Sports
PREVIEW: Ohio Football hosts Stonehill ahead of MAC play
By: Ty Carpenter
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – Ohio Football (1-2) returns home to Peden this Saturday to host an FCS opponent, the Stonehill Skyhawks (1-3). The Skyhawks are fresh off a loss to another MAC school in UMass, in what was Stonehill’s first game against an FBS opponent.
For Ohio, not underestimating their opponent was a point of emphasis, especially with the Bobcats’ history of slower starts against FCS foes. Last year the Bobcats defeated Gardner-Webb, in a game they started down 14-3.
And Stonehill definitely has some players for the Bobcats to be wary of. Quarterback Jack O’Connell is yet another dual threat to watch out for, as he boasts seven touchdowns to just one turnover on the season. Alongside him in the backfield are running backs Shane Eason and Aidan Garrett, who have combined for 322 rushing yards so far this season. Their defense also has a solid group in the front seven, with linebacker Caden Henritzy leading the team in tackles with 26.
“You can’t overlook anybody. We’re not going to overlook Stonehill at all,” said Ohio Head Coach John Hauser. “We know our next game is a conference game. And we got to get better this week. That’s what I care about.”
Ohio comes off of a tough 41-36 loss to South Alabama last week. That game marked yet another slow start for the Bobcats, as they were down 24-7 after the first half before the offense came alive. Much of their second half offense can be credited to true freshman quarterback Levi Davis, who entered the game in the fourth quarter with eight minutes to go, delivering 121 passing yards and two passing touchdowns on just nine completions.
Hauser did not provide any updates on the quarterback situation this week, but it certainly looks interesting if Nick Poulos is not ready to go this Saturday after missing last week to injury. Hauser did not provide further comment on other injuries as well, as multiple Bobcat starters like Duncan Brune and Charlie Christopher missed last week.
The Bobcats should look to continue building off an improving rushing attack, which found success last week as Victor Rosa averaged an impressive six yards per carry. That said, the defense will have to find major improvement this week, as missed tackles again plagued the Bobcats against South Alabama. Despite that side of the ball’s struggles, Michael Molnar racked up 16 total tackles, while DJ Walker notched an impressive three tackles for loss last week.
Stonehill will be the Bobcats’ final game before MAC play against Kent State. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.