Ohio Football Topic
Topic: We are who we are
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colobobcat66
10/13/2013 3:47 PM
We will not be the next Boise State. We will continue to be an above average MAC team, with few signature wins and no MAC championship in sight. Frankly, yesterday's game cemented that reality in my mind as we continue to have at least one game per season where we lay an egg or whatever you want to call it. We can be happy not being as bad as we used to be. There is certainly good reason to feel that way. While other teams may be more inconsistent( see Miami and Buffalo MAC Championships during the past 9 years), we are consistently just good enough to beat most poor MAC teams, and there are plenty of those in any given year, beat an FCS team and maybe a lower level FBS team. While playing, year in and year out, one of the weakest schedules in all of FBS, and padding the win column, we have seemed to reach our upper limit, success wise. One can hope, dream or whatever you want to do, but after 9 years, we are who we are. Relevant, maybe. Special, not really.

Following Ohio football is sort of like thinking your kids or grand kids are really something special and they are in your eyes, but the rest of the world doesn't see them that way, because there is no reason to.

I will continue to follow Ohio football, as we all should, but having expectations (not hope) for something bigger and better doesn't seem in the works anytime soon.

Sorry for the rant, but I'm just trying to be realistic about the situation.
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Cats-22
10/13/2013 3:56 PM
That's not really who Ohio is.  Ohio doesn't just beat the teams they're supposed to beat.  Wasn't Marshall a 7+ favorite this season?  Penn State last season?  Temple down the stretch in those couple years when Ohio had to beat them to win the East?  Ohio's pulled some big upsets too.

But, we have yet to put it all together.  It could still happen this season, the team still controls its destiny.  The OL health has been a worry, and Prior going down Saturday just piles it on.  But this is still a good squad.  I'm looking forward to the back half of the season.
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cbarber357
10/13/2013 3:59 PM
All you people bitching is really annoying. You all sound like state fans after a loss. Please stop. Mistakes by players lost this game in combination with CMU's great play
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colobobcat66
10/13/2013 4:09 PM
catatonic wrote:expand_more
That's not really who Ohio is. Ohio doesn't just beat the teams they're supposed to beat. Wasn't Marshall a 7+ favorite this season? Penn State last season? Temple down the stretch in those couple years when Ohio had to beat them to win the East? Ohio's pulled some big upsets too.

But, we have yet to put it all together. It could still happen this season, the team still controls its destiny. The OL health has been a worry, and Prior going down Saturday just piles it on. But this is still a good squad. I'm looking forward to the back half of the season.

Great, we won the East. Wow!
The point is that if you are satisfied with where we are, good for you. If you are not annoyed by the unexpected losses, good for you.
Like I said above, many are happy with the success we have had, I'm just had a little higher expectations in the recent past. Not now.
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UpSan Bobcat
10/13/2013 4:24 PM
Every team in the history of football loses on a fairly regular basis games they shouldn't lose. That's what happens when you turn the ball over four times. You can blame whoever you want for the turnovers, but truthfully, sometimes they just happen and it sucks when they happen at the wrong times or in bunches (or both).

I hope the team hasn't given up on this season the way some of the fans have. There's a good chance this loss will mean nothing as far as the MAC championship goes.
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DFrids
10/13/2013 5:42 PM
UpSan Bobcat wrote:expand_more
I hope the team hasn't given up on this season the way some of the fans have. There's a good chance this loss will mean nothing as far as the MAC championship goes.


This.  We still control our own destiny.  We can still win the MAC East.  We can still win the MAC Championship.  We can still win our 3rd straight bowl game.
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Pataskala
10/13/2013 5:44 PM
Stanford should fire its coach after losing at Utah yesterday.

My concern is with the lack of fire the team has on occasion.  It showed up at L'ville and again during the first half yesterday.  Don't know if that's a coaching problem or something else, but yesterday showed that they need to be ready EVERY week. 
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colobobcat66
10/13/2013 5:52 PM
Pataskala wrote:expand_more
Stanford should fire its coach after losing at Utah yesterday.

My concern is with the lack of fire the team has on occasion. It showed up at L'ville and again during the first half yesterday. Don't know if that's a coaching problem or something else, but yesterday showed that they need to be ready EVERY week.

I'm not one to say fire the coach. Really nothing to do with what I'm saying. Go to another thread for that. I'm just saying I've lowered my expectations based on past performance. This has nothing to do with the team giving up, firing a coach or just bitching about a loss. You guys don't get it.
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Paul Graham
10/13/2013 5:57 PM
colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
Stanford should fire its coach after losing at Utah yesterday.

My concern is with the lack of fire the team has on occasion. It showed up at L'ville and again during the first half yesterday. Don't know if that's a coaching problem or something else, but yesterday showed that they need to be ready EVERY week.

I'm not one to say fire the coach. Really nothing to do with what I'm saying. Go to another thread for that. I'm just saying I've lowered my expectations based on past performance. This has nothing to do with the team giving up, firing a coach or just bitching about a loss. You guys don't get it.


I think what you're saying is we've plateaued under Frank and Co. I tend to agree.
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Cats-22
10/13/2013 7:40 PM
Most seasons, Ohio loses a game they shouldn't lose.  As does almost every other college football team.  I'm not happy about the loss either but I don't see how it fundamentally changes anything.

On to the next one.
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Monroe Slavin
10/13/2013 10:57 PM
I'll concede that CMU is better than I thought.  But the coaches must have known that also.

The point about yesterday is that we tanked in front of a homecoming crowd.  All we had to do was win.  By a single point.  Then we'd be grousing a bit about it should have been more.  But no.  In front of a large crowd and facing an opportunity to really convert a lot of not-so-avid fans, we blew it.

Not acceptable.

We did, however, keep running Beau up the middle for no yards at all.

We seemed more concerned about that than reacting to circumstances and what it took to win.



 
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OhioStunter
10/13/2013 11:15 PM
Paul Graham wrote:expand_more
Stanford should fire its coach after losing at Utah yesterday.

My concern is with the lack of fire the team has on occasion. It showed up at L'ville and again during the first half yesterday. Don't know if that's a coaching problem or something else, but yesterday showed that they need to be ready EVERY week.

I'm not one to say fire the coach. Really nothing to do with what I'm saying. Go to another thread for that. I'm just saying I've lowered my expectations based on past performance. This has nothing to do with the team giving up, firing a coach or just bitching about a loss. You guys don't get it.


I think what you're saying is we've plateaued under Frank and Co. I tend to agree.


I think Frank and Co. have brought a level of consistent success to this program that has never before been experienced. 

Now we want more. And we're not getting it.

Expectation levels are high and I think some are starting to turn into Nebraska fans circa 2003 -- when 4-5 seasons of 9 wins and bowl appearances are just not enough.

As much a Frank can be frustrating at times (Beau up the middle, special teams, the debacle vs. Troy), no one else has been able to do what he's done for the program. 
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NIU007b
10/13/2013 11:44 PM
Bad things happen when you play CMU in Mount Horrific.  It's the Bermuda Triangle of football. We go there next.
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NIU007b
10/13/2013 11:51 PM
NM - guess that was played in Ohio. Still, CMU isn't that bad, not like Miami or UMass or EMU or WMU. I think they're starting to come together, like last year towards the end.
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mf279801
10/14/2013 12:09 AM
colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
Stanford should fire its coach after losing at Utah yesterday.

My concern is with the lack of fire the team has on occasion. It showed up at L'ville and again during the first half yesterday. Don't know if that's a coaching problem or something else, but yesterday showed that they need to be ready EVERY week.

I'm not one to say fire the coach. Really nothing to do with what I'm saying. Go to another thread for that. I'm just saying I've lowered my expectations based on past performance. This has nothing to do with the team giving up, firing a coach or just bitching about a loss. You guys don't get it.

No, you're not SAYING to fire the coach, but I started reading BA circa 2007, and it sure seems like you've been IMPLYING that you want the coaching staff fired since that first time I typed in bobcatattack.com...
 
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colobobcat66
10/14/2013 4:35 AM
mf279801 wrote:expand_more
Stanford should fire its coach after losing at Utah yesterday.

My concern is with the lack of fire the team has on occasion. It showed up at L'ville and again during the first half yesterday. Don't know if that's a coaching problem or something else, but yesterday showed that they need to be ready EVERY week.

I'm not one to say fire the coach. Really nothing to do with what I'm saying. Go to another thread for that. I'm just saying I've lowered my expectations based on past performance. This has nothing to do with the team giving up, firing a coach or just bitching about a loss. You guys don't get it.


No, you're not SAYING to fire the coach, but I started reading BA circa 2007, and it sure seems like you've been IMPLYING that you want the coaching staff fired since that first time I typed in bobcatattack.com...
if you're talking about me, I've never said anything like that . I'm a frank guy. I'm glad that you think you can read my mind. I'd go into fortune telling if i were you. Anyway, I don't think everything is perfect and just let everything ride.
Last Edited: 10/14/2013 5:10:37 AM by colobobcat66
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71 BOBCAT
10/14/2013 8:20 AM
2 points on this post:
1) Any team can beat any team on any given day
2) We had about 9 players out due to injury, many on the O line, Another unusual injury year.
This team and coaches are working very well together and are staying together as a team as noted by their post game news conference quotes.
The O line is young and gaining experience which in the long run is better for our continued success.
1 game does not a season make.
I would project our record will include 8-10 wins this year. Anyone not satisfied with that number needs a dose of reality check.





GO BOBCATS
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Ohio69
10/14/2013 8:43 AM
colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
I'm not one to say fire the coach. Really nothing to do with what I'm saying. Go to another thread for that. I'm just saying I've lowered my expectations based on past performance. This has nothing to do with the team giving up, firing a coach or just bitching about a loss. You guys don't get it.


So your expectation for this season was a Boise State style undefeated season with a BCS bowl win over someone like Oklahoma?  Those weren't my expectations.  Not with an injured QB, and tons of new players on the dline and etc.

We turned the ball over 4 times, including a historic fumbled punt at the end of the game.  Historic.

Serious bummer for sure.

But as long as Solich is here, I think will be an annual contender for the MAC title and a top 25 ranking.
Last Edited: 10/14/2013 8:47:11 AM by Ohio69
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bobcat695
10/14/2013 9:06 AM
When I looked at our schedule in August, Louisville was the only game I thought was a guaranteed loss.  The schedule set up favorably, especially avoiding NIU, Toledo and Ball St this year.  The MAC East is pretty weak and we got Marshall and North Texas at home. 

Personally, I am disappointed that we watched a loss at home playing unispired, sloppy football with predictible play calling and tactical coaching errors at critical points in the game (timeout management, fielding the punt at the end, etc.).  If this was an isolated incident, it would be easier to swallow.  But, we have several seasons in a row where there are one or two head-scratching losses.  Miami last year (as well as the last 3 games of the season), Ball State and NIU in the MAC Championship game (with a 20-0 lead) the year before and losses to Kent 3 out of the last 4 years should not happen with any regularity.   

I remember the days of 1 or 2 wins in a season, but getting 8 wins in a season where they play 13 or 14 games is really not much more than mediocre.  We have 8 games against MAC teams and 1 against an FCS team each year.  8 wins/year playing in the SEC is impressive.  8 wins playing the likes of Miami, UMass, Akron, Buffalo and Eastern Michigan is not.
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SBH
10/14/2013 9:29 AM
bobcat695 wrote:expand_more
When I looked at our schedule in August, Louisville was the only game I thought was a guaranteed loss.  The schedule set up favorably, especially avoiding NIU, Toledo and Ball St this year.  The MAC East is pretty weak and we got Marshall and North Texas at home. 

Personally, I am disappointed that we watched a loss at home playing unispired, sloppy football with predictible play calling and tactical coaching errors at critical points in the game (timeout management, fielding the punt at the end, etc.).  If this was an isolated incident, it would be easier to swallow.  But, we have several seasons in a row where there are one or two head-scratching losses.  Miami last year (as well as the last 3 games of the season), Ball State and NIU in the MAC Championship game (with a 20-0 lead) the year before and losses to Kent 3 out of the last 4 years should not happen with any regularity.   

I remember the days of 1 or 2 wins in a season, but getting 8 wins in a season where they play 13 or 14 games is really not much more than mediocre.  We have 8 games against MAC teams and 1 against an FCS team each year.  8 wins/year playing in the SEC is impressive.  8 wins playing the likes of Miami, UMass, Akron, Buffalo and Eastern Michigan is not.


I agree completely.  By the way, I've never seen the team run out onto the field with less energy.  I turned to my wife and said, "This could be one of those games."  Sadly, it was.


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colobobcat66
10/14/2013 9:44 AM
Ohio69 wrote:expand_more
I'm not one to say fire the coach. Really nothing to do with what I'm saying. Go to another thread for that. I'm just saying I've lowered my expectations based on past performance. This has nothing to do with the team giving up, firing a coach or just bitching about a loss. You guys don't get it.


So your expectation for this season was a Boise State style undefeated season with a BCS bowl win over someone like Oklahoma? Those weren't my expectations. Not with an injured QB, and tons of new players on the dline and etc.

We turned the ball over 4 times, including a historic fumbled punt at the end of the game. Historic.

Serious bummer for sure.

But as long as Solich is here, I think will be an annual contender for the MAC title and a top 25 ranking.
I never expected a Boise type season, you act like the fumble at the end had never happened before, I can think of several mental breakdowns in the not too distant past, so it's not unique for sure. Your last sentence is exactly what I am no longer expecting anymore. If it happens, it will exceed my expectations and I will be extremely happy for those results.
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Monroe Slavin
10/14/2013 9:48 AM
SBH wrote:expand_more
When I looked at our schedule in August, Louisville was the only game I thought was a guaranteed loss.  The schedule set up favorably, especially avoiding NIU, Toledo and Ball St this year.  The MAC East is pretty weak and we got Marshall and North Texas at home. 

Personally, I am disappointed that we watched a loss at home playing unispired, sloppy football with predictible play calling and tactical coaching errors at critical points in the game (timeout management, fielding the punt at the end, etc.).  If this was an isolated incident, it would be easier to swallow.  But, we have several seasons in a row where there are one or two head-scratching losses.  Miami last year (as well as the last 3 games of the season), Ball State and NIU in the MAC Championship game (with a 20-0 lead) the year before and losses to Kent 3 out of the last 4 years should not happen with any regularity.   

I remember the days of 1 or 2 wins in a season, but getting 8 wins in a season where they play 13 or 14 games is really not much more than mediocre.  We have 8 games against MAC teams and 1 against an FCS team each year.  8 wins/year playing in the SEC is impressive.  8 wins playing the likes of Miami, UMass, Akron, Buffalo and Eastern Michigan is not.


I agree completely.  By the way, I've never seen the team run out onto the field with less energy.  I turned to my wife and said, "This could be one of those games."  Sadly, it was.


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colobobcat66
10/14/2013 9:48 AM
Another thing, when Marshall has 4 turnovers to lose to us, it's because we play so much more disciplined , we are so much better coached, we have smarter players, etc. When we do it, it's just an historic event. Comical.
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OhioCatFan
10/14/2013 10:28 AM
SBH wrote:expand_more
 . . .  By the way, I've never seen the team run out onto the field with less energy.  I turned to my wife and said, "This could be one of those games."  Sadly, it was. 

I noticed that, too.  At the time, being the optimist that I am, I said to myself, "That's a good sign.  They have a business-as-usual attitude.  You don't have to get hyped for every game.  They are going to go out there in workman like fashion and pile up TDs and coast to an Akron-like victory."  In retrospect, however, your interpretation was on target and mine was somewhere in la-la-land.

 
Last Edited: 10/14/2013 10:29:23 AM by OhioCatFan
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Robert Fox
10/14/2013 11:51 AM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
 . . .  By the way, I've never seen the team run out onto the field with less energy.  I turned to my wife and said, "This could be one of those games."  Sadly, it was. 

I noticed that, too.  At the time, being the optimist that I am, I said to myself, "That's a good sign.  They have a business-as-usual attitude.  You don't have to get hyped for every game.  They are going to go out there in workman like fashion and pile up TDs and coast to an Akron-like victory."  In retrospect, however, your interpretation was on target and mine was somewhere in la-la-land.

 


I noticed the same thing, and had SBH's concern. The team entered the field both lackluster and piecemeal. A set of players came out, then a trickle, then a few more, etc. The band seemed out-of-sync because they did their usual fanfare, and the crowd anticipated this grand entrance. Instead, we got this leaky-faucet dribble.

Now maybe that had nothing to do with anything, but I'd like to hear what was going on inside the locker room moments before.
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