Offense: 0.06 yds per rush QB Air Noland: 19-26, 193 yds, 2 TD WR Neo Flowers: 5 rec, 57 yds
LB Landon Gauthier: 5 tkl, 3 TFL S Taylor Medina: 4 tkl, TFL, PBU, FF DE Ernest Willor Jr: 3 tkl, 3 TFL, sack
Coach Singleton's Post Game
Q: How were you able to really slow down a Ohio State offense that has a lot of offensive firepower, even with their struggles this year?
A: We won the battles up front, keep [Noland] from being comfortable in that pocket throughout the game. They had a few big plays, an early third down conversion and that late touchdown drive but overall, we hunkered down and were able to shut them down.
Q: You've historically always fielded really good run defenses, holding Ohio State to less than a yard per rush. What is it about your defense that has consistently been very good, at various stops?
A: You don't stumble into success, you have to cultivate it on a daily basis. We really pride ourselves on being physical, attentive and flat out making plays. I'm not going to reveal too much of the sauce but it starts up front and our three, four guys on the defensive line just taking up their blocks and our linebackers shooting those gaps, trusting their eyes.
Week 6 Preview: at Indiana Hoosiers
Record: 2-2, 0-1 Big Ten
Results: L 24-20 at #12 Virginia, W 32-29 at South Alabama, W 25-24 vs. #24 UMass, L 19-17 vs. Iowa
Team Leaders
Passing: Alberto Mendoza (67 cmp%, 242 yards per game, 8 TD, 4 INT)
Rushing: Gabe Babineaux (24.8 yards per game, 2.4 ypc, TD)
Receiving: Joe Jose (15 receptions, 282 yards, 2 TD)
Team Injury WR Joe Jose, Sophomore (out - ankle) WR Rayshon Lamm, Freshman (out - hip)
Coach Singleton's Notes:
‣ A scrappy team that is used to punching above their weight class, hung tough with ranked Virginia.
‣ Will be without two of their best receivers but Mendoza is still a threat as a passer, especially in the middle of the field
‣ Could potentially play more man coverage than usual early on, see if our guys can run with them and allow our front guys to feast on an undersized offensive line.
Week 7 Preview: at Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Record: 2-3, 0-2 Big Ten
Results: L 33-28 vs. Akron, W 38-24 vs. Boston College, W 28-10 at Arkansas, L 35-21 vs. Michigan State, L 38-28 at Minnesota
Team Leaders
Passing: Ben Osgood (73 cmp%, 234 yards per game, 13 TD, 4 INT)
Rushing: Edd Guerrier (34.6 yards per game, 2.5 ypc, TD)
Receiving: Ben Black (28 receptions, 344 yards, 5 TD)
Coach Singleton's Notes:
‣ A similar offense to Indiana with potential for big plays, if you allow them, but not much consistency on offense
‣ Ben Black will need to be neutralized, especially when going across the field. Must be on alert when he's running crossing routes with a hand or body on him at all times.
‣ An offensive line that is decent in pass protection but struggles in the running game.
Coach Singleton's Post Game
Q: Another tight game where the offense came through late and the defense was able to hold onto the lead. I'm sure you guys don't want to give up late touchdowns but does it instill confidence in the offense when they are able to score late like that?
A: Of course, we rely on each other. We do, as a defense, a pretty good job early on of keeping a lid on the game as the offense is figuring out their struggles and how to score points. Obviously, we don't want to give up late touchdowns and don't want to be in a situation where we're relying on the offense but overall, the team is playing well as a group and when we're clicking on all cylinders, all phases, these will be blowouts instead.
Q: You guys bottled up their offense for the most part but they were able to score on two explosive plays, how do you prevent that from happening?
A: I mean, both touchdowns, guys had deep third responsibility so can't get much more better than when you're talking about explosive plays. Their guys were better than our guys in those specific plays.
Q: The offense was able to stay on the field with a lot of scrambles from quarterback Ben Osgood, how frustrating is that as a defense?
A: Extremely, especially when we're playing really well on the backend but can't get pressure up front or even if we do get home, he's able to get out, pick up the first down. We adjusted in the second half, were able to limit those but still something we need to work on
Offense: 0.06 yds per rush
LB Landon Gauthier: 5 tkl, 3 TFL
WR Joe Jose, Sophomore (out - ankle)
QB Alberto Mendoza: 20-33, 161 yds, TD, 2 INT
QB Ben Osgood: 19-30, 244 yds, 2 TD, INT, 8 att, 37 yds, TD, fumble (recovered)
