HUNTINGTON, W.Va.—Consistency has become a trademark of the Ohio University football program under 10th year head coach Frank Solich. The Bobcats are the only team in FBS that has kept the same head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator for the past nine seasons.
That consistency in philosophy has allowed the Bobcats to recruit players that specifically fit the program’s schemes. Each year you know exactly what to expect from the Bobcats, that is a physical team, especially along the offensive and defensive fronts.
“Their offensive line never changes. They are extremely physical and well coached. They get after you and they play hard. That first five never changes, they are like clones over the last five years, and they are always the same,” said coach Doc Holliday.
Defensive end Rashawde Myers agreed.
“Ever since I’ve played them, they’ve been like that. They’re big, they’re nasty and we’re in for a physical game.”
Even with a change at quarterback this year, the Bobcats remain the same. Darrius Vick and J.D. Sprague have each seen time behind center this year as Ohio has been faced with replacing veteran Tyler Tettleton. After studying film, Holliday concluded Vick and Sprague are not all that different from Tettleton.
“They’ve done a good job recruiting athletes. They’ve recruited to that offensive style and recruited a couple of kids that have that athletic ability to do the things that Tettleton did,” assessed Holliday.
That’s not to say either quarterback is at the level Tettleton was by the end of his career, but Holliday sees the potential for both quarterbacks to be dangerous.
Holliday says it is no surprise that every year Ohio is able to bring quality players into the system, because that is exactly what Frank Solich wants to do, find players that can be inserted in the system and play the Ohio style of football. However, Holliday notes the Bobcats don’t force players into the system but adjusts it around the talent.
“The one thing that they do a great job of offensively is tailoring what they are doing to their personnel. Not as much three tight end stuff this year because they don’t have the physical tight ends that they have had in the past,” said Hollida. “They do a great job with not trying to put square pegs in round holes and trying to match their offense to what their personnel can do.”
Each phase of the game compliments the other and Holliday has stressed to his team, Ohio will not beat itself.
“Over the years, they have been a really good team and played together as a team and that’s why they are good. That is why they have been to the bowls that they have and that is why he has won there because he does a great job.”