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Ohio Game Notes (PDF)
ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio football team (0-0, 0-0 MAC) opens the 2020 season on Wednesday, Nov. 4 when they head to Mount Pleasant, Mich. to take on Mid-American Conference West Division foe Central Michigan (0-0, 0-0 MAC). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. inside Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The game can be seen on ESPN, where Kevin Brown and Mike Golic Jr. will have the call.
The Bobcats' matchup with CMU can also be heard on the Ohio Sports Network from Learfield IMG College. Russ Eisenstein returns for his 13th season as the "Voice of the Bobcats." Chad Bush will join Russ in the both while Ohio Alum Rob Cornelius, who has been a part of the broadcasts for two decades, will join the broadcast remotely. WXTQ (Power 105) in Athens returns as the 11-station network's flagship. The broadcasts are also available online through TuneIn.com/OhioBobcats and on the TuneIn app.
ROAD WARRIORS
In 2019, the Bobcats won all four of their MAC road games in 2019, marking the first time Ohio has won all of its conference road contests since going 4-0 in 2009.
MAC WINS KING
Frank Solich has built the Ohio football program into one of the Mid-American Conference's most consistently successful over the last 15 years.
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, Solich etched his place in MAC history, becoming the conference's winningest head coach with his 111th victory -- an impressive 66-24 triumph over East Division rival Bowling Green.
Solich has turned the Bobcats into one of the Mid-American Conference's premier programs since his arrival in Athens in 2005.
Ohio is 113-81 during the Solich era. His 113 victories are the second-most in program history behind Don Peden (121; 1924-46). Ohio has gone 75-45 in conference play since Solich's arrival in Athens. His 75 MAC wins rank second to Deromedi's 90.
Solich entered the 2019 season as the dean of MAC head coaches. He is tied with Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy for fourth among active NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches in terms of longest tenure with their current school. Only Iowa's Kirk Ferentz (21 years), TCU's Gary Patterson (20 years) and Utah's Kyle Whittingham (16 years) have served as head coach at their respective institutions longer. Prior to arriving in Athens, Solich spent six years as head coach at his alma mater, Nebraska. Solich's 21 years of experience tie him with Ferentz (21 years) for the third-most among active NCAA FBS head coaches, ranking behind North Carolina's Mack Brown (30 years) and Alabama's Nick Saban (24).
Solich owns a career coaching record of 171-100. His 171 wins rank as the fourth most among active NCAA FBS head coaches, trailing only Brown (250), Saban (242) and TCU's Gary Patterson (172). He is well-respected by his peers, having been named the president of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) in addition to receiving the Tom Osborne Legacy Award in January of 2019.
With the retirement of longtime Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder following the 2018 season, Solich is the leader in life experience among NCAA FBS head coaches at 75 years old. Solich turned 75 on Sept. 8.
CONTINUITY ON OFFENSIVE STAFF
Associate head coach/offensive coordinator/running backs coach Tim Albin is the longest
In addition to Albin, three of Ohio's four other offensive assistant coaches have coached under Solich for at least seven years -- wide receivers coach Dwayne Dixon (14 years), quarterbacks coach Scott Isphording (8 years) and offensive line coach Allen Rudolph, who is in his second year at Ohio. The newest addition to the staff is new tight ends coach Brian Metz, who returns to Ohio after a year at UNVL.
MOVING THE CHAINS
In 2019, Ohio ranked fourth in the country and first among MAC teams with a 51.6 percent third-down conversion rate (81 of 157).
SEEING RED
In 2019 Ohio's red zone offense was second in the MAC and 21st in the country, converting 90.6% (48 of 53) of its trips into points.
METZ RETURNS TO ATHENS
Brian Metz enters his first season as the Ohio football program's tight ends coach in 2020.
Metz is no stranger to the Bobcats, having spent time as an intern with the program from 2013-14 and as an offensive graduate assistant from 2016-18. His stint as an intern saw him work with the teams quarterbacks and assist with recruiting operations while his time as a graduate assistant was spent working primarily with Ohio's receivers. Metz spent the 2019 season as a graduate assistant at UNLV, working with the Rebels' quarterbacks and helping current Ohio quarterback Armani Rodgers and freshman quarterback Kenyon Oblad combine to accumulate 2,474 passing yards and 20 passing touchdowns. Rodgers set a school record for career rushing yards by a quarterback while Oblad set the school record for single-game completion percentage.
Following his first stint in Athens, Metz spent the 2015 season at Memphis. With the Tigers, Metz served as an offensive intern, working with the wide receivers and coaching three future NFL signees at the position as Memphis went on to earn a 9-4 record and Birmingham Bowl berth.
A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Metz earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from the University of Notre Dame in 2013. As an undergraduate student at Notre Dame, Metz worked as a student equipment manager with the Fighting Irish and began his coaching career at St. Joseph High School in South Bend, Indiana in 2012. While previously at Ohio, Metz earned his Master of Business Administration (2015), Master of Sports Administration (2015) and Master of Coaching Education (2018) degrees. Metz met his wife, Lindsae, who is also an Ohio Sports Administration and MBA graduate, while in Athens.
REPLACING AIR CANADA
The Bobcats will look to replace quarterback Nathan Rourke in 2020.
Rourke finished his three-year career at Ohio with a record of 24-13 as starting quarterback and was under center for an unprecedented three-straight bowl victories. He ranks first in program history in career touchdowns scored (51), touchdowns responsible for (111), total offense yards gained (10,091), total offense yards per play (7.65), total offense yards per game (258.7), passing yards per attempt (8.3), passing yards per game (191.2) and passing efficiency (146.5); tied for first in rushing touchdowns (49); second in completions (525), attempts (894), passing yards (7,457) and passing touchdowns (60); third in points scored (306) and completion percentage (58.7 percent); fifth in passing yards per completion (14.2); eighth in rushing yards (2,634); and ninth in rushing yards per game (67.0).
He owns program single-season records for points scored (132; 2017), touchdowns scored (22; 2017), touchdowns responsible for (39; 2017), total offense yards per play (8.07; 2018), total offense yards per game (283.6; 2018), most passing yards per attempt (tied; 8.9; 2018), high passing efficiency (156.3; 2018) and rushing touchdowns (21; 2017). Rourke was the inaugural winner of the Jon Cornish Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding Canadian player in NCAA Football, in 2017-18 and repeated as the winner in '18-19.
On April 30, 2020, Rourke was selected with the 15th overall pick in the second round of the 2020 Canadian Football League Draft by the BC Lions.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
With the quarterback spot vacated by Nathan Rourke, the Bobcats will look to two quarterback to fill the void.
Redshirt freshman Kurtis Rourke returns to the Bobcats after seeing playing time in one game last season.
Prior to Ohio, Rourke finished his career at Holy Trinity High School with 4,250 passing yards, 63 passing touchdowns, 705 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns ... Completed 70 percent of his passes ... Two-time league MVP and two-time first team all-star selection ... Helped lead Holy Trinity to a Halton Championship in 2017 and a finalist finish in '18.
The Bobcats also welcome graduate transfer Armani Rogers. Rogers saw action in 21 games with 18 starts over the last three seasons at UNLV. He holds UNLV's record for career net rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,549, a total that also ranked 10th in Mountain West Conference history. His 18 career rushing touchdowns tied for eighth in school history for any position, and he is the only signal-caller in school history to rush for at least 100 net yards in a game more than three times during his career (six). Rogers passed for 2,465 yards and 18 touchdowns over his three years under center for the Rebels. He was named Mountain West Freshman of the Year in 2017 after a record-setting debut campaign with nine starts in 10 games played, breaking the program records for both rushing yards in a season by a freshman and rushing yards in a season by a quarterback with 780 and setting the UNLV record for rushing touchdowns by a freshman in a season with eight. He also threw for a career-high 1,471 yards in his rookie campaign and followed it up by tossing a career-high 10 touchdown passes as a sophomore.
Rogers earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiological sciences from UNLV in 2020 and then entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. Prior to arriving at UNLV, the Los Angeles native was a three-year letterwinner under coach Ernest King at Alexander High School. Rogers was rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN and a three-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and Scout. He ranked as the nation's No. 11 dual-threat quarterback according to ESPN and No. 15 by 247Sports. He earned 2015 offensive MVP honors from the Los Angeles Times, throwing for 1,433 yards and 18 touchdowns against one interception with a completion percentage of 64.5 percent and rushing for 431 yards on 71 carries and six touchdowns as a senior. Born Dec. 4, 1997, Rogers is the son of Sam and Leslie Rogers. He has three older brothers, Sam Jr., Tremaine and Aaron, one older sister, Ariel, and one younger brother, Zane. His father, Sam, was a linebacker and played for the Colorado Buffaloes and then went on to the NFL and played for the Buffalo Bills (seven seasons), San Diego Chargers (one) and Atlanta Falcons (two). Sam's 10-year pro career.
The Bobcats also bring in freshamn quarterback CJ Harris. Harris was a two-year team captain at West Bloomfield High School and helped lead the Lakers to a 19-5 record and two district championships during his career, including a 10-2 mark and a playoff appearance as a senior in 2019. He was a two-time all-state honorable mention and two-time all-league selection. Harris threw for 3,500 yards and 34 touchdowns with a 60 percent completion rate for his career in addition to running for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdown. As a senior in 2019, threw for over 1,500 yards with 15 touchdown passes and a 60 percent completion rate in addition to running for 750 yards and seven touchdowns.
WHAT A RUSH
While the Bobcats look to replace production at the quarterback position, the Bobcats welcome back all of the running backs from last season.
Redshirt sophomore O'Shaan Allison returns after a successful 2019 season. Allison played in 12 games, starting all of them, leading the team with a career-high 869 rushing yards on a career-high 138 carries (second on the team) and ranked third on the squad with a career-high six rushing touchdowns. He also led the team with 72.4 rushing yards per game and ranked second on the team with 6.3 yards per carry and hauled in a career-high 11 receptions for a career-high 76 receiving yards, and led the team with 945 all-purpose yards.
Senior De'Montre Tuggle returns after playing in 12 games and making one start in 2019. Tuggle ranked third on the team with 644 yards on 101 carries (third-most on team) and ranked second on the squad with 11 rushing touchdowns. He also tallied 16 receptions for 121 receiving and one receiving touchdown and ranked third on the team with 765 all-purpose yards. Tuggle also Ranked third on the team with 72 points scored.
Redshirt junior Julian Ross played in nine games in 2019. He rushed for a career-high 284 yards and a touchdown on 76 carries. He hauled in a career-high four receptions for a career-high 40 receiving yards and a touchdown, and rushed for a season-high 68 yards on 14 carries in a 41-20 win over Rhode Island (Aug. 31) .
Also look for redshirt senior Ja'Vahri Portis, redshirt freshman Walter Wilbon III and redshirt junior Jake Neatherton to see some action this season.
CATCHING ON
Last season, Ohio's passing game featured 17 different receivers, with eight players posting double-digit receptions. Redshirt junior wide receiver Isiah Cox led the way with a career-high 39 catches and 663 receiving yards. Redshirt senior tight end Ryan Luehrman has set career highs in receptions (28) and receiving yards (360) and tied for the team lead with a career-high five touchdown receptions with redshirt sophomore wide receiver Shane Hooks. Hooks was second on the squad with 515 receiving yards and third with 26 receptions. Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jerome Buckner is fourth on the team with 326 receiving yards.
Redshirt senior Cam Odom also returns after starting 12 games last season, making 19 catches and 207 yards. Redshirt sophomore Ty Walton will also see time after a 2019 where he played in 13 games, making 18 catches for 199 yards and one touchdown.
CHANGE ON DEFENSE
Ron Collins, begins his second year as the Bobcats defensive coordinator and safeties coach, after taking over the role last season.
Nate Faanes begins his second season as the Bobcats linebackers coach, and this year was promoted to special teams coordinator.
Pete Germano, who is in the fourth year of his second stint on Solich's staff, continues to serve as co-defensive coordinator/defensive ends coach. Prior to his return to Athens, he spent five years as the defensive line coach at Fresno State after spending the previous 11 on the Ohio staff.
Ohio returns cornerbacks coach De'Angelo Smith for a fourth season. In the off season, Smith was also promoted to director of player development. Defensive tackles coach Tremayne Scott for a third season in 2020.
REPLACING VON LEGACY
The Bobcats look to replace the production of Javon Hagan.
Redshirt senior Ilyaas Motley looks to pick up from his improved 2019 season where he recorded 38 tackles, had six pass breakups and one interception. Redshirt junior Jamal Hudson is back after dealing with injury issue in 2019, while redshirt senior Xavior Motley will also see some action.
Redshirt junior Tariq Drake and Redshirt sophomore John Gregory will also see more action this season.
APPLYING THE PRESSURE UP FRONT
Redshirt senior Austin Conrad returns to the Bobcats after leading Ohio with 6.5 tackles for loss and a team-leading four sacks and nine QB hurries in 2019. Redshirt senior Will Evans also returns after leading Ohio with 7.5 tackels for loss in 2019.
Redshirt junior Kai Caesar is back in the Green and White after a 2019 with 31 tackles and one sack.
BOBCAT 'BACKERS
The Bobcats return linebacker redshirt senior Jared Dorsa this season, who finished 2019 third on the team with 80 tackles six tackles for loss and five quarterback hurries. Ohio also sees redshirt sophomore Keye Thompson return, who finished 2019 with 51 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss.
Redshirt sophomore Jack McCrory will see more time in 2020, after finishing 2019 with 19 tackles and 2.5 sacks, as will redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Wood, who returns after a 2019 with 15 tackles.
WALK-ON TURNED STARTER AT STRONG SAFETY
Redshirt senior Jarren Hampton, a former walk-on, became the team's starting strong safety in 2019, taking over for Kylan Nelson, who graduated after tying for third on the team with 59 tackles, tying for the team lead with two interceptions and forcing a fumble in 2018.
A year ago, Hampton finished fourth on the team in total tackles with a career-high 71 through 13 games in 2019, including a career-high 44 solo stops, which ranks second on the squad.
AYE AYE, CAPTAIN
Redshirt senior wide receiver Cameron Odom (Bedford, Ohio), redshirt senior right defensive end Austin Conrad (LaGrange, Ohio), redshirt senior middle linebacker Jared Dorsa (Kings Mills, Ohio), senior center Brett Kitrell (Ashland, Neb.), redshirt junior defensive tackle Kai Caesar (Cache, Okla.) and redshirt junior running back Julian Ross (Kansas City, Mo.).
Odom enters his second season serving as a team captain while Conrad, Dorsa, Kitrell, Caesar and Ross are all serving as captains for the first time.
SERIES HISTORY VS. CMU
The Bobcats trail the all-time series with Central Michigan, 25-5 in 30 total matchups. The Bobcats and Chippewas last met on Oct. 7, 2017, where Ohio fell, 26-23.
The Bobcats have lost four-straight in the series which dates back to the 1972 season. Ohio last won against the Chippewas on Nov. 10, 2011 in a 43-28 win on the road.
SCOUTING CMU
Jim Mcelwain returns for his second season at Central Michigan. In his first season at Central Michigan, Jim McElwain led the Chippewas to a remarkable turnaround as CMU won the Mid-American Conference West Division championship and earned a berth in the New Mexico Bowl.
McElwain inherited a program that won one game in 2018 and transformed it immediately into a winner, leading CMU to an 8-6 record in 2019.
The seven-win improvement was the best among Football Bowl Subdivision programs in 2019 and the Chippewas made their first appearance in the MAC Championship Game in more than a decade. McElwain earned the MAC Coach of the Year Award.
McElwain lived up to his reputation as an offensive mastermind as the 2019 Chippewas nearly doubled their 2018 yardage total and scored 426 points, a 246-point improvement over the previous season.
CMU running backs Jonathan Ward and Kobe Lewis both surpassed 1,000 yards rushing, marking the first time in the long and illustrious history of Chippewa football that two players reached the 1,000-yard milestone in the same season.
Ward finished fourth in the MAC and Lewis was sixth in rushing yardage, while Lewis was second and Ward was third in all-purpose yardage. The Chippewas featured three of the top five wide receivers in the MAC in Kalil Pimpleton, JaCorey Sullivan and Tyrone Scott.
Pimpleton led the league in both receptions (90) and receiving yardage (934) and earned First Team All-MAC honors as both a wide receiver and as a punt returner. Sullivan also earned first team all-conference honors.
In all, eight Chippewas earned All-MAC honors in 2019. Five, including first-team linebacker Troy Brown, are set to return in 2020.
BOBCATS IN THE NFL
Cornerback T.J. Carrie (2010-13) is in his seventh year in the league and his first as a member of the Indianapolis Colts. Outside linebacker Tarell Basham (2013-16) is in his fourth season in the NFL and his third as a member of the New York Jets.
UP NEXT
The Bobcats will return to Athens on Tuesday, Nov. 10 when Ohio hosts MAC East Division foe Akron. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. inside Peden Stadium. Fans can catch the game on CBS Sports Network.
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