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Playing two SEC schools right off the bat is not exactly the definition of an easy start. A Week 3 blowout loss to Chattanooga didn't make things any easier.
Teams have passed for only 547 yards against the Governors, but it so happens that way because the Governors have been gashed for 754 rushing yards in their first three games. They have given up an eye-popping 77 points in the second quarter this season. Just in case you can't do math (let's face it, you're a fan of some good #MACtion, of course you can do math) that's nearly 26 points a game in the second quarter alone. Ay caramba that's a lot.
The Ohio Valley Conference squad yielded 39.5 points a game in 2012, in addition to allowing 1,000 more yards of total offense more than they could muster. Undoubtedly the Governors have to improve upon their takeaway ability as they only took the ball from opponents 17 times a year ago, and have done so four times thus far this year.
Ohio has to be looking to get back on track running the ball. Is this the game they do it? Sure vs North Texas the run game looked fine, but the Bobcats surely want to see their run game get back to the dominance it enjoyed a year ago. As injury is affecting Ohio this season, much as it did last year, several key lineman have gone down. But the beat goes on, and some younger fellas are in for good. For Ohio, this has got to be the week where things start to look brighter against a not so stout rush defense.
Ohio fans should expect a bit more of the zone read in upcoming games. It is something Ohio has been running, but you might see Tyler Tettleton actually keep the ball a few times. And after Derrius Vick led the squad in rushing a week ago, expect to see him exercising his legs while he runs around the end for a good bit of the afternoon as the Bobcats are likely to be sitting pretty. Ohio fans saw plenty of Vick last year vs Norfolk State (well, he did start) and they should expect to see plenty of him Saturday.
Hopefully this week will be a good down week for some bruised up guys and Keith Moore will find himself back in the lineup when Ohio returns to MAC play.
A 34-31 victory in the Battle for the Bell was an encouraging sign for the Bobcats. Austin Peay will have to be more than good if they expect to not get their butts kicked.