Marshall vs Ohio: Liveblog

Hello all from Athens. A lot of stuff going on tonight so let’s dive right in.

5:44- Going back to their time in the MAC, Marshall and Ohio have been big rivals. Since the Thundering Herd left for Conference-USA the teams haven’t faced off as much. The last two meetings (2009 Little Caesars Bowl and 2010 at Marshall) have been heated affairs with both coming down to the wire. I’d expect the same tonight.

5:56- There was a rumored “surprise” for tonight’s big game. This afternoon it was revealed that Ohio would be wearing special jerseys. They’ve got a nice video package that will run on the video board before the team enters (you can check it out HERE).

5:58- Here’s a better picture of them.

They were designed by the equipment staff in the offseason. My favorite feature is the small Ohio logos on the sleeves. Reminds me a lot of Hawaii’s jerseys.

6:15- Just some housekeeping from the game notes.

-The teams are playing in what is called the “Battle for the Bell”. The winning team gets to claim a bell trophy.

-Ohio holds the all-time series lead at 29-19-6 however they have not beaten the Thundering Herd since 2000.

-The Bobcats will be honoring the late Marcellis Williamson with a pre-game ceremony. He died after just completing his senior season last year of a blood clot in his lung.

-If you are a student and plan on coming down, I’d suggest that you do so soon. The game is just about sold out of tickets for the paying public and there is already a huge student turnout.

6:21- Should also mention for those who wish to watch, the game will be on ESPN3.com.

6:27- Both teams out on the field for warm ups. Marshall gets a rousing ovation from their faithful as they took the field.

6:32- The Bobcats doing a breakdown with the Marching 110.

6:47- Early arriving students were invited down on the field to make a tunnel for the players.

6:48- Really lively crowd tonight. A bunch of recruits were on the field pre-game. Should leave a good impression.

6:54- Packed house, the most exciting band in the land, this is what college football is all about.

7:04- The teams have entered. Ohio wins the toss and has elected to defer. Will be interesting to see how they handle Marshall’s offense.

7:08- That didn’t take long. Omar Leftwich picks off a batted Rakeem Cato pass. Bobcats take over on the Herd 39.

7:12- Bobcats strike first. A Tyler Tettleton scamper set up a one yard TD pass from Tettleton to Lavon Brazill. Brazill made an amazing one-handed catch in the back corner for the score. The offense is clicking right off the bat which is needed.

7:20- Marshall wastes no time in offering a counter punch. Rakeem Cato finds Aaron Dobson and makes a perfect throw for a 45 yard touchdown. 7-7 with 10:28 left in the first. Game on.

7:22- Donte Harden says “GET OFF ME” and breaks numerous tackles while returning the kick all the way to the Herd 19. This game has the feel of an Arena Football matchup.

7:30- Donte Foster pulls in one of the best catches you will ever see (even received a collective “Woaahhhhh” from the media in the press box). Bobcats have to settle for a 20 yard field goal. They lead Marshall 10-7 with 6:43 left in the 1st.

7:43- Scrum. Bobcat interception. Marshall fumble recovery. Another Bobcat interception. All in the span of 3 minutes. Bobcats take over on the Herd 33.

7:46- Donte Harden is a man on a mission tonight. Another impressive run with numerous broken tackles puts the ‘Cats inside the Marshall 10.

END OF THE FIRST QUARTER (deep breath)

Ohio 10 Marshall 7

7:49- Tettleton scrambles and dives his way into the end zone for a touchdown. Bobcats get some separation and now lead 17-7 with 14:17 remaining in the half.

7:55- After running 23 plays on offense, Ohio is on pace for nearly 100 on the game. The no-huddle is working big time.

7:56-Marshall’s turnover woes continue. Xavier Hughes this time strips the Herd receiver and Nathan Carpenter recovers.

7:59- Whether they run or pass, Marshall can’t stop the no-huddle, Bobcats unleash a 8 play 72 yard drive in 2:40. But once inside the Herd 5, the Bobcats can’t find the end zone. Another short Weller field goal will have to do. 20-7 Ohio with 7:59 remaining.

8:09- With 5:10 remaining in the second quarter, we have our first punt of the game. Incredible.

8:17- Phil Bates catches a swing pass and blows through the Marshall defense for a 50 yard TD. It was unknown what his role would be, but as a receiver he is most dangerous.

8:24- Turnover 5 for Marshall leads to another TD. Same swing pass but this time it’s to Brazill for his second TD of the game. 34-7 Bobcats heading into the locker room with a chance to eclipse 40 points with the first possession of the second.

8:28- Trying to create something late in the half, Ceto sends a bomb downfield that is intercepted by Travis Carrie, his second of the game. I don’t know if Marshall will return after a half like that.

HALFTIME

Ohio 34 Marshall 7

8:43- Tyler Tettleton is going off tonight. 17-22 for 259 yards and 4 TDs (3 passing 1 rushing). He also leads the team with 51 yards rushing. If the team gets a performance like this from him week in and week out, they will be very tough to beat.

8:47- For the second consecutive week, Ohio outscored their opponent 24-0. Good way to show how the team has been able to make early adjustments.

8:49- The Bobcats are on pace for over 700 yards of total offense.

8:53- Ryan Boykin getting carries to start the 2nd half. Has looked strong in his few opportunities to play so far in 2011.

8:59- Yet another well-played drive that stalls in the end. Matt Weller (AKA Mr. Automatic) hits yet another field goal. He is now tied for the all-time lead in Ohio history.

9:06- Marshall has nothing going on offense again and punts. Going to start writing as this one is all but over. Keep it to the twitter (@suhlmann12) for major updates.

Ohio vs Gardner-Webb Live Blog

5:42- Greetings all from “The Crowned-Jewel of the MAC.”

The Bobcats are opening their 2011 home schedule against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs. Keep it here as I’ll update the blog pre-game with notes and tidbits and then during the game for thoughts.

6:04- Props to the Ohio U marketing department making this game both “Band/Cheerleader Night” and “Youth Night”. It will really help out what would otherwise be a lackluster night for attendance.

6:09- Ohio allowed just 6 rushing yards in week 1 which was the third lowest in all of the nation.

6:28- Guess it would be a good time to do some shameless plugs. I will have the recap of this game for MAC Report Online. It’s a great place for recaps of all the action in the conference. The fearless staff of Speakeasy will have coverage of the team on lockdown this year. Be sure to check the site out frequently.

6:31- Don’t know how many teams have their band huddle up with the team at the end of warm ups. It’s quite a sight.

6:37- In honor of fallen defensive lineman Marcellus Williamson, members of the Bobcats defense will take turns wearing his number 62. Tremayne Scott wore it for the first game at New Mexico State. Tonight, it will be Carl Jones’ turn.

6:57- Linebacker Noah Keller is not in pads tonight after he aggravated his hamstring last week. No need to have him risk further injury in a game like this.

7:03- Awaiting the teams’ arrivals in the stadium. If you care to watch you can do so for free HERE.

7:08- GW gets the ball to start the game. Gain 11 yards rushing on their first two plays. Have doubled the defense’s total allowed on the season.

7:12- After gaining two first downs, the Runnin’ Bulldogs drive stalls. Time for the fans to see the new no-huddle offense for the first time.

7:26- Great crowd for the game tonight.

7:26- The Bobcats’ new no-huddle offense uses coaches in bright shirts holding up poster boards with symbols to call the plays. Very similar to Chip Kelly’s system at Oregon.

7:31- Two drives for each teams, and not much going on. A long run by Tyler Tettleton was brought back because of a block in the back penalty.

7:37- Finally a breakthrough. Donte Harden has a 27 yard gain that finally gets the Bobcats into GW territory with 2:30 left in the first.

7:41- Tettleton hits Donte Foster with a 33 yard pass to get the ball down to the five. On the ensuing play, Tettleton gets leveled and fumbles. GW recovers. It’s been that kind of night so far.

7:43- END OF THE 1ST QUARTER:

GARDNER-WEBB 0
OHIO 0

Pretty bad quarter there by the team as a whole. The defense has been getting stops when needed but they don’t have the tenacity they did last week. Offense is struggling mightily and mental mistakes are killing them.

7:51- The Cats needed a spark and they get one from Nathan Carpenter. He gets his first career interception and returns it 27 yards inside the GW 30. Ohio needs to capitalize on the short field.

7:56- Bobcats take advantage of the short field. Tettleton lays in a beautiful pass to LaVonn Brazil for a 15 yard TD. Bobcats lead 7-0 with 10:57 left in the second.

8:01- Defense responds with a stop. Bobcats could really break it open with another big play on offense.

8:04- Phil Bates makes his first appearance under center tonight. Is a very valuable weapon on the ground in the option attack.

8:09- The drive stalls just inside the GW 30. Matt Weller booms a 45 yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 4:53 remaining in the second quarter.

8:19- The defense gets things going again when Jelani Wosley intercepts a pass and takes it 26 yards to the end zone. Don’t know how many more times they will be able to bail the offense out.

8:23- The pass defense is coming back in a big way tonight. They have only allowed two completions for a total of 15 yards and have forced two picks.

8:25- Yet another interception. This time it’s Gerald Moore. he returns it 30 yards all the way to the GW 40 yard line.

8:31- Bobcats take advantage of the short field. Tettleton finds Dunlop in the very back of the end zone for a 14 yard touchdown. The play was reviewed but stood. Tettleton is getting beat a lot in the backfield but is still making good throws.

8:34- HALFTIME

GARDNER-WEBB 0
OHIO 24

Thoughts—-

Ohio was able to break the game open with big plays from the defense. Tettleton has looked really good at quarterback, taking a lot of hits but still making good throws. Stats to come.

Stats—-

-The quarterback play tonight have been polar opposites

Chandlar Browning (GW) 2-14, 15 yards, 3 interceptions
Tyler Tettleton (Ohio) 13-22, 137 yards, 2 TDs

-Kenny Little of GW is leading all rushers with 79 yards on 18 carries. It’s something the Bobcats will need to correct in the locker room.

-Neal Huynh is leading Bobcat defenders with 6 tackles. A couple were big play savers (if that is even a word).

9:00- Bobcats come out with guns blazing. Donte Harden returns the kickoff all the way to the GW 28. The Cats go three and out but Weller makes a 31 yard field goal. 27-0 now. Would have liked to see a touchdown.

9:08 A long kickoff return in rebuttal leads to a 41 yard field goal. An onside kick catches the Bobcats off guard and the Runnin’ Bulldogs take over again.

9:15- This will be about it for updates as I have a deadline to meet. Keep it to my twitter for major updates (@suhlmann12).

9:57- Ohio has this one all but locked up with less than two minutes to play. They will win 30-3. Congratulations to head coach Frank Solich on his 100th career win.

Year of the Bobcat?

With fall, and football, right around the corner, I think that it is best that this blog begins living up to the second half of its title.

Going into the final week of the 2010 season, everything was going for the Ohio Bobcats. Here they were, in control of their own destiny just one win away against lowly Kent State away from making their second consecutive appearance in the MAC Championship game. Then it all fell apart.

Left nursing the wounds from that final regular season game and an embarrassing showing against Troy in the New Orleans Bowl, the Bobcats must get off of the canvas and be ready for the 2011 campaign. Luckily for them, there are many things that point to the team seeing even better results this season.

First, the ‘Cats face one of the easiest schedules in the entire country. They begin the year playing on the road at New Mexico State, a team that finished 1-7 in the WAC last season. Their “payday” game will be played at Rutgers, a team picked last in the conference’s preseason media poll. Assuming the Bobcats play to their potential, they could very well be in that game. Their only true tests on paper will be against Temple and Miami, two games that could very well decide the MAC East division. Luckily for the Bobcats, both of those games come at home.

Another reason to be optimistic is the return of most of the offensive unit. Departed quarterback Boo Jackson will most likely be replaced by redshirt sophomore Tyler Tettleton. He is used to running the pistol formation since high school and looked very comfortable during spring practice. Wide Receivers Terrence McCrae and Steven Goulet will need to be replaced as well, however there are plenty of options at that position. The return of the entire offensive line will benefit the newcomers and should give Tettleton support. The return of All-American LaVon Brazil, known for his playmaking ability on special teams, after missing nearly all of 2010 will bolster this unit as well.

If there is one area that the Bobcats could struggle in, it will be on the defensive side of the ball, primarily in the trenches. The Bobcats need to find four new defensive linemen. The squad will rely on linebackers Noah Keller and Eric Benjamin to pick up the slack. The secondary will also be very young and inexperienced, although some returnees from medical redshirts such as junior Gerald Moore will help.

With all this in mind, the question becomes how many games will the team win? Given the fact they look just as good if not better than all of their opponents on paper 12-0 isn’t inconceivable, but running the table is hard to do no matter what the competition. A 10-2 mark looks much more realistic given the inexperience on defense and leaving room for inevitable injuries that may pop up during the season. Anything less than that could be viewed as a disappointment given the easy schedule. A return to Detroit for the MAC Championship game will hinge on their results against Temple and Miami and it will be very interesting to see how the team handles the pressure.

This is a very exciting time for Ohio football, and it looks like 2011 could very well be remembered as the year it all came together.

NOTE: I will be covering the team for MAC Report Online, so be on the lookout for my reports from Athens all season long!