Bobcats set to endanger Golden Eagles

by Bill Bender
THE POST

A team from Tennessee has volunteered to come to Peden Stadium. The players will not be dawning sherbet and white jerseys, and their fans will not be singing "Rocky Top," however.

Nevertheless, the Ohio football team is set to collide with Division I-AA foe Tennessee Tech Saturday. Ohio coach Jim Grobe said the Bobcats are focused coming off last week’s 23-17 win against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

"The tendency for most teams after a big win is to have a let down," Grobe said. "We have to be cautious of that, but I don’t think our team will let that happen. We found out last year with Northern Iowa that you can’t take any team for granted."

Division I-AA Northern Iowa ruined Ohio’s home opener last season with a 36-21 upset of the Bobcats. Tennessee Tech comes in 1-0 after beating Harding 29-27. Ohio Z-back Raynald Ray said the team learned from the loss to Northern Iowa.

"We’re going to have to be ready to play," Ray said. "Tennessee Tech is a very physical team. We’re going to have to come out intense with people getting to their assignments."

Ray is one of six backs that helped the Bobcats rack up 364 yards rushing against Minnesota. Running back Chad Brinker leads the team with 184 yards and two touchdowns on the ground this season. Ray, running back Jamel Patterson and quarterback Dontrell Jackson have contributed to Ohio’s ground game.

Grobe said the balanced running attack is because of Jackson’s unselfishness.

"Dontrell’s not a ball hog," Grobe said. "He’s looking to get the ball to the right person. Most of the time the ball is pretty evenly distributed."

Countering the Bobcats vaunted running game is Tennessee Tech middle linebacker Chad Evitts. A preseason All-American in Division I-AA, Evitts led the Golden Eagles with 16 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble against Harding.

Cornerback Jahi Hensley added an interception, fumble recovery and blocked punt for the Golden Eagles. Tennessee Tech surrendered 356 total yards, however.

Ohio guard Zach Holt said the offensive line has to win on the line.

"We have a little more size, but they have the quickness," Holt said. "It’s going to be key for us to keep our feet up front."

Quarterback Grant Swallows calls the shots for the Golden Eagles offense. He was 19 of 28 passing with 212 yards and a rushing touchdown last week. Swallows hit 10 different receivers in the victory.

Trying to stop Swallows from going deep is the Ohio secondary. Cornerback Bop White leads the Bobcats with two interceptions. Safety Chris London led Ohio with seven tackles against Minnesota.

London said the defense wants to make a big impact Saturday.

"We’re going to be flying around trying to make some plays," he said. "They’ve got some pretty good players who will make some plays, but we’re going to do the same. Hopefully, when it’s all over we’re going to come out on top."

The special teams battle could be intriguing. Ohio punter Dave Zastudil averages 44.9 yards a punt while Tennessee Tech boasts another preseason Division I-AA All-American at kicker in David Collett. He hit three field goals against Harding including the game winner with 15 seconds left.

Grobe said Tennessee Tech has a great deal of talent despite the school’s size.

"They have a lot of good football players," Grobe said. "I wouldn’t be surprised if a team similar to Northern Iowa comes in here, but our guys understand that there isn’t a big difference between Division I and I-AA."

Ray said the game is an important springboard into Mid-American Conference play.

"It’s good to be home and give all the people in the school a chance to watch us play," Ray said. "And it would be good to get a win heading into the conference to give us confidence."

Ohio and Tennessee Tech rumble under the lights at 7 p.m. Saturday at Peden Stadium.