The problem with Otterbein football and how to move forward

Otterbein football rests at 0-6 once again, despite some statistical improvement from last season.

Otterbein has performed better in offense under the new coaching regime of Dave Marquis. Through six games, the offense has averaged 5.1 yards per play and a solid total of 207.4 yards per game.

While there are certainly still offensive issues, the more noticeable issue so far this year has come on the defensive side of the ball. Otterbein has managed to put up 19 touchdowns all season, which isn't necessarily a bad mark, but they've allowed 44 defensively. This shows Otterbein averaging at 22.33 points per game while allowing 53.5 from the other team.

With three players sitting above 300 rushing yards on the season, Otterbein is a team that likes to run the ball. Allowing this many points makes it hard to stick to the ground game. Being down multiple scores forces the offense's hand to move to a pass-heavy, fast-tempo offense, but that isn't the style of play Marquis is looking for.

So, what is the solution? For the short term, finding a way to stop the run game for other teams is crucial. The defense currently allows 8.6 yards per touch and has given up 20 touchdowns on the ground. Coming out in heavier packages, whether it be bringing in more down-linemen or linebackers, could be a way to get teams off the ground. 

On top of this, finding a way to move the ball through the air more consistently would go a long way for the offense. Leaning too heavily on the run game results in teams loading up the box, taking it away as an option if you can't keep the opposing defense honest through the air. Otterbein has only managed six passing touchdowns, a sign that it's been a struggle up to this point.

As for a long-term solution, realistically, Marquis needs time. Otterbein has time and time again released a coach after a single season for having a rough showing, but Marquis has got something going. This is the best offense that has trotted onto the field for the tan and cardinal in the last several seasons, and this is in the first year of a new scheme.

The same thing goes for defense. They are trying to figure out a new system, as they've had to for the last several years. It's a large ask for players to completely overhaul everything they learned last year and play a new scheme entirely.

Consistency is key for future success. Currently, nobody on the team has been able to experience a second year with a coach. Constantly rotating doors in the coaching staff means that player development is heavily slowed in comparison to other teams in the OAC. Allowing the current juniors, sophomores, and freshmen a chance to learn the plays and ideologies that Marquis wants to run gives the team a fighting chance moving forward.

While it isn't an easy fix that can bring results immediately, this is the best chance the team has had to find a stable footing for next year. Young players, such as sophomore quarterback Brayden Bayles, freshman running back Rocco DeLorenzo, and the young defensive-back trio of Damar Anderson, Ausar Imani, and Eliyah Mason, can grow into star players beyond what they already bring to the table. 

This year may be a struggle, but the foundation is set. Otterbein has the right guy at the helm, and the right pieces in place. 

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