2016 Week 1 Preview: Ohio Bobcats vs Texas State Bobcats

The Ohio Bobcats look to start the season strong on Saturday after finishing 8-5 last season. The Bobcats played very well at home last year going 5-1 in their six home games. In their bowl game they faced the famous underdogs Appalachian State in a back forth game losing 31-29. The Bobcats of Ohio boast a very impressive streak of seven straight bowl eligibility seasons and are looking for their 8th in 2016.

It's the Bobcats first time being at home in five years as they have went 4-1 in season openers. The Bobcats roster is fairly young as they only have 14 seniors on their roster. Ohio has been picked to finish second in the MAC East behind Bowling Green which sounds about right for this team. The offense averaged 27 points and 410 yards of total offense last year.

Texas State is fairly new to Division 1 football after changing their name and building newer facilities. They return only 10 starters as most of their offensive weapons have graduated. Tyler Jones is the name to watch as the senior quarterback is within reach of their all-time passing yards record. He will however have to do it without his top four receivers from 2015 and a new tailback. Their defense they only return four starters so it looks like their may be some growing pains for this young team in 2016.

Greg Windham era begins as the red shirt senior was nabbed the 2016 Ohio starting quarterback. Windham will look to Sebastian Smith as he's an impact deep threat for the Bobcasts. He put together a great season in 2015 with 64 receptions and 770 yards with seven touchdowns. He'll look to add to that list as he's only 19 receptions away from 6th all time in Ohio football history. The man on defense is Tarell Basham already at 18 career sacks he'll look to break the Ohio record for career sacks in his senior season.

An impressive stat the Ohio Bobcats have is keeping their head coach, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator the past 10 seasons. That stability led by head coach Frank Solich should give the Bobcats the edge in this one as well as their 15 returning starters.

The game will be at 3:30 EST on CBS Sports Network.