For those who think there is only one fine football team with Ohio in its name in the state this year, Ohio State offensive coordinator Jim Bollman begs to differ.

When the Buckeyes host Ohio University at noon today at Ohio Stadium (WFUN, WFXJ, ESPN), the Harbor High School graduate firmly believes the Bobcats of Frank Solich will give OSU a good test. Even though Ohio is coming off a 6-6 season in 2007 and a tough 21-20 loss at Wyoming in its opener last week, Bollman believes the Bobcats are worthy opponents.

“I think Ohio University is a pretty impressive team,” Bollman said. “Just looking at the film, I thought they were better than Wyoming. That was a tough loss last week.”

Of course, Bollman is basically evaluating just what the Bobcats defense does, but he is convinced the Buckeyes offense will have to execute well to succeed. It can ill afford to be looking ahead to next Saturday’s game at top-ranked Southern California.

“They have a tough defensive line with guys at the tackles who are between 290 and 300 pounds,” Bollman said. “Their defensive ends are around 260 and are pretty good.

“Their secondary is very aggressive. They like to put a lot of people up in the box. They’re good players. It’s going to be a good test.”

The Bobcats feature returning starters in defensive ends Jameson Hartke and Conor Reilly, linebackers Michael Brown and Lee Renfro and veteran cornerbacks Mark Parson and Julian Posey, along with strong safety Michael Mitchell.

Ohio has shown certain defensive tendencies under Solich’s leadership in his previous three seasons in Athens, but he’s not sure the former Nebraska coach and his staff will follow those tendencies this week.

“In the past, they’ve blitzed quite a lot, but a lot of teams tend not to do what they normally do when they play us,” Bollman said. “They play a good, solid, basic defense, which is usually a good way to go instead of trying to do a bunch of different things and getting in trouble with them.”

The Buckeyes will try to take their usual balanced approach offensively. That worked out pretty well in the opening 43-0 victory over Youngstown State, where they gained nearly 250 yards apiece rushing and passing.

“We’re always striving for balance,” Bollman said. “Sooner or later, you’re going to be in a situation where you need to pass or run the ball well. We have to do our thing.”

One of the points of emphasis for the Buckeyes this week will be proving to skeptics that the absence of tailback Chris “Beanie” Wells from the lineup does not leave the Buckeyes without capable running backs. It is the chance for veterans Maurice Wells and Brandon Saine and youngster Daniel “Boom” Herron to show their stuff. There is also no certainty, despite claims to the contrary, that Beanie Wells will be available for USC, either.

“We’re fortunate to have a lot of depth at running back,” Bollman said. “I thought Mo Wells played well last week. It’s a chance for all those guys to step up.”

It will also be a chance for true freshmen like quarterback Terrelle Pryor and wide receiver DeVier Posey to get more experience under their belt. The highly touted Pryor had an impressive debut with 52 yards rushing on nine carries, including an 18-yard touchdown, and 4-of-5 passing for 35 yards last week.

“(Pryor’s) a good one, isn’t he?” Bollman said with a chuckle.

Posey, lost somewhat in the glare of the spotlight cast on Pryor and their fine offensive line recruits, caught four passes covering 47 yards. His first catch was a 25-yard touchdown grab from starting quarterback Todd Boeckman.

“A lot of people around the country thought (Posey) was a pretty important recruit last year,” Bollman said. “We’re fortunate to have guys like him for some depth at wide receiver.”

Improvement is expected from not only the OSU youngsters, but the veterans as well.

“Everybody has to look at this as a situation where they need to improve,” Bollman said. “I think it will be better for the young kids this week because they’ll be a little less nervous and a little more accustomed to the speed of the game now. I think they’ll be a little more confident this week.

“I thought (senior left tackle) Alex (Boone) played very well last week. The rest of the guys on the line still were a little out of sync. I’d like them to be sharper.”

That would be helpful, not only against Ohio University, but the important games that are looming on the horizon.