Ohio’s rushing machine stalled by Toledo

By Paul Shugar
Staff Writer

The Ohio Football team has a reputation for running teams into the ground, but the Toledo defense did not permit a pounding 10 feet under the "Attack Cat" in a 48-41 Rockets' victory Oct. 6.

Ohio came into the contest averaging the most rushing yards per game in the country. The Bobcats could not even get close to their average of 282.3 yards per game against Toledo. The Rockets held the Bobcats to a meager 67 yards on the ground.

An Ohio offense that usually reaches the 300-yard mark of total offense totaled only 105 yards in the loss.

Ohio coach Brian Knorr said Toledo's talented linebackers contained the Bobcats option.

"Our problem was that we could not get to the perimeter and they just pounded us very hard to the inside," he said. "They (the linebackers) just ran very well considering their size."

Defense and Special teams step up

Both the Ohio defense and special teams showed signs of improvement against Toledo.

The defense scored its first points of the season when a Toledo mishap resulted in a Bobcats touchdown.

Ohio defensive end Art Adams sacked quarterback Tavares Bolden, who fumbled the ball. Ohio safety Joe Sellers recovered the fumble and scooted into the end zone for the touchdown. Sellers said the defense hopes to take advantage of more scoring opportunities.

"The defensive line has to get pressure on the quarterback so the cornerbacks can make plays on the ball and we have to cover well to allow the defensive line time to get to the quarterback and get sacks," he said.

The special teams also stepped up as the offense suffered an off night to help pick up the slack. The special team unit had 106 total yards returning for the night. Ohio receiver Jason Caesar tallied 83 kick return yards, including a 37-yard return that prompted Toledo to use squib kicks during the second half.

Caesar said the special teams unit wants to continue giving the offense a short field.

"Field position is just a critical part of our offense," Caesar said. "Anytime we can average starting at the 35-yard line it will be a big benefit to our offense."

Kerr ties record

With the Bobcats trailing 31-14 late in the first half against Toledo, a potential blowout had unfolded. But Ohio kicker Kevin Kerr swung the momentum meter back in Ohio’s favor with one flick of his leg.

Kerr’s 55-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the first half tied his personal record. He said it would be hard break the 55-yard plateau with the weather getting colder.

In the loss against the Rockets, Kerr faced off against Toledo kicker Todd France. While Kerr hit the longer field goal, France contributed two field goals of more than 40 yards for the Rockets.

France is in the running for the Lou Groza Award, which is given to the best college kicker in the nation each year.

Kerr said playing against other quality kickers enhances his performance.

"I always look at the other kicker and how he does things, but I always concentrate on myself first," he said. "I’m always interested in watching another kicker though, especially France since he is one of the best kickers in the MAC (Mid-American Conference)."