Our seniors were jacked for Toledo because it was Senior Night. We didn't have the same intensity vs Akron, and Akron was jacked for us because they hadn't beaten us in ten years and they could get bowl eligible. 90% of this game is half mental.

The game plan was not complementary. Albin and Burrow after all these years of stability didn't meet before the game and say he let's knock these guys out. Let's put this game away before half time and be able to rest the starters.

The 1st half, the offense was electric. There was misdirection and formations to get players like Papi White open in space. It was clear to me, the offense was going for the kill. Unfortunately 2 turnovers and an extremely mental lapse penalty cost the Bobcats. Without the penalty the not going for it on 4th and goal never happens. We could have easily put 35-38 points on the board in the first half. Instead the Bobcats settled for 24 and a first half deficit.

On the other hand, the defense stayed in their base defense allowing Nelson the opportunity to make plays. I'm not even saying put in new packages, use the same schemes as the Toledo game. We gave him time and him and his receivers made plays. I don't mind getting beat on big plays if the defense forces the issue. Unfortunately they bet that Nelson was going to be inaccurate and well he wasn't. The Akron receivers also made some big plays. Presnap the defense didn't shift their sets or show a blitz no movement. Nelson knew presnap exactly what we were doing.

The second half different story. Albin stuck to his script that we should be up big so let's be vanilla on offense. Why they didn't show more of the misdirection that was working in the first half but faking the reverse knowing Akron would bite because they were beaten 3 times. Just amazed me. Unfortunately Rourke was inaccurate and the 3rd turnover was the nail in the coffin giving Akron a short field for their only 2nd half touchdown (the game winner).

The defense showed different presnap looks and guess what it confused the freshman making his 2nd career start. Shocking I know. Unfortunately they couldn't force a turnover to save the season. Nelson wasn't as accurate and yeah he beat us a few times with his legs but it wasn't 50+ touchdown plays.

Ohio wins the game easily with the first half offensive GP and the 2nd half defensive GP. Unfortunately faced with adversity the offense went back to their play not to lose attitude and the defense thought they could beat the freshman with just a base look.

That's my take away from the nightmare. Ohio had more than enough talent to overcome 3 turnovers. Their hubris just got the better of them. This season was a missed opportunity for a MAC Championship.

I think I'd lay the 20 and roll with Toledo.

Totally agree. I think Toledo wins HUGE. Akron will get embarrassed ... and in the process so does the MAC.

Toledo 49-14

Let me ask a question. How would many of you like to be criticized at your job for every mistake you make? I am guessing that many of you have made plenty of errors at work and will continue to do so. Do you get criticized for every move you make? The players and coaches at Ohio are not trying to lose games. Although after listening to some of the posters on this website, you would think they were perfect. Like all fans, I am not satisfied with the results in 2017. The Bobcats didn't win a conference title this year and haven't since 1968. They had a chance to win ten games and didn't. If you ask the team and all associated with the program, I am certain they are not happy about how the regular season ended. Bounce back Bobcats!. Beat UAB for win nine!

Thank you.

I don't get excited over beating Hampton or Kent. Maybe others do? Wins over Toledo, Marshall, Penn State, Miami, Pitt and N. Illinois make me happy. However, I am not criticizing every coaching decision, no matter what the head coach or his staff gets paid. Ohio's basketball coach has a salary higher than Frank, and is the highest paid basketball coach in the league, but I am not going to critique every loss that he has. It could be that some are criticized on a daily basis at their place of employment, but I am glad, I am not one of them.

FACTS

Akron made sure they swarmed Detroit with their 1200 strong fanbase. What a joke of a conference championship. Could it be anymore embarrassing that Ohio lost to this same Akron team?


Also- considering not watching the bowl game. While this may be unpopular, I can’t see myself cheering for a team who shit the bed the last few games of the season, when things actually mattered. I feel like they’re being rewarded with a trip to paradise for being mediocre. Not so much the kids, as much as I’m upset with the coaching staff for sheer incompetence.

Dont watch WHO CARES.I doubt you actually support Ohio University anyways. The bowl games arent for you whiney crybabies. Watch paint dry as far as we care. GO BOBCATS>

How about you stop talking shit about them and look at all of the positives this team had? Yeah it's annoying we didn't get the job done, but we're going to have most of our team back for next year. I'm tired of everybody being so negative. Does anybody remember how bad the team was in past years and now we're going to bowls and a couple MAC Championships. I'll always stick with them through thick and thin.

What is the laundry lists of positives?

Please ... enlighten us? Ohio beat Toledo and followed it up with a horrendous loss at Akron rendering that win over Toledo meaningless.

They went 8-5 again!?!? 5-3 in the MAC again?!?! Earned another mid-level bowl bid again?!??!

6 wins vs 6 of the worst 28 teams in the country and 1 vs FCS doormat?!?!

QUIT COMPARING THIS PROGRAM 13 YEARS INTO SOLICH ERA TO KNORR OR LICHTENBERG ERA!!!

That should NOT be the bar we set for expectations anymore...we're past that, aren't we?!?! 13 years in and we're still harping about how bad we were 20 years ago ...

Get over it.

Quit blasting folks for wanting more than a mediocre 8-5 championship-less season every year