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Topic: Looking ahead, planning ahead, LET'S GOT FOR IT!!!
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FlashGary
11/1/2017 2:01 PM
Do you envision it, Bobcat Nation? Can you project it? Can you see it?

While thoroughly enjoying the football team's journey more than any other season--dating back to when I hit the campus in 1971--I just can't help looking ahead to what next season potentially can be IF the coaching staff decides to think big and make a couple out-of-character moves that could help propel us into the national rankings.

I'm saying this because in Nathan Rourke we've now got a quarterback who doesn't have to take a back seat to anyone he's going to play against. And although we lose Brendan Cope, we'll get back Elijah Ball and at least one of the younger receivers (Cameron Odom?) should be ready to step up. Another year of A.J., in tandem with Julian Ross, and doesn't Maleek Irons come back?

Two quality road games on the schedule at Virginia and Cincinnati...

Can you envision it? Can you project it? Can you see it?

Well, not quite. Because I don't think we see anyone currently on the roster rising to be the premiere edge rusher and a lockup cornerback we desperately need. So IF you want to think big and reach out to do and be something big, I, personally, want the coaching staff to pound the junior college ranks to bring in a speed rusher and cornerback who are not only ready to play, but can be standouts next season. Maybe it can't be accomplished. But I want them to try. And if that happens...

Now can you envision it? Now can you project it? Now can you see it?

Northern Illinois did it. Western Michigan did it.

Why not US?
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Bobcat1996
11/1/2017 2:12 PM
Yes I think the Bobcats will be good next fall. Although they lose some key components from the 2017 team, this program has recruited well and has some depth ready to contribute. Having said that, hopefully we can enjoy the next few weeks of this season and a possible bowl game.
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bshot44
11/1/2017 4:08 PM
FlashGary wrote:expand_more
Why not US?
Been saying that for 13 years (well, maybe not all 13 ... but you get the point)

This program has been on the doorstep of relevancy outside the MAC for years ... and for one reason or another hasn't taken that step.

They were reallyCLOSE in 2013 ... but getting blasted at Louisville to start the season and then having a QB who just decided he didn't want to play anymore midway thru the season ... even tho he was still playing the position each game ... didn't help.

That season knocked them back down the ladder a good ways and they've been trying to climb back ever since ....

But you'll never climb up that ladder racking up wins vs. the worst teams in the country.

I know that MAC East wins are a necessity and can't do anything about those teams sucking .... but you have to beat the Toledos, NIUs, WMUs of the world ... MAC teams that matter.

And you can't load your schedule with Kansas, UMass, Texas State and Idaho's of the world.

And when you do get the chance to play a Tennessee or even a Purdue, you have to take advantage.

They haven't done that.

Not since that win at PSU. Missed a chance at Minnesota.

You're right ... UVA and UC are two chances at somewhat "signature" wins next year.

But UMass and Howard hurt ....

BUT ... beat the tar out of them like you should .... not 59-50 ... and that is a statement itself.

Then go thru and run roughshod over the MAC .... not beat teams 27-24.

That's how you'll get noticed.

Just look at what Toledo, WMU, NIU and BG did those years they were relevant nationally.

Ohio hasn't done that since that 2012 season.

I like where your head is at ... but my faith they can take that step isn't as optimistic as you based on what I've seen from a lot of different facets of this program since 2012
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FlashGary
11/1/2017 5:48 PM
bshot44 wrote:expand_more
Why not US?
Been saying that for 13 years (well, maybe not all 13 ... but you get the point)

This program has been on the doorstep of relevancy outside the MAC for years ... and for one reason or another hasn't taken that step.

They were reallyCLOSE in 2013 ... but getting blasted at Louisville to start the season and then having a QB who just decided he didn't want to play anymore midway thru the season ... even tho he was still playing the position each game ... didn't help.

That season knocked them back down the ladder a good ways and they've been trying to climb back ever since ....

But you'll never climb up that ladder racking up wins vs. the worst teams in the country.

I know that MAC East wins are a necessity and can't do anything about those teams sucking .... but you have to beat the Toledos, NIUs, WMUs of the world ... MAC teams that matter.

And you can't load your schedule with Kansas, UMass, Texas State and Idaho's of the world.

And when you do get the chance to play a Tennessee or even a Purdue, you have to take advantage.

They haven't done that.

Not since that win at PSU. Missed a chance at Minnesota.

You're right ... UVA and UC are two chances at somewhat "signature" wins next year.

But UMass and Howard hurt ....

BUT ... beat the tar out of them like you should .... not 59-50 ... and that is a statement itself.

Then go thru and run roughshod over the MAC .... not beat teams 27-24.

That's how you'll get noticed.

Just look at what Toledo, WMU, NIU and BG did those years they were relevant nationally.

Ohio hasn't done that since that 2012 season.

I like where your head is at ... but my faith they can take that step isn't as optimistic as you based on what I've seen from a lot of different facets of this program since 2012

The reason for my optimism is Nathan Rourke. This guy is ONLY a sophomore. Can you imagine what we may have on our hands next season and the season after if he doesn't get seriously injured and continues to improve? He's beginning to exhibit Ben Rothlisberger-type impact. How often have we had that? Tyler Tettleton was good, but he couldn't sling the ball around the yard like this guy. Rourke is showing serious potential, all-MAC potential. How many Ohio quarterbacks have achieved that status? But in order to get to where we'd all like to see the program go, if only for a season or two, we've GOT to add a Tarell Basham-type edge rusher, so the secondary won't have to cover for too long, and a corner who can man up against the top receivers in the conference. We've had a few of those in past seasons. If we can get one or two who can come in and play next season, watch out! If we can't find these guys going the JC route, hopefully we can get them as grad transfers.
Last Edited: 11/1/2017 5:51:22 PM by FlashGary
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Buckeye to Bobcat
11/1/2017 5:54 PM
FlashGary wrote:expand_more
Why not US?
Been saying that for 13 years (well, maybe not all 13 ... but you get the point)

This program has been on the doorstep of relevancy outside the MAC for years ... and for one reason or another hasn't taken that step.

They were reallyCLOSE in 2013 ... but getting blasted at Louisville to start the season and then having a QB who just decided he didn't want to play anymore midway thru the season ... even tho he was still playing the position each game ... didn't help.

That season knocked them back down the ladder a good ways and they've been trying to climb back ever since ....

But you'll never climb up that ladder racking up wins vs. the worst teams in the country.

I know that MAC East wins are a necessity and can't do anything about those teams sucking .... but you have to beat the Toledos, NIUs, WMUs of the world ... MAC teams that matter.

And you can't load your schedule with Kansas, UMass, Texas State and Idaho's of the world.

And when you do get the chance to play a Tennessee or even a Purdue, you have to take advantage.

They haven't done that.

Not since that win at PSU. Missed a chance at Minnesota.

You're right ... UVA and UC are two chances at somewhat "signature" wins next year.

But UMass and Howard hurt ....

BUT ... beat the tar out of them like you should .... not 59-50 ... and that is a statement itself.

Then go thru and run roughshod over the MAC .... not beat teams 27-24.

That's how you'll get noticed.

Just look at what Toledo, WMU, NIU and BG did those years they were relevant nationally.

Ohio hasn't done that since that 2012 season.

I like where your head is at ... but my faith they can take that step isn't as optimistic as you based on what I've seen from a lot of different facets of this program since 2012

The reason for my optimism is Nathan Rourke. This guy is ONLY a sophomore. Can you imagine what we may have on our hands next season and the season after if he doesn't get seriously injured and continues to improve? He's beginning to exhibit Ben Rothlisberger-type impact. How often have we had that? Tyler Tettleton was good, but he couldn't sling the ball around the yard like this guy. Rourke is showing serious potential, all-MAC potential. How many Ohio quarterbacks have achieved that status? But in order to get to where we'd all like to see the program go, if only for a season or two, we've GOT to add a Tarell Basham-type edge rusher, so the secondary won't have to cover for too long, and a corner who can man up against the top receivers in the conference. We've had a few of those in past seasons. If we can get one or two who can come in and play next season, watch out! If we can't find these guys going the JC route, hopefully we can get them as grad transfers.
+1

Rourke is the man that makes this offense go no questions asked.

I hope he's the kind of QB that can prevent the November slide. I know next week is going to be tough, but lucky for us Toledo is only gonna have 4 days off to prep for us so.....strap in kiddos, let's go win the big ones.
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bshot44
11/1/2017 6:33 PM
FlashGary wrote:expand_more
Why not US?
Been saying that for 13 years (well, maybe not all 13 ... but you get the point)

This program has been on the doorstep of relevancy outside the MAC for years ... and for one reason or another hasn't taken that step.

They were reallyCLOSE in 2013 ... but getting blasted at Louisville to start the season and then having a QB who just decided he didn't want to play anymore midway thru the season ... even tho he was still playing the position each game ... didn't help.

That season knocked them back down the ladder a good ways and they've been trying to climb back ever since ....

But you'll never climb up that ladder racking up wins vs. the worst teams in the country.

I know that MAC East wins are a necessity and can't do anything about those teams sucking .... but you have to beat the Toledos, NIUs, WMUs of the world ... MAC teams that matter.

And you can't load your schedule with Kansas, UMass, Texas State and Idaho's of the world.

And when you do get the chance to play a Tennessee or even a Purdue, you have to take advantage.

They haven't done that.

Not since that win at PSU. Missed a chance at Minnesota.

You're right ... UVA and UC are two chances at somewhat "signature" wins next year.

But UMass and Howard hurt ....

BUT ... beat the tar out of them like you should .... not 59-50 ... and that is a statement itself.

Then go thru and run roughshod over the MAC .... not beat teams 27-24.

That's how you'll get noticed.

Just look at what Toledo, WMU, NIU and BG did those years they were relevant nationally.

Ohio hasn't done that since that 2012 season.

I like where your head is at ... but my faith they can take that step isn't as optimistic as you based on what I've seen from a lot of different facets of this program since 2012

The reason for my optimism is Nathan Rourke. This guy is ONLY a sophomore. Can you imagine what we may have on our hands next season and the season after if he doesn't get seriously injured and continues to improve? He's beginning to exhibit Ben Rothlisberger-type impact. How often have we had that? Tyler Tettleton was good, but he couldn't sling the ball around the yard like this guy. Rourke is showing serious potential, all-MAC potential. How many Ohio quarterbacks have achieved that status? But in order to get to where we'd all like to see the program go, if only for a season or two, we've GOT to add a Tarell Basham-type edge rusher, so the secondary won't have to cover for too long, and a corner who can man up against the top receivers in the conference. We've had a few of those in past seasons. If we can get one or two who can come in and play next season, watch out! If we can't find these guys going the JC route, hopefully we can get them as grad transfers.
I'm definitely optimistic about Rourke. Just not 100% sold on your view that he slings it around at a level higher than Tettleton (before he quit on football)

To me, he's a little inconsistent when it comes to the pass game. Only a couple 200+ yard games ... some ugliness in the pass game at times.

That could be some inexperience at WR too.

But overall, I think the future is bright for him for sure!
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L.C.
11/1/2017 6:57 PM
Ohio's last couple Juco corners haven't worked out very well. At corner there are two true freshmen playing, Brooks and Hudson, and they have looked pretty good. They may be the corners you want. At rush end, the one you want, I think, may be McKnight, or perhaps Amir Miller. Both were higher on the depth chart than the guys who are playing, before they got hurt.

If they can get a great one for either spot, awesome, but not just another player. The cupboard isn't bare at either spot.
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FlashGary
11/2/2017 12:09 AM
bshot44 wrote:expand_more
Why not US?
Been saying that for 13 years (well, maybe not all 13 ... but you get the point)

This program has been on the doorstep of relevancy outside the MAC for years ... and for one reason or another hasn't taken that step.

They were reallyCLOSE in 2013 ... but getting blasted at Louisville to start the season and then having a QB who just decided he didn't want to play anymore midway thru the season ... even tho he was still playing the position each game ... didn't help.

That season knocked them back down the ladder a good ways and they've been trying to climb back ever since ....

But you'll never climb up that ladder racking up wins vs. the worst teams in the country.

I know that MAC East wins are a necessity and can't do anything about those teams sucking .... but you have to beat the Toledos, NIUs, WMUs of the world ... MAC teams that matter.

And you can't load your schedule with Kansas, UMass, Texas State and Idaho's of the world.

And when you do get the chance to play a Tennessee or even a Purdue, you have to take advantage.

They haven't done that.

Not since that win at PSU. Missed a chance at Minnesota.

You're right ... UVA and UC are two chances at somewhat "signature" wins next year.

But UMass and Howard hurt ....

BUT ... beat the tar out of them like you should .... not 59-50 ... and that is a statement itself.

Then go thru and run roughshod over the MAC .... not beat teams 27-24.

That's how you'll get noticed.

Just look at what Toledo, WMU, NIU and BG did those years they were relevant nationally.

Ohio hasn't done that since that 2012 season.

I like where your head is at ... but my faith they can take that step isn't as optimistic as you based on what I've seen from a lot of different facets of this program since 2012

The reason for my optimism is Nathan Rourke. This guy is ONLY a sophomore. Can you imagine what we may have on our hands next season and the season after if he doesn't get seriously injured and continues to improve? He's beginning to exhibit Ben Rothlisberger-type impact. How often have we had that? Tyler Tettleton was good, but he couldn't sling the ball around the yard like this guy. Rourke is showing serious potential, all-MAC potential. How many Ohio quarterbacks have achieved that status? But in order to get to where we'd all like to see the program go, if only for a season or two, we've GOT to add a Tarell Basham-type edge rusher, so the secondary won't have to cover for too long, and a corner who can man up against the top receivers in the conference. We've had a few of those in past seasons. If we can get one or two who can come in and play next season, watch out! If we can't find these guys going the JC route, hopefully we can get them as grad transfers.
I'm definitely optimistic about Rourke. Just not 100% sold on your view that he slings it around at a level higher than Tettleton (before he quit on football)

To me, he's a little inconsistent when it comes to the pass game. Only a couple 200+ yard games ... some ugliness in the pass game at times.

That could be some inexperience at WR too.

But overall, I think the future is bright for him for sure!
Remember, Nathan is only a sophomore with a handful of starts. And for several of those games, he didn't have Papi White to throw to and Cameron Odom and Brendon Cope were playing hurt, hence the receivers seldom were getting separation. Yeah, he had some issues throwing into very small windows; many quarterbacks do. But he's pretty good at hitting receivers when they're relatively open and he's made some great throws in tight coverage.
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FlashGary
11/2/2017 12:10 AM
L.C. wrote:expand_more
Ohio's last couple Juco corners haven't worked out very well. At corner there are two true freshmen playing, Brooks and Hudson, and they have looked pretty good. They may be the corners you want. At rush end, the one you want, I think, may be McKnight, or perhaps Amir Miller. Both were higher on the depth chart than the guys who are playing, before they got hurt.

If they can get a great one for either spot, awesome, but not just another player. The cupboard isn't bare at either spot.


Certainly hope you're right, L.C. That greatly will help if it comes from within the program, guys who already know the system.
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bshot44
11/2/2017 1:40 PM
FlashGary wrote:expand_more
Why not US?
Been saying that for 13 years (well, maybe not all 13 ... but you get the point)

This program has been on the doorstep of relevancy outside the MAC for years ... and for one reason or another hasn't taken that step.

They were reallyCLOSE in 2013 ... but getting blasted at Louisville to start the season and then having a QB who just decided he didn't want to play anymore midway thru the season ... even tho he was still playing the position each game ... didn't help.

That season knocked them back down the ladder a good ways and they've been trying to climb back ever since ....

But you'll never climb up that ladder racking up wins vs. the worst teams in the country.

I know that MAC East wins are a necessity and can't do anything about those teams sucking .... but you have to beat the Toledos, NIUs, WMUs of the world ... MAC teams that matter.

And you can't load your schedule with Kansas, UMass, Texas State and Idaho's of the world.

And when you do get the chance to play a Tennessee or even a Purdue, you have to take advantage.

They haven't done that.

Not since that win at PSU. Missed a chance at Minnesota.

You're right ... UVA and UC are two chances at somewhat "signature" wins next year.

But UMass and Howard hurt ....

BUT ... beat the tar out of them like you should .... not 59-50 ... and that is a statement itself.

Then go thru and run roughshod over the MAC .... not beat teams 27-24.

That's how you'll get noticed.

Just look at what Toledo, WMU, NIU and BG did those years they were relevant nationally.

Ohio hasn't done that since that 2012 season.

I like where your head is at ... but my faith they can take that step isn't as optimistic as you based on what I've seen from a lot of different facets of this program since 2012

The reason for my optimism is Nathan Rourke. This guy is ONLY a sophomore. Can you imagine what we may have on our hands next season and the season after if he doesn't get seriously injured and continues to improve? He's beginning to exhibit Ben Rothlisberger-type impact. How often have we had that? Tyler Tettleton was good, but he couldn't sling the ball around the yard like this guy. Rourke is showing serious potential, all-MAC potential. How many Ohio quarterbacks have achieved that status? But in order to get to where we'd all like to see the program go, if only for a season or two, we've GOT to add a Tarell Basham-type edge rusher, so the secondary won't have to cover for too long, and a corner who can man up against the top receivers in the conference. We've had a few of those in past seasons. If we can get one or two who can come in and play next season, watch out! If we can't find these guys going the JC route, hopefully we can get them as grad transfers.
I'm definitely optimistic about Rourke. Just not 100% sold on your view that he slings it around at a level higher than Tettleton (before he quit on football)

To me, he's a little inconsistent when it comes to the pass game. Only a couple 200+ yard games ... some ugliness in the pass game at times.

That could be some inexperience at WR too.

But overall, I think the future is bright for him for sure!
Remember, Nathan is only a sophomore with a handful of starts. And for several of those games, he didn't have Papi White to throw to and Cameron Odom and Brendon Cope were playing hurt, hence the receivers seldom were getting separation. Yeah, he had some issues throwing into very small windows; many quarterbacks do. But he's pretty good at hitting receivers when they're relatively open and he's made some great throws in tight coverage.
I know he's only a sophomore ... that's why I tred a little lighter about crowning him as the greatest QB in Ohio history.

I think he's been really, really good so far ... but has a lot of room for growth.

If he continues to grow .... and the offensive play-calling doesn't saddle him with bad situations ... I think he has a very bright future.

I just think sometimes we're too quick to place guys on a pedestal
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TWT
11/5/2017 11:12 AM
FlashGary wrote:expand_more
Do you envision it, Bobcat Nation? Can you project it? Can you see it?

Now can you envision it? Now can you project it? Now can you see it?

Northern Illinois did it. Western Michigan did it.

Why not US?
I've envisioned it since it was an option for us. I'm fine with the team in contention for it because if they are that is the mark of a great coaching job. On the schedules we play that requires completing regular seasons with 1 loss or less. Two losses and its borderline. That is where we are this season.
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