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Ohio Bobcats 2014 NCAA Football Gambling Odds & Predictions

2014-15 Football Previews – (MAC) – Bobcats

Ohio went 7-6 last year in what was a disappointing season to most Bobcats fans. Ohio returned seven offensive starters from a group that averaged 445 yards per game in 2012. They managed to gain only 379 yards per game last year.

They were blown out 37-20 by East Carolina in their bowl game, and now the Bobcats have to replace many key starters on offense.

Ohio

Mid American Conference 2014-2015 College Football Preview- Ohio Bobcats
Head Coach: Frank Solich
2013 Record: 7-6
Ohio Gambling Odds to win the MAC: +2,800
Season Win Total Gambling Odds: 6.5
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Ohio returns just four starters on offense. The Bobcats must replace their starting quarterback, top two running backs, and their top wide receiver. That’s definitely discouraging for fans, but at the same time, the Bobcats should be stronger in the trenches than they have been in recent years. Even though last year was a disappointment, Frank Solich has done a great job with this team overall, and they are always a contender in the MAC East.

Team Strengths:

Even though Ohio replaces their starting quarterback from a year ago, the Bobcats should be in good shape here. Derrius Vick is a playmaker and he gives the team a very good runner at the quarterback position. Solich’s offense typically is at its best when the quarterback is athletic and able to make plays with his feet. Look for Vick to be a great fit.

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The defensive line is a real area of strength for Ohio. The Bobcats allowed 4.4 and 4.6 yards per carry in the last two seasons, but I expect that number to go way down this year. Tarell Bashem is a star in the making at the defensive end spot and the defensive tackle rotation is terrific for Ohio. This defensive line will be much better in 2014.

I’m not sure there is a better coaching staff in the MAC than what Frank Solich has assembled at Ohio. The Bobcats are disappointed with last year’s results, and I have no doubt that Solich has them working extremely hard to make 2014 a year where they exceed expectations.

Team Weaknesses:

Ohio lacks depth and playmakers at the running back spot. The Bobcats will miss Boykin and Blankenship here. Daz’mond Patterson can be electrifying at times, but he has proven that he isn’t an every down back.
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The offensive line has held this team back many times the last couple years. I really believe the offensive front is the primary reason Ohio didn’t match expectations last year. Ohio returns three starters, but none of them have been particularly impressive. The offensive front will be an issue again this season.

Ohio could be in a little trouble at the linebacker spot this season. The Bobcats have a major question mark at one of the outside linebacker spots. This is one of the thinnest positions on the roster for Ohio, and if any of their starters get injured this group is in major trouble.

2014-2015 Ohio Bobcats Gambling Prediction: 6-6

I really like Ohio’s coaching staff, but there are lots of concerns here from a talent standpoint. Another massive problem is their schedule, which looks very difficult. Ohio does get to host Bowling Green and Northern Illinois, but road games against Kent State, Kentucky, and Marshall is a tough way for a young team to start the season.

2014 Ohio Schedule

  • 8/30/14 6:00 PM ET @KENT
  • 9/6/14 3:30 PM ET @UK
  • 9/13/14 12:00 PM ET @MRSH
  • 9/20/14 TBD IDHO
  • 9/27/14 TBD EIU
  • 10/4/14 TBD @CMU
  • 10/11/14 2:00 PM ET BGSU
  • 10/18/14 TBD AKR
  • 10/25/14 TBD @WMU
  • 11/5/14 8:00 PM ET BUFF
  • 11/18/14 8:00 PM ET NIU
  • 11/25/14 7:00 PM ET @M-OH

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By Kyle Hunter

Kyle Hunter sports picks – A degree in finance and a great ability to follow important trends and statistics set him apart from the rest. Totals are Kyle's specialty, so look for a lot of totals picks from NBA, NCAAF, & the NFL. Check out his plays today.