Sports
Ohio Hosts Rebuilding Bowling Green for Homecoming
By: Mike Rizzo
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It has been an uphill climb for Bowling Green this season. The Falcons are 1-4 and here is why: New quarterback, new coach and over 30 true freshmen on the roster
With their eyes on the sight on a Mid-American Conference title, the Bobcats know that no opponent can be overlooked. Even though this is a down year for Bowling Green—which is unfamiliar territory for the Falcons who have been near the top of the MAC for a number of years– Ohio coach Frank Solich will make sure his team is ready.
“They lost some players.” Solich said. “They do have four of their offensive lineman back and that is worrisome because if the guys up front get going at a high rate, that makes it easier for everyone else offensively.”
Even though Ohio’s offense was stagnant last week, their defense managed to keep Ohio in the lead during the Bobcats matchup at Miami. Ohio’s front seven had seven sacks in the game and is now leading the nation in the sacks.
Tarell Basham is one of the main reasons as to why Ohio is getting after the quarterback so well. Basham already has the most sacks in Ohio football history and had one this past Saturday. The defensive line is a competitive group that likes to get after it in practice for playing time.
“Tremendous competition there, and those guys obviously know it.” Solich said. “They’re reacting to it in a very positive way. I know Jesse [Williams] feels this has been a fun unit to work with because of their athleticism and how hard they play.”
Ohio front seven is indeed impressive, but they must score points. Ohio quarterback Greg Windham only had 56 passing yards and was holding onto the ball too long and taking sacks.
He also threw an interception and had too many plays where he was forced out of the pocket and not connecting with receivers. Ohio receiver Sebastian Smith–who besides Basham has the best chance at the next level—only had one reception for 12 yards after back-to-back 100-yard games.
“There were other things that didn’t look as good as I hoped we’d look at this point in time in the season.” Solich said. “We have been making progress on both sides of the ball game by game, but we stalemated ourselves on the offensive side.
Kick-off against BG is at 2 p.m. and the Bobcats will look for a little payback after last year’s rout in Bowling Green. The Bobcats can also make a statement in the MAC with a win in front of their Homecoming crowd.