Sports

Bobcats face Eagles with hopes to stay undefeated at home

By: Joshua Jacob
Posted on: Tuesday, November 12, 2024

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB)— The Ohio Bobcats (6-3, 4-1 MAC) had an incredible 41-0 shutout against Kent State last week as the Eastern Michigan Eagles (5-4, 2-3 MAC) rested up with a bye week. 

The Bobcats secured bowl eligibility last week with their win and look to continue their strong MAC run Against the Eagles. Ohio’s offense got it done on the ground with 263 rushing yards.  Running back Anthony Tyus III made a surprise appearance after being deemed out with a lower-body injury a week prior. His presence was certainly felt as he got a touchdown running for 84 yards on 14 attempts, his most efficient game since his week one performance against Syracuse. Running back Ricky Hunt Jr. was also a huge factor, averaging 9 yards a carry, making it much harder for the Golden Flashes to stop them.   

The Bobcats’ defense played phenomenally, not letting Kent score a point. They were dependable as usual, pressuring the quarterback with five sacks and an interception and shutting down the run game with 13 tackles for loss. It was a stand-out performance for Marcel Walker-Burgess, who was all over the field with four solo tackles, a TFL and a sack. 

Ohio’s defense will have a challenge against a dynamic Eagles offense. Eastern Michigan excels all over the field, taking what the defense gives them and finding ways to score. Quarterback Cole Snyder excels at the pass, throwing for 2,087 yards, leading the conference. When he throws, he’s looking for wide receiver Oran Singleton, who has 57 receptions on the year with two touchdowns. Snyder’s O-line is a key part of the Eagles’ game, giving him time to throw, but they also open gaps for Mimms Delbert III, who has seven touchdowns with 558 years of the season.

Eastern Michigan’s defense is reminiscent of the Bobcats in how they excel at creating pressure for the quarterback and forcing uncomfortable throws. The Eagles have 21 sacks on the year, moving their opponents back a total of 118 yards. They are also great at stopping plays when it counts, only allowing 20% of fourth-down conversions. 

Ohio will face a defense that will force them to run the ball and give Parker Navarro less time to throw it. However, Navarro excels in scramble situations, and the combined efforts of Tyus and Hunt will be sure to tire out the defensive line. This will also be a challenge against the Bobcat’s secondary, facing an adaptable offense between the pass and the run. 

Tim Albin talked about the similarities between these teams and Ohio’s struggles with turnovers.  

“They are similar they do some similar things we do on defense. The most concerning thing would probably be their number one in our league in turnover margin and ranked nationally. That’s a concern, as we have turned the ball over way too much as an offense, so it’ll be interesting,” Albin said.

This MACtion will go down Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Peden stadium. For the Eastern Michigan Eagles, a win would boost their standings in the MAC. As for the Ohio Bobcats, winning the next two games puts them in contention for the MAC championship. This win would also put them one step closer to an undefeated season at home.