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http://www.athensmessenger.com/spor...cle_f63f0c17-5c1a-5ac5-add0-89d3289184c3.html
Both Ohio and Minnesota have points to make during the final week of non-conference play for both teams.
Now scoring actual points? That will be a different story.
A defensive clash could in store on Saturday when the Bobcats (3-0) take their undefeated record on the road to face Minnesota (2-1).
It’s a showcase for Ohio, which will be aiming to knock off a power conference opponent for the first time since 2012 and just the fourth time in head coach Frank Solich’s tenure. The Bobcats have been focused, and loose, all week in preparation.
“We want to leave an image in people’s minds when they see the Bobcats play and this is a national spotlight. A lot of people will be able to see us play,” Ohio senior center Lucas Powell said. “We want to be able to leave a lasting mark on them.”
The last impression the Gophers left on their home fan base wasn’t exactly positive. Minnesota’s offense has limped through three games in 2015, and may have cratered in a 10-7 win over Kent State last weekend. That showing garnered some backlash for fifth-year head coach Jerry Kill and his quarterback, Mitch Leidner, and will surely have the Gophers dialed in on Homecoming weekend.
With injuries on the offensive line complicating matters, Kill said the Gophers’ run-heavy offense will get back to basics this week.
“You know, when you’re struggling, you don’t add things, you simplify things as much as you can with your guys,” Kill said. “You simplify.”
Ohio defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow took a stab at deciphering Kill’s message, and what that means for the Bobcats. The Gophers have more size on the offensive line, and tight end, than any team Ohio is scheduled to face this season.
“I think that’s a code word for we’re going to run power as many times as it’s effective to establish the running game. And to really be physical,” Burrow said. “That’s our challenge, to be able to match up to how physical a football team we’re getting ready to play.”
Both Ohio and Minnesota have points to make during the final week of non-conference play for both teams.
Now scoring actual points? That will be a different story.
A defensive clash could in store on Saturday when the Bobcats (3-0) take their undefeated record on the road to face Minnesota (2-1).
It’s a showcase for Ohio, which will be aiming to knock off a power conference opponent for the first time since 2012 and just the fourth time in head coach Frank Solich’s tenure. The Bobcats have been focused, and loose, all week in preparation.
“We want to leave an image in people’s minds when they see the Bobcats play and this is a national spotlight. A lot of people will be able to see us play,” Ohio senior center Lucas Powell said. “We want to be able to leave a lasting mark on them.”
The last impression the Gophers left on their home fan base wasn’t exactly positive. Minnesota’s offense has limped through three games in 2015, and may have cratered in a 10-7 win over Kent State last weekend. That showing garnered some backlash for fifth-year head coach Jerry Kill and his quarterback, Mitch Leidner, and will surely have the Gophers dialed in on Homecoming weekend.
With injuries on the offensive line complicating matters, Kill said the Gophers’ run-heavy offense will get back to basics this week.
“You know, when you’re struggling, you don’t add things, you simplify things as much as you can with your guys,” Kill said. “You simplify.”
Ohio defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow took a stab at deciphering Kill’s message, and what that means for the Bobcats. The Gophers have more size on the offensive line, and tight end, than any team Ohio is scheduled to face this season.
“I think that’s a code word for we’re going to run power as many times as it’s effective to establish the running game. And to really be physical,” Burrow said. “That’s our challenge, to be able to match up to how physical a football team we’re getting ready to play.”
