The Boo status has changed to questionable......in my heart I'm hoping it changes to probable.

1. Temple's pass defense is the best in the conference statistically -- however, one thing to leaven us is that they don't pick many passes off. Just seven interceptions in ten games. No one has more than one on their team. Only EMU has a lower number. So Ohio might not have great success in the passing game if they are indeed sans Boo, but I expect that they'll be able to be efficient if Bates can complete the screens and outs and slants we'll see. If Temple is unlikely to take chances in the secondary, I think Ohio can dink and dunk their way down the field -- which actually goes against my first impressions going into this week.

2. Ohio is not going to get more than three and half yards per carry between the tackles, so get to the perimeter in the running game and get Bates warmed up early with a nice set of easy passes. Someone needs to start getting into the quarterbacks heads about how open Jordan Thompson is this season. Only recently have they started exploiting the athleitic advantages he has over MAC linebackers. He's open every play. They just need to look his way. For two years I've been waiting for a Thompson breakout game. I think this one could be it. Just look his way.

3. And Ohio might need to trick them at some point this week. Reverse pass, double reverse, fake punt, fake field goal, flea flicker. Something. One big play likely decides this one, as I can't see either team getting the score past the low-20s. 

4. Ohio's commitment to running the football is admirable. I thought early in the season that they'd have to chuck the playbook and go to a pass heavy spread after the Wofford and Toledo debacles. Not surprisingly, Frank Solich is smarter than me and the offensive line is harder working than I imagined. They've gotten to a respectable position. The fact that Ohio has run it 379 times and now has a per-carry average of 4.6 yards is something I never imagined after Week 3. Kudos to the staff and players sticking to their guns. If they hadn't, this team would have no chance this week if Boo is actually out of the game. Now, they have a puncher's chance even without their starting quarterback, because they can still move it on the ground.

5. If this one is close, both teams have the kickers to win it with the leg. Let's hope it doesn't get that far.

so, this qb for Temple, he throws the forward pass? Why was this switch not made sooner?

Last year, Temple was without Pierce, but they still ran all over us. However, we kept them one-dimensional, so I don't think Pierce makes the difference. However, our secondary the last two weeks has me concerned. I've seen too many receivers beating us deep. Our D really seems to have trouble getting off the field on 3rd down. Much more so than our previous East title teams, where our D has carried us and made huge plays when the O was struggling.

Last year, Theo Scott had the game of his life. Incredible. Now we're on the road. Who can step up with a game of that caliber?

While watching Lesticles (outstanding nickname for Les Miles as tabbed by Bill King) and LSU put the wood to 'Bama this weekend, it occurred to me that we have the perfect personnel to pull off that double toss sweep reverse LSU so eloquently executed.

Whether it's Boo, Phil or 50/50 I'm betting we're going to really see the depth of OUr playbook next Tuesday.

I would expect Temple to be favored in this game, but not more than 6 points, maybe closer to 3.








GO BOBCATS

Will be watching this from the Roosters in Circleville with my friends and family. 

GO CATS!

Bobcat 36..........I like the way you think.............DAK ATTACK that's a great term.









GO BOBCATS

Make it two in a row over PA schools.

By the way, an interesting bit of history: Every time the Cats have had a winning season under Solich, they won the MAC East.

Let's hope....

My son in C-bus has invited me to his hacienda for the game with wings and beer and maybe some tequila.

The only caveat is that I watch most of the Buckeyes B-ball game which comes on at 6.

Can I accept this  compromise?

Thanks Ben.....he wants to me come up so I'll probably take his offer.....any chance the Lodge Bar will be open for the Kent State game......definately would try to make that one.

The line I saw was 7.5.  Turnovers, as usual, will be key.  If Boo plays and is 100% and we do not turn the ball over, I really like our chances.

I'd take the 'Cats even if they were giving 7.5