Sammy Dallal/THE POST Ohio tailback Jamel Patterson gets forced out of bounds by Akron defensive back Mike Hughes in Ohio's 41-28 loss to the Zips on Oct. 10. Ohio fumbled five times in the loss.

After two consecutive road losses, Homecoming could not come at a better time for the Ohio football team. After the team's loss to Bowling Green at Bowling Green's Homecoming last year, the game could not come against a better opponent.

The Bowling Green Falcons (2-5 overall, 1-4 in the Mid-American Conference) have been a rival of late for the Bobcats (2-5, 2-2), especially in Homecoming games. Last year, Ohio traveled to Bowling Green for its Homecoming and lost, 35-7. In 1997, the Falcons were in Peden Stadium for Homecoming and Ohio won, 24-0.

In fact, in the last five match-ups between Ohio and Bowling Green, the home team has won. During this span, the home team has outscored the visitors, 162-14.

Because of this recent history, the Bobcats will have no trouble ignoring the Falcons' poor conference record thus far this season, Ohio free safety Duffer Duffy said.

"They're just like us," he said. "We've run into some bad luck too this year. Frankly, they embarrassed us when we were

up there (last year). We're definitely looking for a tough game from them this year."

What will make the game tough this year is Bowling Green's physical style of play, especially on the defensive side of the ball, Bobcat center Mike Varone said.

"In some spots, they look real good," he said. "We're going to have to come out sound and fire out hard in order for us to have a chance."

Perhaps Bowling Green's biggest defensive threat is Varone's former high school teammate, linebacker Joe O'Neill. Last year, he racked up a team-best 95 tackles at both the inside and outside positions. Now, he has moved to the outside position, Varone said.

"They've got guys that will fight, even after the whistle," he said. "He's one of them. They put Joe on the outside to stop the perimeter plays, which he is excellent at."

Based on what the Falcon defense did to Ohio last year, the Bobcats will have to fight for every yard they get, Head Coach Jim Grobe said.

"Last year, they basically had their way with our offense," Grobe said. "I think they felt like they figured out some things to do against us and to stop our offense."

For Ohio's offense to succeed against Bowling Green, it will need consistent execution and consistent effort, as well as a hard-nosed performance from its offensive line, Grobe said.

"We need some steady play that doesn't go up and down

like a yo-yo, especially in funda

mentals like blocking and tackling," he said.

Offensively, the Falcons will battle Ohio through the air with three dominant receivers. Last week, Kurt Gerling and Aaron Alexander each earned more than 100 yards receiving. Robert Redd contributed three straight 100-yard receiving games earlier in the season.

The quarterback position has been split between junior Ricky Schneider and freshman Andy Sahm. Schneider has led the way with 10 touchdown passes in five games.

Because both teams are coming into Saturday's game with two-game losing streaks, they will have similar attitudes on the field, Grobe said.

"They're like us," he said. "They need a win."