Living in Lincoln I have never heard much criticism of Pelini's coaching or record, either before or after he was fired. Based on comments I have heard, most people here had respect for his coaching ability, but not his demeanor on and off the field. Now, I do know a guy that runs a travel agency that wanted Pelini gone because of declining interest in charters to bowl games, but why was interest declining? Was it because of the record? Or did the coaches embarrass them? Or maybe it was declining interest in football in general because of head injuries, and less interest in football among the younger generation?


Then enlighten me, Billy. This is the way I understand it. Ohio produces a lot of 5-star and 4-star players, unlike Minnesota. For 2018 they have 1 5-star athlete, and 13 4-star athletes, unlike Minnesota, which has none. Ohio also has more than 60 3-star athletes, unlike Minnesota, which has 6. Those four to five star athletes are what powers Ohio State to the top of the B1G every year, and in order to compete, Minnesota is going to need to go out of area to recruit some.

Meanwhile, at Ohio, they need those 3-star athletes to be at the top of the MAC. Unfortunately, the bulk of those 3-star athletes are found, not in Southeastern Ohio, nor in the Valley, but in Southwestern Ohio (the home area for Miami and UC), Northwestern Ohio (the home area for BG and Toledo), or NE Ohio (the home area of Kent and Akron). Some are also in Central Ohio, an area where all the MAC schools compete.

Thus, to succeed, Minnesota must go into the areas of other schools like Ohio State, looking for the 4-5 star athletes it needs, because there aren't enough in their natural recruiting area. Meanwhile, to succeed, Ohio must also recruit out of their area to get the athletes it needs. They do get some from SW Ohio, NE Ohio, and Central Ohio. Alternately, they can go into Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, and Oklahoma, like they did last year.

I would agree with that. The primary difference between that and my list is that it's more specific, whereas I lumped 2-8 together as "other P5 schools".

DMV?

Sorry about that, should have clarified that statement. But yes, Penn State has gone heavily towards the East Coast and have seen the benefits of Maryland in the Big Ten. That said, Maryland is starting to make noise on the recruiting trail in their backyard.

So through five games, Ohio is averaging 41.4 points per game. That certainly will go down. Ohio played three very bad defenses. But nonetheless, the offense has been impressive. Ohio has had two of its two highest scoring games in 40-plus years. Has the play-calling improved from past years? Is there more talent on offense?

Sometimes called DelMarVa -- Delaware, Maryland, Virginia.

DC, Maryland, Virginia

I agree with what everyone is saying. Quarterback play has been the best Ohio has had in several years. I think the offensive line also has played better than in recent years. Also as others have noted, it's been especially impressive for this level of offense to happen with the wide receiver injuries the team has had. Cope has been great.

I agree. So far he has been outstanding by any measure. The scary thing is to remember that he's only been with the Ohio offense for less than a year. The more time he spends in it, the more comfortable he should get with the offense and the other players. He should continue to improve.