2009 College Football Predictions: Ohio Bobcats

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

Ohio Bobcats

2008 Record: (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: Frank Solich, 5th year (23-26 at Ohio, 81-45 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Tim Albin (5th year)
Def. Coordinator: Jimmy Burrow (5th year)
Returning Starters: 13 (6 offense, 6 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Boo Jackson)

Offense: The Bobcats return six starters on offense, including senior Boo Jackson (6-1, 199). However, Jackson was pushed in the spring by senior Theo Scott (6-2, 209), who started in 2007 and missed most of last season with a broken collarbone. Jackson stood in for Scott last season and threw for 2,355 yards with 19 TDs and 333 yards rushing. The offensive identity is changing to a more base-spread look. The top four running backs return, including senior Chris Garrett (5-8, 190), who ran for 529 yards last season. The top receivers are also back, including senior Taylor Price (6-1, 209), who caught 51 balls for 694 yards and five scores in 2008. Up front, they return two starters and this is the major concern on the line.

Defense: The defense returns six starters from a unit allowed 27.3ppg (70th in the nation) and 348.6 yards per game (54th in the nation). They need to force more turnovers as the Bobcats finished 110th in the nation with a –12 turnover ratio. Up front, they need senior Kris Luchsinger (6-4, 258) and junior DT Ernie Hodge (6-4, 292) as returning starters to stop up. Luchsinger recorded 3.5 sacks last year. The linebacker is the strength, led by sophomore MLB Noah Keller (6-1, 236), who led the team with 104 tackles last year. Senior OLB Lee Renfro (5-10, 210) also returns after making 83 stops last year. The secondary returns two starters, but loses NFL draft pick Michael Mitchell to the NFL. Senior Steven Jackson (6-2, 192) is the most dependable returning starter with 71 tackles.

Outlook: Ohio faces Uconn and Cal Poly at home, while taking on North Texas and Tennessee on the road in their non-conference schedule. Conference road games against Bowling Green and Buffalo will be tough. Frank Solich’s squad needs to take a step closer to the conference elite this season. That will be a very tough task.

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