SPRING OBJECTIVES
As usual, most eyes will be on Ohio's offensive backfield. The Bobcats will use the spring to see if any one of five quarterbacks can step ahead and claim the position outright. Unsatisfied with juniors Theo Scott, Brandon Jones and Josh Febus, Ohio coach Frank Solich added junior college transfer Franshaw "Boo" Jackson to the mix in February.

Besides the quarterback battle, Ohio will be looking to find a suitable replacement for Ohio's all-time leading rusher, Kalvin McRae, in the backfield.

The transition could be helped by Ohio's slight change in offensive philosophies. The Bobcats will look to employ the spread formation more next season, and will begin work on that this spring as well.

BUILDING BLOCKS
Ohio returns virtually its entire receiving corps from last season, when the Bobcats had one of the best passing years in the program's history. TEs Andrew Mooney and Andrew Carter give Ohio two solid targets capable of stretching the field down the seams. WR's Taylor Price and LaVon Brazil both have the speed and size to pressure defenses on the edge. If Ohio can find a quarterback to lead the way, and pick a running back from a stable of three freshmen and a transfer, the offense should again be balanced in 2008.

Defensively, Ohio will be looking to rebuild its front four and fix some of the breakdowns that led to allowing 30.9 points per game last season. All three starting linebackers from the end of last season return including sophomore Noah Keller and seniors Jordan Meyers and Michael Brown. Michael Mitchell is a physical presence at safety. Defensive linemen Jameson Hartke and Ernie Hodge will be the cornerstones of a revamped defensive line.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
Ohio will have a tough road right out of the game. Six of the Bobcats' first eight games will be on the road. In the first month, Ohio will open with a tough trip to Wyoming, visit national power Ohio State, host two-time MAC champion Central Michigan, and then travel to Northwestern.

If Ohio can survive the opening gauntlet, the Bobcats will play three of their last four at home. Ohio will also have two full bye weeks in the last six weeks of the season.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"There's no doubt it's a challenging schedule. But we look forward to challenges around here." -- Ohio coach Frank Solich.

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