And thanks for having a team that plays more on emotion than headiness. The Terd was jacked at the start, but deflated pretty quickly after Ohio got a few first downs, and couldn't rebound from adversity late in the game. A big plus for Ohio is their workman-like approach to the game. Not a lot of highs, not a lot of lows, just steady calm throughout the game.
Rivalry emotion aside...Marshall was a strong opponent. Our team needed to dig deep to win. Our margin of victory can be measured by the few more inches of air needed on that last pass by Cato to avoid the heroic reach of Wosley. This was a great win for the cats over a worthy foe in a hostile environment. I believe props are due The Herd...they played a great, great game . Marshall did not lose.. Ohio WON.
I agree. I didn't really have the chance to see Marshall play yet this year, so I was basing much of my opinion on the beating we delivered last year. Cato is (already is?) going to be a stud. He did a great job of making quick reads and delivering the ball on target the whole night. Even though we knew Marshall was going to throw almost every down, we really couldn't get a consistent pass rush on him because of he got rid of the ball so quickly.
They have some impressive skill players too. That offense is going to be hellish to deal with next year. If they can manage to get anything resembling a decent RB that can help keep the defenses off balance, Marshall will be that much tougher to stop.
All that being said, it was great to see this team make plays when game was on the line. For the most part, we just flat out didn't play very well. I can't take any credit away from Marshall because they played a great game, but aside from that second quarter and the last TD drive, we couldn't establish much of a rhythm on offense. Even still, Tettleton stepped up and made one of the most clutch throws I've ever seen considering the situation. That touchdown on 4th and 5 couldn't have been thrown anymore perfect. That's what big time players do. They make plays with the game on the line.
Of course I can't forget the two huge TO's the D forced late in the game. That fumble that set up the game winning field goal was just a case of the Bobcats wanting it more.
The great thing about games like this is you can feel good about the win and beating a good team, but you can look back and realize that there's still a ton to improve on. I'm sure Blankenship won't forget that fumble at the Marshall 30 when we potentially could have put that game away with a TD in the 3rd.
On another note, Boykin and Patterson need to be more involved in the game plan. I really love Blankenship's shitfyness, but he'll be more effective if the carries are spread around a bit more. Boykin and Daz are both great compliments to Blankenship. Wouldn't mind seeing some more two back sets as well.