Analysis of the Enemy: Ohio Game Preview, Part II

There's a trend here, and it's not difficult to see. Ohio's offense is on steady decline, and while the small sample size of this season cannot be viewed equally with the other seasons, it's not a good sign for the Bobcats that they've struggled so much already. In this case, the lack of balance exhibited is either a sign of an inability to pass the football or an inability to commit to passing the football. Whatever it is, it's affecting the Bobcats' production negatively.

Offensive Scheme

Ohio's offensive scheme is multiple, meaning they utilize many different personnel, formations, and plays. They have vacillated between a pseudo-spread, option offense and a heavy personnel power offense.

In the above left picture, Ohio us motioning over a receiver from the field to the boundary. Out of this motion, they often like to run an option play involving the receiver, either on an Inside/Outside option like the one Ohio State ran in the Miami game, or a straight speed option with the runningback, using the receiver as window dressing.

Their 5 wide spread is primarily a passing formation, but the mobility of the quarterbacks does allow Ohio to run quarterback draws out of it.

The Bobcats have experimented with melding power personnel with an option type game. Out of this double tight end formation, they run option plays along with the traditional power running game.

Although they don't use it often, it is still one of the cooler parts of the Bobcat attack. The Pistol formation is typified by a receiver in a "short shotgun" position- usually 3.5 yards behind the line of scrimmage-  with the runningback directly behind him like he would be in Ace formation. Out of this the Bobcats can have their downhill running game and an easy way to attack the perimeter with the speed option play.

What To Expect

Ohio is going to run the ball. Their coaches discussed it extensively in the offseason, and the numbers support it. Frank Solich still loves the option, even if he no longer runs it from under center. The passing game is simple, and so far has been ineffective. The Bobcats are going to really struggle moving the ball unless mobile quarterbacks Boo Jackson and Phil Bates take it upon themselves personally.

Defensive Scheme

After that indictment of the Bobcat offensive scheme, you have to be wondering how they've been so successful in the MAC over the last four seasons. And the answer is, quite simply, disciplined defense in a basic system.

Here you will see the Bobcats lined up in a 4-3 front with a single deep safety. They are playing Cover 3, a zone coverage designed to protect the deep side of the field with 3 defensive backs.

Now, on 3rd and 14, we see the Bobcats playing Cover 4, a defense designed to protect the back half of the field with 4 defensive backs. They are doing nothing exotic to disguise their coverages pre-snap, as many teams do.

Here the Bobcats are in a form of Man Coverage, Cover 0, which has zero players defending the backside of the field, but covers every pass threat in man coverage. Expect them to use this sparingly against Ohio State. The athleticism difference between the two teams makes any mistake worth 6 points and a PAT.

Many teams play man coverage along the goal line, including last week's opponent, but the Bobcats have shown a dedication to keeping one deep safety in the middle of the field in this situation. It may have been a function of the opponent, or it may have been part of their defensive philosophy, but whatever it is, it's relatively unique. Because of space constraints, most coaches see it as superfluous to keep a safety in a zone when near the goal line.

What To Expect

A talented defensive line with disciplined defenders behind them. The Bobcats have an excellent defense for the MAC, but the athletic mismatch will be apparent from the beginning. I expect the Buckeyes to refocus on the running game and push the Bobcats around early and often. This will be a game where Jordan Hall and Jaamal Berry receive carries.

I don't do score predictions, but I feel confident in saying this will be a much easier affair for Buckeye fans to watch than the 2008 game.