Plenty of New Faces in Lineup for Ohio State

August 25, 2016

By RICK THORP COLUMBUS — These are uncertain times for Urban Meyer and his Ohio State coaching staff. One year removed from appearing in their fourth BCS/CFP bowl in as many seasons under the only head coach to win national titles in two different conferences, the Buckeyes enter the 2016 campaign with plenty of question marks. No, the cupboard isn’t bare for the defending Fiesta Bowl champs. Far from it. But with a roster filled with untested veterans, it will be up to Meyer and his revamped coaching staff to prepare the Buckeyes for another rugged ...

Solich’s Guidance Has Turned Ohio Around

August 25, 2016

By RICK DeLUCA ATHENS — Prior to Frank Solich’s arrival in Athens to take charge, Ohio University would be happy with a .500 season. In the four years prior, 2001-2004, the Bobcats combined for a 11-35 record. In the 20 years before the Solich Era began, Ohio University had two winning seasons and another at 6-6. Ten of those 20 years produced seasons of two or fewer victories. When a football coach of Solich’s caliber arrived on campus, there was hope that finally the trail of losing would end. Set to begin his 12th season as the head coach of the Bobcats, the ...

Healthy Hilltoppers Ready to Turn Up the Heat

August 25, 2016

By DON CLEGG WEST LIBERTY — A West Liberty University team that suffered third-degree burns from injuries a year ago is ready to turn up the heat on its Mountain East Conference opponents this fall. Coach Roger Waialae welcomes back 15 starters and 42 lettermen from his 2015 Hilltoppers squad that opened with a victory against a Top-10 opponent only to see its season derailed by mounting injuries along the offensive line and in the defensive secondary. Despite the adversity, the Black and Gold still finished with a 5-6 mark, 5-5 in the MEC. Adding to the frustration ...

Shepherd, MEC are Strong

August 25, 2016

By DON CLEGG The Mountain East Conference may be the youngest league on the NCAA Division II landscape but the needle is definitely pointing up as it kicks off its fourth year on the gridiron. Shepherd got the ball rolling in 2013 when it won the first MEC championship and advanced to the national quarterfinals. Concord topped that a year later when the Mountain Lions followed up an undefeated conference title with a Region One crown and made it to the national semifinals. Two MEC teams earned playoff berths last year with Charleston joining unbeaten regular ...