I'm in the opinion that winning a MACC matters.
Well, we agree on this. I think it's important too. I was in Detroit for the meltdown against NIU. I was crushed about the results of that game more than any football game I can remember in recent years. The only thing close was my depression after our "almost win" against A&M when we lead going into the 4th quarter. But, I digress. I guess the difference is that I'm a complete optimist, and I see the recent three-game streak and improved recruiting as well as the players who will be returning next year as reasons to believe a MACC is very possible next year. I also know what happened in 2013 and '14 and I don't fret about it as much as you do. There are reasons for each of those "off years." The former had to do with serious morale problems, which have not resurfaced. The latter was part of the normal rebuilding cycle that every team goes through. You seem to be of the I-won't-believe-we've-turned-the-corner-until-I-see-it-on-the-field school. That's cool. That's just not me.
+1
Agree.
I'm totally fine with having different outlooks.
From my standpoint, it's just troublesome to see some many lopsided defeats over the last few years....regardless of the reasons.
Bottom line...it's happened. And it keep happening.
And like you, I'm optimistic that it'll right itself next year (and hopefully beyond that)
Just like I was optimistic going into this season.
I'm ecstatic about an 8-4 season....but it's hard for me to just ignore or downplay three of those losses.
8-4 with competitive losses to WMU, UB and BG would've sat just fine with me.
But, man....those are just hard for me to shake.
And if Ohio hadn't had similar results in previous years, it probably would've been easier for me to shrug off.
To me, it's the sign of a trend...
I really hope it isn't and we can look back and chalk up to a blip on the radar.
But again (beating dead horse once again!)...I'll believe it when I see it.
I know...it's the attitude of a skeptic. But hey, like you...you see it your way, and that's just how I see it.