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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Expectations are high for the 2015 Ohio Dominican football season, and for good reason as the Panthers bring back 14 all-conference players from a squad that went 11-2 and reached the regional finals in 2014.
The Panthers have won 24 of their last 25 regular season games and open the season with a 7:30 p.m. game on Thursday at Malone.
While ODU has to overcome the graduation of Harlon Hill Trophy finalist Mark Miller and all-region lineman Perrin Cunningham, the Panthers have plenty of experience at the skill positions on offense. Brandon Schoen needed less than three seasons to set the school's all-time rushing record, and Dez Stewart is knocking on the door of becoming ODU's all-time leading receiver. Fellow wideout JT McFarland stepped up in the playoffs last year as well.
Three offensive linemen who started every game last year are back in 2015 in Ben Copher, Cole Tameris and Zack Williams, while Andrew Lorenz made six starts up front as well.
ODU's offense averaged 444.5 yards per game and scored 35.6 points per contest as well. The Panthers led the conference in passing offense (282.9 yards per game) and were second in converting third downs (46 percent).
The defense, meanwhile, is one of the most experienced in the country. The returners have combined to start in 232 games over their career, including three year starters in Billy Eakins, Da'Twane Harris, Brad McCurdy and Sydney Omameh.
Also back are linebackers Cody Culbertson, Cameron Kohl and Austin Osborne, while Hunter Maynard, Mason Sawicki, Paul Wesselhoeft and others return to the defensive line.
The defense allowed just 19.1 point per game and ranked second in the country in red zone defense. ODU ranked second in scoring defense in the country and led the league in yards per game (326.4) while allowing just 124.2 yards per game on the ground, the second-best mark in the conference.
On special teams, four-year returners include consensus preseason All-American in Brent Wahle, while Michael Snyder is back to handle the punting duties. Long snapper Jerad Butler also returns.
QUICK HITS
• Since 2006, ODU has an overall record of 71-28 (.717 win percentage.) The Panthers are 25-3 in their last 28 games (.893 win percentage.)
• Over the past 28 games, ODU has outscored opponents 1,119-505, an average of 21.9 points per game. The Panthers have scored 30 or more points 22 times in that stretch and held opponents to 14 points or fewer 14 times.
• ODU is 31-5 against opponents from Ohio since 2007 (.861 win percentage.)
• Over the past 35 games, ODU's offensive line has allowed just 18 sacks.
• The Panthers have won 16 consecutive regular season road games, dating back to a 2012 loss at #4 Grand Valley State.
• ODU has an 8-3 record all-time in season openers. The Panthers have won four straight season openers by an average margin of 33.8 points per game, dating back to 2011.
• ODU has a 3-1 record all-time when opening the season on the road. The lone loss was the first game in school history at Walsh in 2004.
• The Panthers have been ranked in the top 25 in 23 consecutive AFCA and D2Football.com polls, dating back to Sept. 30, 2013.
Contact: Scott Miles
miless@ohiodominican.edu
