What Is 2011 Ohio Bobcats football team

Overview

The 2011 Ohio Bobcats football team represented Ohio University during the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) East Division, the team was led by head coach Frank Solich in his seventh season. The Bobcats achieved a 10-4 overall record, marking one of the most successful seasons in program history.

One of the season’s defining moments was the team’s victory in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where they defeated Utah State 24-23 in a dramatic finish. This win was particularly significant as it was Ohio’s first bowl victory since 1968, ending a 43-year drought. The team played its home games at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio, a venue with a capacity of approximately 24,000.

• Record: The Bobcats finished the season with a 10-4 overall record, including a 6-2 mark in MAC play, placing second in the East Division.
• Bowl Game: On December 17, 2011, Ohio won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl 24-23 over Utah State in Boise, Idaho, securing their first bowl win since 1968.
• Head Coach:Frank Solich, in his seventh year, led the team to its best season since 1968, earning MAC Coach of the Year recognition.
• Quarterback:Tyler Tettleton passed for 2,448 yards and 20 touchdowns while also rushing for 502 yards and 10 scores, showcasing dual-threat capability.
• Defensive Standout: Linebacker Jake Howard recorded 103 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss, anchoring a defense that held opponents to 21.8 points per game.

Season Performance

The 2011 campaign featured a mix of strong offensive output and resilient defense, with the Bobcats overcoming early-season challenges to peak at the right time. After a 3-3 start, the team won seven of its final eight games, including a five-game winning streak to close the season.

• Early Struggles: Ohio began the season 3-3, with losses to Marshall, Kent State, and a narrow defeat to Pittsburgh by just three points.
• Midseason Turnaround: A 35-17 win over Bowling Green on October 22 sparked a five-game winning streak that included victories over Buffalo and Miami (OH).
• Offensive Rhythm: The Bobcats averaged 31.6 points per game, powered by a balanced attack led by Tettleton and running back Beau Blankenship.
• Rushing Attack: Beau Blankenship rushed for 1,054 yards and 14 touchdowns, becoming the first Ohio back to eclipse 1,000 yards since 2006.
• Pass Defense: The secondary allowed just 198.6 passing yards per game, ranking them among the top half of the MAC in pass efficiency defense.
• Special Teams: Kicker Bryce Payne made 18 of 22 field goals, including a crucial 37-yarder in the final minute of the bowl game.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2011 season to previous years highlights the program’s upward trajectory under Frank Solich. The table below shows key statistical benchmarks across three seasons.

The 2011 season stands out for its combination of win total and postseason success. While the 2013 team won the MAC title, the 2011 squad achieved the program’s first bowl victory in over four decades, marking a turning point in the Solich era. The offensive production and late-season momentum demonstrated a maturing program capable of sustained success.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was a landmark year for Ohio University football, symbolizing the culmination of Frank Solich’s rebuilding efforts since taking over in 2005. The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory not only brought national attention but also boosted recruiting and fan engagement in southeastern Ohio.

• Program Momentum: The 10-win season elevated Ohio’s national profile and laid the foundation for consistent postseason appearances in the following years.
• Recruiting Impact: Success in 2011 helped attract higher-rated recruits, including several four-star prospects in the 2012 and 2013 classes.
• Stadium Attendance: Average home attendance increased by 12% in 2012, reflecting growing fan enthusiasm after the bowl win.
• Conference Recognition: Ohio’s performance contributed to the MAC gaining greater respect in non-conference matchups and bowl negotiations.
• Player Development: Tyler Tettleton and Beau Blankenship both earned All-MAC honors, showcasing the program’s ability to develop talent.
• Legacy of Solich: The win solidified Solich’s status as the winningest coach in program history, with 110 wins by the end of his tenure.

The 2011 Ohio Bobcats football team remains a benchmark for success in Athens. Its blend of resilience, offensive firepower, and historic postseason achievement continues to inspire future generations of Bobcats football.