Ohio Football Topic
Topic: Obsessive Rourke Injury Watch
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Mike Johnson
11/17/2022 11:30 PM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
If he is (being allowed to) walk around without crutches, then I can’t imagine how this would keep him out next week.

This has reminded me of a game years ago that many of you certainly saw; the famous Byron Leftwitch in a fireman’s carry game. One of the most amazing things I’ve witnessed in sports. A QB who was unable to walk, much less run, chewing up an OU defense while being carried by his O line between plays. Maybe we need that kind of mindset here.
That actually happened against Akron. He chewed up Ohio's D plenty, but did not need carried those days.

Leftwich was a completely immobile QB with an accurate, rocket arm. running was just never part of his game.

Now we have to consider whether Rourke will play and just be a statue and whether our offense can move that way, or if the "full Rourke" will be on display.

Either way, I hope CJ and Cal are both getting some reps in this week.
We need some corroboration. I have never seen a Marshall -Akron game but I know I saw linemen carrying Leftwitch. Somewhere.
Watched that game on TV in a friend's dorm room in Perkins Hall my freshman year as we were getting ready for the Halloween Party uptown. This was the same season the Cats fell to Akron as part of the infamous "roughing the snapper" penalty.

Ohio was still alive in the East race at this point and a Marshall loss would have been huge. The Marshall O-linemen literally helped carry Leftwich down the field play after play as they moved the ball as he could not put hardly any weight on an injured leg. While I was obviously cheering against Marshall, it was a pretty incredible thing to see for many reasons. Clips have been used in many commercials for sports over the years-ESPN or otherwise.

Marshall won and came from behind to do so, IIRC.

At least the Cats beat Marshall at home later that year to end on a high note. Then Grobe left for Wake a few weeks later.........
The roughing the snapper penalty was 2000, Grobe's last year, and yes we beat Marshall, however...... The infamous game against Akron with the broken leg was 2002 his last year, and Marshall lost that game.
I think the score was 37-20 Akron.
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BuddyLee
11/18/2022 3:01 PM
So what is the official injury? We should know something by now right? Gotta be some insiders on this board.
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sargentfan
11/18/2022 4:04 PM
BuddyLee wrote:expand_more
So what is the official injury? We should know something by now right? Gotta be some insiders on this board.
My source saw Rourke yesterday, he wasn't on crutches but when he was taking the stairs he did so with care. From what they know he had a follow-up medical appointment today (Friday).

I expect he might be able to play, but you won't see any QB runs if he does.
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BillyTheCat
11/18/2022 5:14 PM
BuddyLee wrote:expand_more
So what is the official injury? We should know something by now right? Gotta be some insiders on this board.
That damn HIPPA.
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colobobcat66
11/18/2022 8:28 PM
I’m not believing that we will see Kurtis playing on Tuesday. I just can’t. I do hope I’m wrong, because it certainly could be so much worse. Of course I’m not a doctor, but I can’t get over that pain level I saw expressed on the field the other night. That really hurt to watch.
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OhioBobcat
11/18/2022 10:45 PM
I personally think the smart thing to do would be to not play Rourke in this game if he's not at or close to 100%. If he's at that point, fine, but if he's not, then he shouldn't play. Anything less would be negligent on Ohio's part. Ohio should still win with or without him and there's more football to be played this season win or lose this game. The bigger risk would be to play him if he's not close or at 100% and further risk damaging the knee structurally. That would potentially cost him to miss some or all of next year as well. He has two more years of eligibility after this season. One or two games is simply not worth that kind of risk. It's just not.
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Bobcat Jerry
11/19/2022 7:37 AM
If Rourke has (2) years left of eligibility we may see some very talented "portal" transfers wanting to join and be a part of multiple MAC championships. There's got to be more OSU second and third string players in Columbus looking to start next year.
Last Edited: 11/19/2022 7:40:17 AM by Bobcat Jerry
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spongeBOB CATpants
11/19/2022 11:06 AM
Bobcat Jerry wrote:expand_more
If Rourke has (2) years left of eligibility we may see some very talented "portal" transfers wanting to join and be a part of multiple MAC championships. There's got to be more OSU second and third string players in Columbus looking to start next year.
I'm hoping we don't see a very talented QB hit the portal...

I've read that his brother is going to meet with over 2 dozen NFL teams shortly.
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Victory
11/19/2022 2:10 PM
Bobcat Jerry wrote:expand_more
If Rourke has (2) years left of eligibility we may see some very talented "portal" transfers wanting to join and be a part of multiple MAC championships. There's got to be more OSU second and third string players in Columbus looking to start next year.
Or the opposite happens and it's Rourke who enters the portal.
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The Optimist
11/19/2022 5:29 PM
sargentfan wrote:expand_more
So what is the official injury? We should know something by now right? Gotta be some insiders on this board.
he wasn't on crutches but when he was taking the stairs he did so with care.
Read this as "he did so with a cane" and was concerned
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ytownbobcat
11/19/2022 10:43 PM
The best messaging on this from Coach Albin should be that it will be a game time decision.
Keeps all options open and keeps BG guessing.
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colobobcat66
11/20/2022 9:25 AM
ytownbobcat wrote:expand_more
The best messaging on this from Coach Albin should be that it will be a game time decision.
Keeps all options open and keeps BG guessing.
Typical coach speak, what would you expect him to say? Good job Tim.
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L.C.
11/20/2022 10:59 AM
colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
The best messaging on this from Coach Albin should be that it will be a game time decision.
Keeps all options open and keeps BG guessing.
Typical coach speak, what would you expect him to say? Good job Tim.

As I see it, there are essentially 3 possibilities:
1. He can't play
2. He might play
3. He can play

Regardless of which is true, I expect to hear that he might play, and I will not be surprised to see Kurtis suited up. I do expect Harris to start, but beyond that, I have no idea whether Kurtis will play. I think Ohio can beat BG without Kurtis, so I lean towards him not being needed, and not playing, even if he could play.
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72 Guy
11/20/2022 1:45 PM
Suiting Rourke up brings along certain issues and temptations that may not be in his long term interest. In my opinion, this is probably a Go - No Go. Situation. If he is healthy enough to play, he starts. Otherwise let’s roll with Harris.
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BryanHall
11/20/2022 3:09 PM
Wasn't Friday's practice a key to evaluating his availability? Does anyone have any info on how that went?
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sargentfan
11/20/2022 4:55 PM
For those worried that Rourke might leave. I've heard that he is currently in the process of applying to the OHIO Sports Administration Program for Grad School. Doesn't sound like he has eyes for anyone else at the moment.
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M.D.W.S.T
11/20/2022 5:17 PM
Victory wrote:expand_more
If Rourke has (2) years left of eligibility we may see some very talented "portal" transfers wanting to join and be a part of multiple MAC championships. There's got to be more OSU second and third string players in Columbus looking to start next year.
Or the opposite happens and it's Rourke who enters the portal.
Certainly all it takes is one call from Mel Tucker (or any P5), but I think the Rourke's truly love Ohio and everything they've been able to do here with stability. If Kurtis wants to play at the next level, theres nothing holding him back here. Especially not in this offense where he is the focal point, and has a trio of big time WR. He can look to his brother for all the motivation one needs. I think we're safe.
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OhioCatFan
11/20/2022 5:42 PM
M.D.W.S.T wrote:expand_more
Certainly all it takes is one call from Mel Tucker (or any P5) . . .
But, as had has been said, I think he won't answer the call.
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OhioBobcat
11/20/2022 8:08 PM
BryanHall wrote:expand_more
Wasn't Friday's practice a key to evaluating his availability? Does anyone have any info on how that went?
That's what Albin said. If he was practicing Friday, he's playing. I remember the days of when students used to post on here and could answer an easy question like this. I used to drop by practice once or twice a week just to see what was going on. Yes, I know sometimes practices are "closed" at some schools. But the answer to this question is hidden in plain sight.
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ExCat21
11/21/2022 9:13 AM
Rourke isnt leaving us for another achool. I think hes applying for grad school but I think he has a shot to go to the NFL combine next year. A serious 3rd to 5th Rd pick next year. (Commanders, Lions and Panthers).

Scouts aren't going to miss this one.
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Andrew Ruck
11/21/2022 12:40 PM
L.C. wrote:expand_more
I do expect Harris to start, but beyond that, I have no idea whether Kurtis will play. I think Ohio can beat BG without Kurtis, so I lean towards him not being needed, and not playing, even if he could play.
This hints at an approach I hadn't considered. Have him ready if the offense sputters with Harris and we need a desperation spark. Not a terrible idea if he is medically cleared but not 100%.

Most of us have been around the last 20 years or so know this situation. I've lost count how many times some flukey / chokey thing causes a weaker team to snatch the MAC East title from us and keep us at home. I'm terrified.
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El Gato Roberto
11/21/2022 1:50 PM
This feels different to me. This team, the defense in particular, have a swagger that is unfamiliar to previous teams. I can hardly wait to see if that swagger continues.
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BillyTheCat
11/21/2022 10:46 PM
Gallia Cat wrote:expand_more
At one time OhioHealth Sports Medicine at Grant downtown handled these types of injuries for Ohio Athletics. Maybe it’s changed but if I’m guessing that’s probably where he went.
OHIO Health is still the contracted institution for athletics. Depends on the need and urgency, but as previously stated it’s all about the folks taking the photos and reading them. However, lots are done locally anymore due to staffing issues in getting athletes to Columbus, especially since the University has gutted the ATC program
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OhioBobcat
11/21/2022 11:15 PM
Andrew Ruck wrote:expand_more
I do expect Harris to start, but beyond that, I have no idea whether Kurtis will play. I think Ohio can beat BG without Kurtis, so I lean towards him not being needed, and not playing, even if he could play.
This hints at an approach I hadn't considered. Have him ready if the offense sputters with Harris and we need a desperation spark. Not a terrible idea if he is medically cleared but not 100%.

Most of us have been around the last 20 years or so know this situation. I've lost count how many times some flukey / chokey thing causes a weaker team to snatch the MAC East title from us and keep us at home. I'm terrified.
Relax, Ohio is not going to lose.
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RSBobcat
11/21/2022 11:36 PM
El Gato Roberto wrote:expand_more
This feels different to me. This team, the defense in particular, have a swagger that is unfamiliar to previous teams. I can hardly wait to see if that swagger continues.
Agree. I think this is the key to the game. Manage that swagger though and avoid stupid penalties that could be "swagger" related.....
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