Offensive line provides options for Bobcats

by Eric Pfahler
Staff Writer

While many Ohio freshmen rushed to join various fraternities, the Ohio football team was rushing through The Swamp.

The Bobcats (0-3) carried the ball 62 times for 178 yards in a 34-6 loss to Florida, which is currently No. 10 in the ESPN/USA Today poll. Ohio plans to continue pounding the ball with its triple option against Connecticut (1-2).

Connecticut coach Randy Edsall said the Huskies plan to stick to their game plan in order to stop the run.

"Whenever you play a team that runs the option as well as OU, everyone has to be disciplined," Edsall said. "Things happen a little bit faster with the option."

Connecticut defensive ends Uyi Osunde and Tyler King will attempt to box in the Bobcats' attack, which stretches defenses out toward the sideline. Ohio offensive line coach Mike Summers said the two are talented players who must be blocked consistently in order to keep the Ohio offense on the field.

"Both of their ends are fast and big," Summers said. "They slant and angle very well. They'll cause us to redirect on the move."

Osunde leads the Huskies with five tackles for a loss, including a team-high three sacks. He plans to test the right side of the Ohio offensive line, right tackle Erik Grahovac and right guard Brian Brown.

Once again, Ohio left guard Paul Stanko steps in for injured lineman Dennis Thompson, who is out for the year with a broken leg. Grahovac said Stanko's solid play against Florida provided a much-needed boost for the Bobcats.

"Since Dennis went down, Paul Stanko stepped up and did a great job against Florida," Grahovac said.

Statistically, Ohio's rushing performance could determine the game. Connecticut is 1-0 when allowing less than 100 yards rushing and 0-2 when allowing more than 100 yards on the ground.

The Huskies also have dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring opponents 28-7 in the final quarter. The Bobcats, meanwhile, have been outscored 23-7 in the fourth quarter this season. Ohio's last two opponents have scored 44 second-half points while Ohio has scored zero.

"In the fourth quarter, we have to step it up," Brown said.

The Bobcats must continue to control their mistakes. In three games, Ohio has committed only 15 penalties.

        Ohio offensive lineman Brian Brown said there is room for improvement and focus is the key to keeping the Bobcats out of long yardage situations.

"It has a lot to do with self-control," Brown said. "It's basically us against us, and that's what we've got to stop. We've got to get that fixed."

BOB: Match-ups

        Uconn line                       Ohio offensive line

        DE Tyler King 6'6 258      LT Chris Jackson 6'4 272

        DT Greg Smoot 6'3 290     LG Paul Stanko 6'4 271

        DT Sean Malcahy 6'6 294  C Doug Wooten 6'3 292

        DE Uyi Osunde 6'3 243      RG Brian Brown 6'3 284

                                      RT Erik Grahovac 6'3 278

In each of Ohio's first three games, a Bobcat has led the game in individual rushing-Chad Brinker in two games, and Dontrell Jackson in one.

The Ohio defense has not allowed an individual to rush for more than 86 yards.

The Bobcats had a season-high 62 rushing attempts for 178 yards against No. 10 Florida.