Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: After posting an impressive 9-5 ledger in 2006, the Bobcats entered last season with high expectations, but inconsistent play led to a mediocre record. Ohio opened with back-to-back victories over Gardner- Webb (36-14) and UL-Lafayette (31-23), but the wheels quickly fell off for head coach Frank Solich's squad, which proceeded to drop four consecutive matchups. The Bobcats rebounded with three wins in their next four games, and the lone setback was a heartbreaking 43-40 decision versus Toledo. OU fell to 5-6 with a tough 48-37 setback to Akron, but was able to give fans at Peden Stadium one last thing to cheer about, as the Bobcats defeated Miami-Ohio in a 38-29 final. Although Ohio finished with six victories, it did not receive what would have been a second straight bowl invite.

2008 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: The biggest question mark coming into this season will be at running back, as the Bobcats will have to find a suitable replacement for Kalvin McRae. McRae was the first player ever at OU to log three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, so filling his cleats will be difficult at best. Chris Garrett is the most likely candidate to land the job, but with only 17 carries last season he is still rather inexperienced. Whomever winds up carrying the ball, he will benefit from a strong offensive line which returns three starters. "We feel very good about the state of the offensive line at this point.", coach Solich said. "We've had some injuries in the past that have kept us from developing fully in that area, but we've got some really good players on the line. You can never have too much depth on the offensive line, and I think that will be a plus for us this season."

Theo Scott will take over under center for the Bobcats, but the junior signal caller was fortunate to get valuable playing time last season, and performed well, throwing for over 700 yards and five touchdowns. Scott should improve and is also a threat to break free and run with the ball. Tight end Andrew Mooney is back after leading the squad last season with 34 catches. Mooney was a tremendous red zone threat, finishing the season with nine touchdowns.

DEFENSE: The Ohio defensive front was pounded last season for 168 rushing ypg, the team's worst showing since the 2001 campaign. However, the Bobcats are hoping to improve on those numbers as they return three players with starting experience, including Jameson Hartke. Hartke only collected 51 tackles last season, but the defensive end should have a strong campaign now that he is looked upon as the line's anchor. "I think we're going to be solid as a group.", Hartke said. "We had two big losses on the line at the end of last season, but we have good players coming back. We've gotten bigger, stronger and faster across the board. Our young guys bring a lot to the table and help us with depth, so it should be a good year for us."

Last year's biggest question mark was at linebacker, as the team had to replace all three starters. However, this year the linebacking corps could be the team's strength, thanks to the return of Michael Brown and Lee Renfro. Brown is a terror with superior speed and power, and he is coming off an 85- tackle performance in 2007. Coach Solich should also feel confident in the defensive backfield, which returns both corners and a safety. Mark Parson and Julian Posey are two of the more experienced DBs in the MAC, and Michael Mitchell is a true defensive field general and will do an excellent job leading the Bobcats this season.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Chris Garrett was the main threat for the Bobcats in the return game last season, as the running back took care of both punts and kicks. However, if Garrett wins the starting tailback position, it is likely Solich will have to find another speedster to serve as the feature return guy. Senior Barrett Way comes over from VMI where he nailed 29-of-37 FGs and 55-of-61 PATs in his three seasons as a Keydet.

OUTLOOK: Replacing McRae in the backfield is the main problem for the Bobcats, but if the team can find a reliable workhorse, the Ohio offensive unit should flourish. Defensively, the Bobcats are filled with experience, and the trio of Hartke, Brown and Mitchell should help the unit make tremendous strides this season.

However, the one problem facing the Bobcats is the schedule as they open by playing six of their first eight games on the road, and that includes a visit to Columbus to battle Big Ten power Ohio State. "We have a very demanding schedule this year, there's no doubt about it.", said coach Solich. "We understand the challenge that lies ahead, now it's just a matter of responding. We've got a tough opener at Wyoming against a team that doesn't lose many games at home, and it certainly doesn't get much easier from that point on."