Athlon Sports has given Ohio the highest rating of all MAC teams and ranked 68th overall in the nation in its just released Top 130 Rankings for the upcoming season. It was interesting to see it ranked us well above the two Power Five conference road games--Virginia is ranked 83rd and Cincinnati 97th. This is the capsule report:



68. Ohio

Reason for Optimism: Frank Solich’s offense led the MAC in scoring last year, and it’s hard to envision this unit slowing down in 2018. Quarterback Nathan Rourke was a standout find from the junior college ranks, and running back A.J. Ouellette is back after rushing for 1,006 yards last fall. Left tackle Joe Lowery and guard Joe Anderson are back to anchor the line after earning second-team All-MAC honors in 2017.

Reason for Concern: Defense. Ohio’s defense must be overhauled after losing linebackers Chad Moore and Quentin Poling, along with linemen Kevin Robbins, Tony Porter, Trent Smart and Cleon Aloese. Cornerback Bradd Ellis is the lone departure in the secondary.





https://athlonsports.com/college-football/ranking-all-130...

Ohio is probably receiving this year the most national respect since the 2012 season. That year Ohio was preseason Top 25 in some publications and was in the Top 25. Its relative respect that is deserved after winning 9,8,8 games the past 3 seasons and either winning or playing competitive in the bowl game.

I hope the Miami game isn't a weeknight because being able to go to two games and do the whole pregame setup without leaving southwest Ohio will be so sweet.