Saturday, September 13, 2008

CMU-Ohio: Halftime notes

OHIO BOBCATS 14, CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS 10

ATHENS, Ohio - Quick snaps from the game at Peden Stadium:

  • Post-Georgia lag? The start of this game reminded me of CMU-Kent State last year, one week after the 70-14 loss to Clemson. Central started out slow coming off of a disappointing loss to a BCS team and Kent State got its running game going, particularly Eugene Jarvis. That would bode well for CMU because it won that game 41-32, but Ohio has a better defense and is playing in its home opener. Speaking of which...
  • Fast start. Ohio had 14 points on the board within the game's first seven minutes. The defense looked lost at points and gave up many big runs to quarterback Boo Jackson and running back Chris Garrett. The Bobcats have 89 rushing yards so far. The second score, the 45-yard touchdown pass between the two players, was a great example of giving the quarterback way too much time to make a play. Anytime a defense leaves a quarterback sitting in the pocket for more than 4 or 5 seconds, something is going to open up in the secondary. Garrett was left wide open and with nobody in his way.
  • Momentum. Despite losing 14-10 at the half, CMU does have 10 unanswered points on the scoreboard right now. The offense is starting to move a little bit after a couple three-and-outs to begin the game. LeFevour's already accumulated 205 passing yards, 58 to Antonio Brown. Bryan Anderson HAS to get going at some point - he's way too talented of a receiver to struggle this much.
  • The defense needs a takeaway. CMU is missing that game-changer on defense - it has yet to intercept a pass and has just one fumble recovery in three games. It's going to be difficult to keep stopping the Ohio offense on downs.
  • Boo Jackson is out, Brandon Jones is in. We haven't determined how long Jackson is out, but he left with a shoulder injury late in the first half. We'll see how that plays out in the second half, because Jackson's running ability opened things up for the Bobcats in the first half.

Stay tuned for more notes after the game!

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