Sports
Ohio Football Hosts FCS Opponent Southeastern Louisiana
By: Andrew Hohman
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The Ohio Bobcats may have a new man under center Saturday when they host Southeastern Louisiana.
In Ohio’s (2-0) victory over Marshall, the Bobcats top two quarterbacks, JD Sprague and Derrius Vick, left the game with injuries. If neither is ready to go, which is realistic, Greg Windham may make his first start for Ohio.
Vick left the game with a large bump on his elbow in the first quarter, and Sprague sat out after a late hit to his upper body.
“I’m confident in Greg,” Ohio coach Frank Solich in a press conference Monday. “What’s probably more important is that Greg’s confident in Greg.”
Windham played in six games for the ‘Cats in 2014 and threw 10-13 for 82 yards. If he sees a large amount of action against the Lions, Windham needs to stay calm with the ball and avoid mistakes.
Southeastern Louisiana has 12 takeaways this season and have speed on defense.
“I see this as us having our hands full,” Solich said. Windham’s plate will be full Saturday if Vick nor Sprague is healthy.
The Bobcats also caught the injury bug at linebacker where Jovon Johnson didn’t dress for the Marshall game. Solich admitted Monday that they were initially too optimistic in Johnson’s injury. Johnson’s status for Saturday is still uncertain.
Ohio’s front seven will be busy against Southeastern Louisiana. The Lions rely on the run game through their triple option offense. They threw for just 83 yards through their first two games on 24 attempts.
Southeastern Louisiana’s offensive style plays away from the Bobcats’ strength so far, the secondary. Nathan Carpenter already has two interceptions, and Ohio gave up one passing touchdown in its first two games.
The option will test the stamina of the Bobcats’ front seven and the poise of the secondary.
“They will run the option and run it pretty effectively, and that obviously causes you a lot of headaches,” Solich said. “It will be a challenge for our d to really switch gears.”
Kickoff is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. from Peden Stadium.