Ohio Bobcat’s Bowl Win: A Sign of Shifting Power in College Football?
Ohio’s Sieh Bangura breaks a tackle during the Frisco Bowl. The Bobcats’ victory signals a potential trend of mid-major programs thriving amidst college football’s evolving landscape.
The Ohio Bobcats’ 17-10 victory over UNLV in the Frisco Bowl wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. In a college football season defined by conference realignment, the transfer portal, and the looming impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), the Bobcats’ success – particularly following the mid-season firing of their head coach – highlights a growing trend: the increasing competitiveness of Group of Five programs.
The Rise of the Resilient Mid-Major
Ohio’s win, fueled by a dominant rushing attack (207 yards) and a stifling defense, demonstrates a blueprint for success outside the Power Five. It’s no longer enough to simply recruit athletes; programs need to cultivate strong team culture, adapt quickly to adversity, and excel in fundamental football. The Bobcats, under interim coach John Hauser, did just that, achieving their most wins in four years. This echoes the success of programs like Tulane (AAC Champions in 2022) and UTSA (AAC Champions in 2023), who have consistently outperformed expectations.
The coaching change at Ohio is particularly noteworthy. The swift and positive response from the team, as highlighted by Hauser (“Nobody flinched; they just came to work”), suggests a level of player buy-in and leadership that’s becoming increasingly crucial in navigating the turbulent waters of modern college football. This resilience is a key differentiator for programs that can’t consistently out-recruit the Power Five schools.
The Transfer Portal & NIL: Leveling the Playing Field?
While the Power Five conferences still hold significant advantages in resources, the transfer portal and NIL are creating opportunities for mid-major programs to attract and retain talent. Players are increasingly prioritizing fit, playing time, and financial opportunities over simply joining a “brand name” program.
Consider the case of Coastal Carolina. Under Chadwell, they leveraged the transfer portal to quickly build a competitive roster, achieving national recognition. While Chadwell has moved on, the model remains. UNLV, despite their loss, has also benefited from the portal, but Ohio’s ability to limit UNLV’s star quarterback, Anthony Colandrea, suggests a defensive scheme capable of neutralizing even high-profile transfers.
Did you know? The number of players entering the transfer portal has increased dramatically in recent years. In the 2023-2024 cycle, over 3,500 football players entered the portal, creating a more fluid and competitive landscape.
The Importance of Running the Ball & Defensive Consistency
The Frisco Bowl showcased a classic formula for success: a strong running game and a consistent defense. Ohio’s 207 rushing yards allowed them to control the clock and keep UNLV’s offense off the field. This is a trend we’re seeing across college football. Teams that can consistently run the ball effectively and limit opponents’ rushing attacks are proving to be incredibly difficult to beat.
Data from the 2023 season supports this. Teams averaging over 180 rushing yards per game had a winning percentage of over 65%, compared to around 50% for teams averaging under 120 rushing yards. Defensive consistency is equally important. Ohio held UNLV to just 97 rushing yards, a key factor in their victory.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for the Future?
The Ohio Bobcats’ Frisco Bowl win isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a sign of a broader shift in college football. Mid-major programs are becoming more competitive, and the gap between the Power Five and Group of Five is narrowing. This trend is likely to continue as the transfer portal and NIL become more established, and as programs like Ohio prioritize culture, resilience, and fundamental football.
Pro Tip: For college football fans, paying attention to Group of Five programs is becoming increasingly important. These teams are often overlooked, but they are capable of producing exciting upsets and challenging the established order.
FAQ
- What is NIL in college football? NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness. It allows college athletes to profit from endorsements and other commercial activities.
- How does the transfer portal work? The transfer portal is a centralized database where college athletes can enter their name and indicate their intention to transfer to another school.
- Are mid-major programs likely to join Power Five conferences? Conference realignment is ongoing, and it’s possible that some mid-major programs could be invited to join Power Five conferences in the future, but it’s not guaranteed.
- What is the biggest challenge for mid-major programs? The biggest challenge is consistently competing with the financial resources and recruiting advantages of Power Five schools.
Reader Question: “Do you think the College Football Playoff expansion will help mid-major programs?” Absolutely. The expanded playoff format provides more opportunities for teams outside the Power Five to compete for a national championship, increasing their visibility and attracting more talent.
Want to learn more about the evolving landscape of college football? Check out our in-depth analysis of conference realignment. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and insights!
