CNNSI.com - 2000 College Football Preview - CNNSI.com's Ohio preview

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Ohio Bobcats

Finally ready to contend again

College Football: The New Century

'99: 5-6, 5-3 MAC

Coach

Jim Grobe (sixth season, 26-29-1)

Key offensive players

Dontrell Jackson, QB, So.
He passed for 745 yards and rushed for 528 in 1999.

Reynald Ray, Z-back, Sr.
Fourth in MAC all-purpose yards at 116 per game.

Key defensive players

Donnie White, CB, Sr.
His four interceptions in 1999 ranked among the league leaders.

Ivan Maisel's Player of the Century: Vince Costello, LB, 1950-52
"Enjoyed an 11-year career in the NFL."

Brightest moment: Winning a national championship in 1968.

Lowest Moment: Since the 1968 Tangerine Bowl team, Ohio has had only five winning seasons.

Bop White, CB, So.
Tied for the MAC lead with five interceptions last year.

Key newcomer

Dennis Thompson, OL, Fr.
Star of Ohio recruiting class was a member of state championship teams in football and wrestling his senior year of high school.

Throwback player

Raynald Ray plays was Ohio's leading receiver and fourth-best rusher, and also returned punts and kickoffs last year.

21st century player

Quarterback Dontrell Jackson was the only true freshman to start every game for a Division I school last year.

Fast fact

Ohio hasn't won a league title since the 1968 season, the longest current drought of any MAC member except Akron, which has never won one.

Outlook

If Jackson can become a consistent quarterback, this will be an offense hard to stop. The Bobcats should have good rushing numbers again. The key will be the defense's ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With Marshall in a reloading year and Miami hurt by graduation, it's a good time for Ohio to make a statement. It also helps that this team returns 93 percent of its 1999 points and 91 percent of its rushing yards.

--Stan Crawley