Why am I more optimistic about his potential than most of our fanbase?

Obviously, that's a trick question since I am ALWAYS more optimistic than most of our fanbase... However, I already took the green kool-aid into account and something still doesn't add up. The hype around Rourke just isn't where it deserves to be.

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I "get" the hype that surrounds a potential transfer QB from a program that is a national championship contender annually. That hype is only compounded when it's a local kid who is also the son of one of our coordinators. What I don't "get" is the skepticism around Nathan Rourke.

There were 8 QB's in FBS last year who ran for more yards than Rourke. Four were in triple option offenses.
Here are the other four:
1. Lamar Jackson (won a Heisman at Louisville, now in NFL)
2. Quinton Flowers (led USF to undefeated championship season, now in NFL)
3. Nick Fitzgerald (Mississippi State, injury forcing off-season surgery has dialed down the publicity but still widely considered likely NFL prospect)
4. Khalil Tate (Arizona, numerous publications have named him as one of the "must-watch" players in the NCAA this year and is widely listed as a top NFL propsect)

Then you have Nathan Rourke. Ran for nearly 900 yards last season and led an Ohio offense that ranked 14th nationally in points per game. While our four loses were particularly disappointing because of how costly they were for our season goals, even in those games we managed to score over 20 points in all of them. Nathan Rourke was 2nd nationally in rushing touchdowns last season. Not just among Quarterbacks... 2nd period.

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We lost some key players on defense... That isn't the case on offense. Our lineman are back. Papi White is back. Elijah Ball returns from injury. Irons and Ouellette are back.

I can count on ONE hand the number of years where a transfer quarterback is something LESS important for Ohio Football. Rourke showcased all the skills necessary last year to run Frank Solich iteration of #MACtion to perfection.

It wouldn't take much progression from Rourke and this offense for the upcoming season to feature the most exciting offense in Ohio history.

I like the way you think.

My standard for OHIO offenses is 1960 and 1968. I will be the first to bestow on 2018 team the moniker of all-time best is your optimism proves accurate!

I am excited to see what he grows into this season. Hope the chemistry developed between all the weapons on O mesh well. A game against Fickell's UC outfit and a Virginia unit that has rapidly improved under Mendenhall should be a load for any team in the country this year. We're gonna need to bring A-games in both of those or they could get ugly in a hurry.

Season ticket renewal deadlines are approaching and that is about the time for the fans to get pumped up about the season and forget the Burrow side story. Yes we did lose some players on defense but it doesn't matter because this is a program over a 20 year period that has played above average D with all the tough in-state kids to draw upon. There have been some lapses and a unit that underperforms here and there but its been reliable for the most part. This staff has always done a good job of developing WRs too, finding quality every year. My guess is if the program just does its typical reloading next year while it has an all-MAC QB under center it will be a great season.

B-I-N-G-O! The devasting injuries at the running back position towards the end of the year didn’t help either.

Totally totally agree about the excitement for Rourke. Me thinks maybe his ceiling is higher than Tettleton’s ever was. Now cut down on the turnovers.

I think we beat Virginia comfortably. As mentioned, their offense didn't perform well last year and I just read that they return only five defensive linemen before bringing in their freshmen recruits. Could be a good day to pound the run game and then set up the homerun balls.

So, what’s our odds of bing in a New Years Day 6 game? I’d have to think they would be pretty high.

Athlon rates Ohio's QB 26 out of 130. Below is some information on
#26-#22. Ohio needs to keep this guy healthy and hope for the best. Expectations are high, but to win all of the games in Sept. will be a very difficult chore.



26. Nathan Rourke, Ohio

Rourke was one of the MAC’s top breakout players last season. After taking over as the team’s starter in the third game of 2017, Rourke helped Ohio’s offense lead the MAC in scoring offense (39.1 ppg) and second in yards per play (6.4). The junior college product threw for 2,203 yards and 17 scores, but his biggest asset was the ability to make plays on the ground. Rourke finished second on the team with 912 rushing yards and tied for third nationally with 21 touchdowns on the ground.



25. Alex Hornibrook, Wisconsin

It’s no secret Wisconsin is going to ride its offensive line and running back Jonathan Taylor in an effort to win the Big Ten’s West Division again. However, the Badgers won’t be a one-dimensional offense in 2018. Hornibrook seems poised to elevate his performance a step higher after throwing for 2,644 yards and 25 scores last fall. The Pennsylvania native has to play better against some of the top teams in the Big Ten and must eliminate the turnovers (15 INTs). However, with a standout receiving corps in place, Hornibrook should take a step forward in his development.



Related: Early Top 50 NFL Draft Prospects for 2019



24. Kyle Shurmur, Vanderbilt

Shurmur quietly finished 2017 ranked second among SEC quarterbacks with 26 touchdown tosses. Over 12 contests, Shurmur threw for 2,823 yards and connected on 57.9 percent of his throws. Shurmur also eclipsed 300 or more yards in three out of Vanderbilt’s last five games in 2017.



23. Eric Dungey, Syracuse

Syracuse has to retool its receiving corps after the departures of Steve Ishmael and Ervin Phillips, but the path to a bowl game hinges on keeping Dungey healthy. The Oregon native has missed the final three contests in each of the last three years due to injury. When healthy, Dungey is among the ACC’s top quarterbacks. In nine appearances last season, he threw for 2,495 yards and 14 scores and rushed for 595 yards and nine touchdowns. If Dungey is limited at any point in 2018, Syracuse will turn to intriguing redshirt freshman Tommy DeVito – a four-star recruit in the 2017 signing class.



22. Malcolm Perry, Navy

Perry opened the 2017 season at slot back but closed out the year as Navy’s starting quarterback for three out of the last five games. In Perry’s three starts, he accumulated 646 rushing yards (including 250 against Army) and recorded seven scores. The Tennessee native finished 2017 with 1,182 yards and 11 scores on the ground, while accumulating five passing yards. And here’s an interesting stat: Perry attempted only one pass in his three starts last year. He’s due for a breakout campaign as Navy’s No. 1 quarterback in 2018.