Mid-Season Report Card: Ohio

The Mid-Season Report Cards are a subjective look using objective numbers with a look toward the remainder of the season as well.  Teams are being reviewed in random order once they reach 6 games.

The Ohio Bobcats are off to a good start, 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the MAC.  They are a half-game behind Temple (3-0) for the MAC East lead.  Both losses came to BCS conference opponents.  Their schedule sets up favorably, only facing one of the top 4 threats in the West (Northern Illinois).  Their grades so far:

• Wins: B. 4-2 is a solid record and one of the best in the MAC. 
• Offense: C+. Total offense is low, 327 ypg, 95th nationally and 9th in the MAC, but the Scoring Offense is 67th and 4th in the MAC, which tells me they’re getting results from the offense they do have.  I look for these numbers to improve as they get into the softest part of their schedule in the coming weeks.
• Defense: B-. Total Defense is 360 ypg, good for 62nd overall and 5th in the MAC, while Scoring Defense is even better, 54th and 4th.
• Special Teams: C. Net punting is terrible, but punt returns are alright and kickoff returns are 12th in America, and leading the MAC.
• Turnover Margin: A. Tied with LSU for 13th nationally at +7, and 2nd in the MAC.  This is keeping them in games, even without an electrifying offense.
• Grading Curve: Bonus Points. I had them 10th in my pre-season power rankings, I have them 2nd now.  Sagarin has their schedule strength at 70th, which is a little harder than average for a non-BCS squad.
• FINAL GRADE: B+. Room for improvement on both sides of the ball, but they’re getting the job done on the scoreboard.

Remaining Games:

• Miami (OH)
• Kent State
• at Ball State
• at Buffalo
• Northern Illinois
• Temple

Best Case Scenario: Ohio could feast on an easy schedule and get out 6-0 for a 10-2 schedule.  Conference Title Game and a bowl berth.

Worst Case Scenario: One of the four lesser teams trips them up and leads to losses to NIU and Temple for 3-3 and 7-5 overall.  Bowl eligible but maybe 5th or 6th in line from the league.

Prediction: 5-1 or 4-2, and the final game against Temple will be a East Division title game.  If they don’t win the East, may have a tough time finding a bowl invite.