The objective for the Bobcats on Saturday was simple. Go through a brisk practice at Peden, without pads and with minimal contact after Friday’s scrimmage, and engage the crowd that showed up for a fan appreciation event.

Above all else, avoid injury while still getting the mental work in.

Frank Solich himself nearly scuttled the plan. Ohio’s 14th-year head coach did his part with fans. He escorted a couple kids around to different players during the pre-practice routine, and chatted up several others afterward when a portion of the Bobcat roster signed autographs.

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But Solich scared everyone in the stadium thanks to a violent collision in 7 on 7 drills.