Ohio's high-scoring offense meets Rutgers stout defense



Bobcats offense to face toughest challenge yet





PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Through three games, Ohio’s no-huddle offense has worked as well as its coaches hoped for, ranking in the top fifth of college football in almost all statistical categories and, more importantly, producing a dominating 3-0 start. The Bobcats, though, will face their toughest defensive challenge of the season in their final non-conference game this weekend when they travel to Rutgers, which ranks among the best in the nation through its first two games. Ohio (3-0) has produced an average of 39.3 points and 477.7 yards per game, but Rutgers (1-1) has allowed only 12.0 points and 262.5 yards per game. “They’re a very, very physical football team and by far the best defensive football team we’ve faced this year, so that’s going to be a challenge in itself,” Ohio coach Frank Solich said. The Scarlet Knights lead the nation in tackles for loss per game (10.5) and are third nationally in sacks (4.5 per game, with all of them coming in the opener against North Carolina Central). Rutgers has surrendered just 70 rushing yards per game. Khaseem Greene leads Rutgers with 17 tackles, including 2.5 for loss. S. Beauharnais and Scott Vallone each have 2.5 tackles for loss, and Justin Francis and Vallone each have accounted for two sacks on the season. Duron Harmon already has three interceptions. “You look at them statistically and where they rank in the country, and you understand what they’re all about defensively,” Solich said. “Pass sacks, they’re third in the country. Tackles for loss, they’re first. Red zone efficiency defense, they’re sixth, and it just goes on like that.” In addition, Rutgers has forced nine turnovers in its first two games, while committing only one, for the top turnover ratio in the country. However, the Scarlet Knights defense will face a big challenge from Ohio’s offense, which has produced 44 points in two of its three games. Quarterback Tyler Tettleton has led the way for the Bobcats, accounting for 10 touchdowns, including seven through the air on 61.7 percent passing for 577 yards with only one interception. He has spread the ball around, with 14 different players making at least one reception this season. LaVon Brazill has been the top target, with 11 catches for 123 yards and three scores. Donte Harden leads the Bobcats in rushing with 217 yards and a 6.0 yards per carry average, but he left last weekend’s victory against Marshall with an injury and the first half, did not return and had not practiced through Wednesday. Harden also leads the nation in kick return average. Ryan Boykin racked up 130 of his 168 yards on the season against the Thundering Herd last week. He is averaging 4.5 yards per carry. “Ohio, what they do schematically, is a real huge challenge,” Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. “They’re running a combination of the pistol that Nevada runs with some of the stuff Frank Solich did at Nebraska in the option game. It’s going to challenge our young group. It’s going to challenge the defensive line, the linebackers and the secondary to see if they can play assignment defense and still maintain their aggressiveness.” At the same time, Ohio’s defense has been solid, ranking in the top 20 nationally in both total defense (274.3) and scoring defense (11.3). Defensive tackle Neal Huynh leads the way with 20 tackles and three tackles for loss. Safety Gerald Moore has 17 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Safety Xavier Hughes and corner back Travis Carrie also have two picks already this year. The Bobcats, who forced six turnovers in the first half against Marshall, have created 11 turnovers total on the season. Rutgers has struggled offensively in the young season, averaging just 247 yards per game. Quarterback Chas Dodd has completed 53.1 percent of his passes for 356 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Carries have been split between De’An Williams (20 for 59 yards), Jawan Jamison (17 for 54 yards) and Savon Huggins (17 for 32 yards). Huggins, a highly-touted true freshman, is expected to make his first career start in hopes of giving a boost to a running game that has averaged just 69 yards per game and 2.1 yards per carry. “There is not a lot of tape on him,” Solich said. “You look at their style of offense and that’s what you try to prepare for him. Obviously, Savon is a great young running back and will have a great year there. It will be difficult for us to control what they’re doing in terms of their offensive talent and the type of physical football they play. It will be a real challenge.” Rutgers also might start a true freshmen or two on the offensive line, having used a bye week following a 24-22 loss to North Carolina to make further evaluations. Solich also said the Scarlet Knights’ receivers will pose a challenge, especially with their size. Mohamed Sanu has half of his team’s receptions (20 for 187 yards) with two touchdowns. “Offensively, they’ll pound it at you, and they’ve got guys up front that can get things done and good skill people,” Solich said. “They’ve got excellent running backs. They’ve got a good combination of things, so we’ll have to play really well to make this thing work.” Ohio middle linebacker Noah Keller (shoulder) has practiced without contact this week and is questionable to play against Rutgers. San San Te has been an outstanding kicker for the Scarlet Knights, having made all five field goal and all seven extra-point tries this season. He has made 49 field goals and 117 extra points in his career and has a career-long 50-yarder this season. Ohio’s Matt Weller has gone 6 of 7 on field goal tries and has made all 14 extra-point attempts. The Bobcats and Scarlet Knights kick off at High Point Solution Stadium at 2 p.m. Saturday.



