Going back to the Brian Knorr era, I've found myself wondering about the effectiveness of Ohio's strength and conditioning training.  Reason: Although the number of injuries this season was abnormal, in previous seasons Ohio has endured a stunning number of serious injuries. 

Some observers could find themselves asking: Could any level of effectriveness in strength training help ward off injuries? 

Answer: Yes.  Simply put, stronger players are less likely to be forced into positions where injuries are more likely to occur.  Example: A defensive lineman is outmuscled by an opponent, causing the DL to fall awkwardly. 

Conditioning is similarly a factor in injuries - or avoiding them.  A tired player is more likely to be positioned in  ways more conducive to being injured.

Could a change in Ohio's strength and conditioning coaching lead to fewer serious injuries?  Possibly.  But hiring a lead strength and conditioning coach without previous lead coaching experience is like hiring a head coach without previous head coaching experience.  It's a crapshoot.

That's what Coach Solich says about virtually every upcoming opponent.  I expect that other coaches do likewise. 

I agree that some injuries result from freak happenings, including non-contact moves.  I do, though, firmly believe that effective strength and conditioning coaching wards off many other injuries. 

Ding ding ding ding.....winner winner chicken dinner.

Thanks, Doc, for the imprimatur; for Mike: I was talking about remarks coaches made AFTER Ohio played them not pregame coach speak.

The game gets faster and more violent every year and coach Solich makes a point of recruiting toughness.  OL wear knee braces because on every play on the line there is an injury waiting to happen.  The DL might risk it without braces.  I am surprised there are not more plays like the one when Neal and Carl both were hurt.  Most blocks and tackles, if off the field, would be assault with intent to commit bodily harm.  The college game is what the pros used to be, high school is what college used to be. The violence is extreme.  The lifting is done to develop explosive power and the athlete's body is developed to the edge.  They lift a routine to muscle failure to find their max, then another routine of lifting to a new/higher max, then again, and again. When you constantly are challenging the muscles, stuff happens.  Coach Solich was at Nebraska when weight/strength training began under Boyd Epley.  He has seen it evolve with nutrition.  I can not believe there is a more aware or better head coach than he concerning strength and conditioning. Ohio will be outresourced in this area when others have unlimited $$$$, but, Ohio coaches will make the best use of what they have.

I love the OHIO Bobcats!  They are my family and I will always be there for them.