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Topic: Official Game 6 Thread: Northern Illinois
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Ted Thompson
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Posted: 10/6/2019 10:16 PM
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Use this thread to talk about anything game-related. For away games, we'll have a separate travel thread.

Date: October 12th, 2019 3:30 PM

Opponent: Northern Illinois  (1-4, 0-1 MAC)

Site: Peden Stadium

TV: None

Radio: Ohio Radio or TuneIn Radio

Webcast: ESPN+

Northern Illinois statistics, roster and media guide.

Northern Illinois Fan Site: The Dog Pound

shabamon
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Posted: 10/7/2019 8:59 AM
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The Huskies are not playing good football at the moment. They average fewer than 18 points per game but give up 28. They commit penalties at a frustrating rate, don't move the ball consistently well, and they have suffered multiple player ejections thus far. Their play on the field is counter to what Ohio prides itself in (play mentally tough and don't shoot yourself in the foot with mistakes). They will not generate the same pass rush that Buffalo did, so I would expect a better all-around day from Rourke. I think we will open as about seven point favorites and I will pick us to win by 10, 30-20.
shabamon
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Posted: 10/7/2019 9:41 AM
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The opening line is Ohio -6.5.
bshot44
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Posted: 10/7/2019 11:21 AM
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As someone previously pointed out, Ohio's nail-biter over UB was the 9th straight year the 'Cats have won their MAC opener.

That kind of caught me off-guard ... so I dug a little.

Was was more discouraging that in those 9 years ... only three times did Ohio start a MAC season 2-0. 2015, 2016 and the 2012 year where started 7-0, got nationally ranked before that dreadful Miami loss that started the downward spiral of that season.

2011 - Beat Kent, Lost at UB
2012 - Beat UB, Beat Akron
2013 - Beat Akron, Lost to CMU (Homecoming flop)
2014 - Beat Kent, Lost at CMU
2015 - Beat Akron, Beat Miami (rare homecoming win) ... then lost 3 straight blowouts
2016 - Beat Miami, Beat BG then lost to EMU at home
2017 - Beat EMU, Lost to CMU (another homecoming flop)
2018 - Beat Kent, Lost at NIU
2019 - Beat UB, TBD vs NIU (homecoming)

Let's hope that recent historical trends don't repeat itself on Saturday. Ohio rarely starts a MAC season 2-0 ... only four times in Solich's 15 years (the other being 2009)
Andrew Ruck
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Posted: 10/7/2019 12:59 PM
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Thank you for that depressing information, bshot.
GoCats105
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Posted: 10/7/2019 1:02 PM
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shabamon wrote:expand_more
The Huskies are not playing good football at the moment. They average fewer than 18 points per game but give up 28. They commit penalties at a frustrating rate, don't move the ball consistently well, and they have suffered multiple player ejections thus far. Their play on the field is counter to what Ohio prides itself in (play mentally tough and don't shoot yourself in the foot with mistakes). They will not generate the same pass rush that Buffalo did, so I would expect a better all-around day from Rourke. I think we will open as about seven point favorites and I will pick us to win by 10, 30-20.
I'm wondering how much of that is playing three Power 5 teams in their first five games. It's still NIU and still time for them to turn it around, just like they did last year.

That 6.5 number scares me. When was the last time NIU was a 6 point dog against any MAC team?
Last Edited: 10/7/2019 1:04:29 PM by GoCats105
OUcats82
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Posted: 10/7/2019 2:12 PM
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GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
The Huskies are not playing good football at the moment. They average fewer than 18 points per game but give up 28. They commit penalties at a frustrating rate, don't move the ball consistently well, and they have suffered multiple player ejections thus far. Their play on the field is counter to what Ohio prides itself in (play mentally tough and don't shoot yourself in the foot with mistakes). They will not generate the same pass rush that Buffalo did, so I would expect a better all-around day from Rourke. I think we will open as about seven point favorites and I will pick us to win by 10, 30-20.
I'm wondering how much of that is playing three Power 5 teams in their first five games. It's still NIU and still time for them to turn it around, just like they did last year.

That 6.5 number scares me. When was the last time NIU was a 6 point dog against any MAC team?
I'm sure that has played a major part. Definitely had one of the more challenging non-conference schedules in the MAC. Ohio would not have any better of a record IMHO against the same slate sans maybe Ball State.

They are coming into this game as a wounded animal and I fully expect them to scrap and claw with everything to get back on track. Was not exactly thrilled to see they lost to Ball State at home.

All that being said, the Cats need to come out and get their paws on their throat and leave them there for 60 minutes. When a team is reeling they need to be kept on that downward spiral. Hope the Cats also have a little revenge on their minds after losing last year in Dekalb.

Quick glance at their stats show they like to air it out more than 2 to 1 rushing.

Big Homecoming crowd will hopefully give a big edge.
Last Edited: 10/7/2019 2:13:10 PM by OUcats82
Pataskala
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Posted: 10/7/2019 9:02 PM
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Over the last 5-10 years NIU has won games with defense. Last year they scored 30+ points only three times in 14 games and won the MACCG. They beat BYU 7-6. The year before they scored 30+ vs 1A opponents five times (once in OT), beat Nebraska 21-17 and went 8-5. My guess is that the first team to 24 pts Saturday wins.
AlumDadDad
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Posted: 10/8/2019 9:28 AM
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Frank mentioned in the presser yesterday that he expects Ross back at RB for NIU. If he can stay healthy, having Ross, Allison, and Tuggle all available will be a shot in the arm.

To me, the biggest concern I have on offense is doing a better job of protecting Rourke's blind side. Too many hits/sacks/TOs coming from the left edge. We're big over there, but look too slow against a good edge rusher. Frank mentioned adjusting schemes to give help there during the Buffalo game. Hopefully the right adjustments can be made this week. Hard to win when you give up that many sacks (not to mention injury potential from those kind of hits).
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Posted: 10/8/2019 10:49 AM
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Looking at the early forecast there is a chance of rain in the morning and tapering out by early afternoon. If the rain sticks around a bit longer and keeps the turf wet it should help with keeping NIU out of the air
NIU007b
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Posted: 10/8/2019 10:52 AM
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AlumDadDad wrote:expand_more
Frank mentioned in the presser yesterday that he expects Ross back at RB for NIU. If he can stay healthy, having Ross, Allison, and Tuggle all available will be a shot in the arm.

To me, the biggest concern I have on offense is doing a better job of protecting Rourke's blind side. Too many hits/sacks/TOs coming from the left edge. We're big over there, but look too slow against a good edge rusher. Frank mentioned adjusting schemes to give help there during the Buffalo game. Hopefully the right adjustments can be made this week. Hard to win when you give up that many sacks (not to mention injury potential from those kind of hits).
We don't have much of a pass rush so you should be okay there. And if you score more than 21 points you'll almost certainly win, unless our WRs start getting open and also catching the ball.
OUcats82
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Posted: 10/8/2019 12:37 PM
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Our secondary has been a good tonic for many a passing game struggling for production over the years :\
Last Edited: 10/8/2019 12:38:55 PM by OUcats82
TWT
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Posted: 10/8/2019 8:31 PM
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Ross is expected back in the lineup for NIU after sitting out since Pitt. The depth issues at RB of the past couple of weeks are subsiding.

https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2019/10/ohio-bobcat...
TWT
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Posted: 10/8/2019 8:34 PM
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NIU007b wrote:expand_more
Frank mentioned in the presser yesterday that he expects Ross back at RB for NIU. If he can stay healthy, having Ross, Allison, and Tuggle all available will be a shot in the arm.

To me, the biggest concern I have on offense is doing a better job of protecting Rourke's blind side. Too many hits/sacks/TOs coming from the left edge. We're big over there, but look too slow against a good edge rusher. Frank mentioned adjusting schemes to give help there during the Buffalo game. Hopefully the right adjustments can be made this week. Hard to win when you give up that many sacks (not to mention injury potential from those kind of hits).
We don't have much of a pass rush so you should be okay there. And if you score more than 21 points you'll almost certainly win, unless our WRs start getting open and also catching the ball.
Opportunities for Ohio to capitalize with some picks if you have to throw.
Ted Thompson
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Posted: 10/8/2019 11:02 PM
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Ted Thompson
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Posted: 10/8/2019 11:03 PM
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Rufusbobcat94
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Posted: 10/9/2019 12:34 AM
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Andrew Ruck wrote:expand_more
Thank you for that depressing information, bshot.
A+
Rufusbobcat94
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Posted: 10/9/2019 12:58 AM
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The future looks bright for the Bobcats in the MAC East.

The run defense Ohio played vs Buffalo cannot be understated in terms of improvement.

North Illinois should be one of the easier offenses to defend against so far this season but I wouldnt count NIU out because they played a difficult non-conference schedule, so it is hard to know exactly where they are as a team.

Props to Ball State for getting a win over NIU, regardless of the way they did it. That being said, the Cardinal's win was BS: 95 out of 100 times, the Cardinals lose that game.

NIU still has a pretty good defense so we need to continue to improve on offense. Ohio may have its top three RBs back for this game plus its starting center, which will obviously help.

Ohio's offense has been very close to clicking and I think they figure it out soon. With a key players back in the run game and NIU's 94th-ranked rushing yards allowed on defense, I think Ohio should be able to sustain drives through the run.
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 10/9/2019 4:24 AM
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Rufusbobcat94 wrote:expand_more
The future looks bright for the Bobcats in the MAC East.

The run defense Ohio played vs Buffalo cannot be understated in terms of improvement.

North Illinois should be one of the easier offenses to defend against so far this season but I wouldnt count NIU out because they played a difficult non-conference schedule, so it is hard to know exactly where they are as a team.

Props to Ball State for getting a win over NIU, regardless of the way they did it. That being said, the Cardinal's win was BS: 95 out of 100 times, the Cardinals lose that game.

NIU still has a pretty good defense so we need to continue to improve on offense. Ohio may have its top three RBs back for this game plus its starting center, which will obviously help.

Ohio's offense has been very close to clicking and I think they figure it out soon. With a key players back in the run game and NIU's 94th-ranked rushing yards allowed on defense, I think Ohio should be able to sustain drives through the run.
Improvement? Or lesser competition? The East is atrocious, the West is not much better. This team did not wake up over night and become magically better! What they did do is continue to give great effort, work hard and play against players who were simply not better than them.
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Posted: 10/9/2019 11:04 AM
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BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
Improvement? Or lesser competition? The East is atrocious, the West is not much better. This team did not wake up over night and become magically better! What they did do is continue to give great effort, work hard and play against players who were simply not better than them.

Any thoughts as to why Solich called the Buffalo game "a tremendously satisfying win", and said that among the wins in his career, "this one ranks up there"?
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 10/9/2019 11:31 AM
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L.C. wrote:expand_more
Improvement? Or lesser competition? The East is atrocious, the West is not much better. This team did not wake up over night and become magically better! What they did do is continue to give great effort, work hard and play against players who were simply not better than them.

Any thoughts as to why Solich called the Buffalo game "a tremendously satisfying win", and said that among the wins in his career, "this one ranks up there"?
Sure, look at his record in Buffalo! Buffalo has been a graveyard for some pretty good Bobcat teams. Also, seeing his team rebound from the 1-3 start every coach is going to worry about the response, and a gutty win is always satisfying. Nothing but positive came out of Saturday. But let's be honest, its not like beating Buffalo was a huge upset, Ohio was the favorite, pre-season favorite, power rankings favorite, etc,. However, still nice to walk out of there with a win.
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Posted: 10/9/2019 5:20 PM
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BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
Improvement? Or lesser competition? The East is atrocious, the West is not much better. This team did not wake up over night and become magically better! What they did do is continue to give great effort, work hard and play against players who were simply not better than them.

Any thoughts as to why Solich called the Buffalo game "a tremendously satisfying win", and said that among the wins in his career, "this one ranks up there"?
Sure, look at his record in Buffalo! Buffalo has been a graveyard for some pretty good Bobcat teams. Also, seeing his team rebound from the 1-3 start every coach is going to worry about the response, and a gutty win is always satisfying. Nothing but positive came out of Saturday. But let's be honest, its not like beating Buffalo was a huge upset, Ohio was the favorite, pre-season favorite, power rankings favorite, etc,. However, still nice to walk out of there with a win.

I agree with all that.

I'm not going to knock Buffalo, though; they led the MAC in preseason all-conference players, so they aren't bereft of talent. Also, they crushed Miami in most ways, but lost the turnover battle 4-0, including a pick six, and in doing so, gift-wrapped a win for Miami. I think that when the season is complete, they will turn out to be one of the better teams in the MAC. No, they aren't great; no one in the MAC is. But, they aren't bad, either.

That game is behind us, though. Now, can they beat an NIU team that is no doubt not happy about losing to Ball State, and which wants to salvage this season?
colobobcat66
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Posted: 10/9/2019 10:09 PM
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BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
Improvement? Or lesser competition? The East is atrocious, the West is not much better. This team did not wake up over night and become magically better! What they did do is continue to give great effort, work hard and play against players who were simply not better than them.

Any thoughts as to why Solich called the Buffalo game "a tremendously satisfying win", and said that among the wins in his career, "this one ranks up there"?
Sure, look at his record in Buffalo! Buffalo has been a graveyard for some pretty good Bobcat teams. Also, seeing his team rebound from the 1-3 start every coach is going to worry about the response, and a gutty win is always satisfying. Nothing but positive came out of Saturday. But let's be honest, its not like beating Buffalo was a huge upset, Ohio was the favorite, pre-season favorite, power rankings favorite, etc,. However, still nice to walk out of there with a win.
I think Ohio was picked to win the MAC primarily for 1 reason-we had Nathan Rourke. Unfortunately football is a team sport and the replacements for the many seniors we lost are still learning. Hopefully the team can come together and Ohio will end up as the best team. Only time will tell.
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Posted: 10/9/2019 11:53 PM
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Rufusbobcat94 wrote:expand_more
Thank you for that depressing information, bshot.
A+
Don't shoot the messenger boys.

I wasn't excited when I stumbled across that ... but facts are facts.

Solich & Co get another chance to change the narrative of their tenure on Saturday against your defending MAC Champs that will be scratching & clawing trying to keep their MAC West hopes alive.

This has traditionally not been a spot Ohio has excelled in for whatever reason ... but they just haven't.

Flip the script Saturday.

Should be a GREAT atmosphere ... hopefully a sold out, packed homecoming crowd. Real chance to pick up some serious momentum heading into meat of MAC season.
Last Edited: 10/9/2019 11:54:18 PM by bshot44
El Gato Roberto
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Posted: 10/10/2019 1:42 PM
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bshot44 wrote:expand_more
Thank you for that depressing information, bshot.
A+
Don't shoot the messenger boys.

I wasn't excited when I stumbled across that ... but facts are facts.

Solich & Co get another chance to change the narrative of their tenure on Saturday against your defending MAC Champs that will be scratching & clawing trying to keep their MAC West hopes alive.

This has traditionally not been a spot Ohio has excelled in for whatever reason ... but they just haven't.

Flip the script Saturday.

Should be a GREAT atmosphere ... hopefully a sold out, packed homecoming crowd. Real chance to pick up some serious momentum heading into meat of MAC season.
"Flip the Script" - love it! Go Cats!
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