2008 OUTLOOK: If Ohio wants to improve on its 6-6 mark in 2007, it will have to be more effective on defense. Porous to a fault last season, Bobcats will have seven starters returning on that side of the ball and the hope is a year of experience will help the unit provide some resistance to opposing offenses. Offensively, the Bobcats will be changing identities next season. Gone will be all-time leading rusher Kalvin McRae and Ohio's sometimes stodgy, steady diet of I-formation looks. With a bevy of up-and-coming receivers, two proven tight ends, and improved play at the QB position, Ohio is hoping the transition to spread-option offense is a smooth one. The early season schedule is brutal, but if the offense can produce like expected the 'Cats believe they can challenge for the MAC East Division title.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Ohio leaned heavily on departed RB Kalvin McRae the past three seasons. Now the Bobcats will be more diversified with a variety of playmakers they hope to distribute the ball to. QB Theo Scott returns with a year of playing experience. TE Andrew Mooney set a school record for touchdown receptions last fall. With four quick, if unproven, backs vying for McRae's role, Ohio feels it is in position to better last year's average of 29 points per game.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Gouged repeatedly last season by a variety of spread looks it faced in the MAC, the Ohio defense is retooling in hopes of improvement. Ohio returns most of its starting secondary, including leader SS Michael Mitchell, which should help. Also the return of six of the top seven linebackers from last fall should help as well. Finding more consistent pressure from the front four remains a top goal, as well improved play from the interior line. Too many offenses were able to block the 'Cats one-on-one up front last season, and found the subsequent creases to the secondary. Ohio's corner tandem of Mark Parson and Jullian Posey should be one of the best in the MAC, and will give the 'Cats several coverage options to work with.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Ohio tried several options at long snapper this spring, but none provided the steady reliability of the past two seasons when Ryan Senser handled the duties. Sophomore Matt Schulte, inconsistent last fall, was stronger and had better hang time and should again start at punter. At place kicker, senior transfer Barrett Way and walk-on Paul Belany were neck-and-neck throughout the spring, but

Way sat out the final week of practice with an injury. In the return game, junior Chris Garrett returns as Ohio's top specialist in that area over the past two seasons.

ROSTER REPORT

--Starting OLB Jordan Meyers and MLB Noah Keller missed the entire spring with injuries, although both expected to return for fall camp.

--DT Ernie Hodge, who slid down to the tackle spot from end, performed well this spring in his new role. He should be the starter there despite taking a redshirt last season.

--RT Chris Rodgers played sparingly at LT last season but has been Ohio's clear-cut best option on the other side since making the switch at the start of spring drills.

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