophomore J.D. Sprague is still an option for the Green and White’s upcoming matchup.

 

Even with Vick back in the lineup, Ohio is still a banged up bunch. True freshman standout, A.J. Oullette missed practice yesterday, as he is nursing his injury from Ohio’s meeting with Akron. Following the loss to Western Michigan, the Bobcats now have only one game in the next 24 days. Solich feels confident that some of his players will benefit from the upcoming bye week.

 

“I think the time off is going to help us get some of our guys closer to being healthy,” Solich said. “I think our players have enjoyed a break, so hopefully we will be able to recover as a football team.”

 

While discussing Ohio’s conference clash with Buffalo on Wednesday night, Solich was focused on stopping the power running game the Bulls bring to the table.

 

“They try to be very physical,” Solich said. “They use a lot of two-back formations with a true fullback but also have a variety of other schemes that we will need to be ready for.”

 

Although the Bobcats are currently sitting at 4-5 with three games yet to play, there is still plenty of optimism floating around the locker room.

 

“I think there is a great feeling among our team that we can really get things done at a high level,” Solich said. “We’re pretty close, but we’re excited about the opportunities we have left and finishing the season the way that we are capable of.”