Scouting report: Ohio may slow running of the Bulls
The Buffalo News' Bob DiCesare breaks down the UB-Ohio matchup.
On the Run
There's just no escape for the Bulls when it comes to backfield injuries. Ike Nduka, who ran for more than 100 yards in three of his first four games, is out after aggravating an ankle injury in last Tuesday's loss to Bowling Green. Jeffvon Gill, the true freshman who exploded for 172 yards against BG, will start despite a shoulder injury. If Gill can't play through the pain, the task of finding room against a stout Ohio defense falls to Brandon Thermilus or Mario Henry, who's listed as probable. Bulls can't afford to rely on the passing attack in this one, not with the Bobcats' disruptive defensive front. Finding running room will be a tall order even with Nduka or Gill in the backfield.
Opportunists
Last year's UB team feasted on turnovers. This year it's Ohio that's separating opponents from the ball. The Bobcats have forced a national-high 27 turnovers and are plus-9 on the season. Senior strong safety Patrick Tafua has become one of the MAC's elite at the position with three forced fumbles, two interceptions and four tackles for losses. Junior defensive end Dak Notestine leads the team with eight tackles for losses and five sacks.
Tug 'o War
The Bulls have high respect for Ohio's defensive tackles, 6-foot-2, 295-pound junior Ernie Hodge and 6-1, 342-pound junior nose guard Marcellis Williamson. UB ran into a similarly formidable front against Temple and saw its ground game grind to a halt. That was more than a month ago, and UB's line has reached a new degree of maturity since then. Center Josh Violanti will, at 6-2, 282 pounds, be giving away a lot of bulk in the battle and figures to require help from guards Peter Bittner and Robert Colpoys. Quarterback Zach Maynard has grown increasingly comfortable with taking off on the run, and his skills could come in handy as UB seeks ways to solve an Ohio "D' that hasn't allowed more than two touchdowns in the last four games.
Something Special
Ohio return units possess big-play potential and will be out to exploit UB's struggling punt and kick teams. Bobcats' punt returner LaVon Brazill is averaging a whopping 16.4 per attempt and has gone the distance twice with a long of 87 yards. Melvin Payne has accounted for a third punt-return TD, and kick returner Chris Garrett averages 28.4 per return with a long of 95 yards for a touchdown. Bulls moved punter Peter Fardon back ahead of John Rachuna on the depth chart this week after Rachuna was blocked twice against Bowling Green. Fardon's directional kicking ability could be a plus, but he's been inconsistent all season after a solid freshman year.
Where's Naaman?
After finding the end zone 16 times in 16 games starting with the beginning of his junior year, Naaman Roosevelt has made only three visits in the last seven. The decline hit bottom against Bowling Green, with Roosevelt making only two receptions totaling 21 yards. Bulls simply haven't done enough to get the ball into his hands through slip screens or quick slant patterns. There's three games left in his career. Time's running out.
