So here's the deal. Over the past few years I've spent quite a bit of time on this board trying to convince various folks that the football program was in decline or at least wasn't moving in the right direction. Of course some were doing the same in reaction to the results on the field and others were pushing back against that analysis. Thats continued up to today. I feel like those efforts (while sorta a waste of time) were done because many folks (perhaps even Arkley and athletic dept folks included) failed to see what we were seeing.

Well, its hard to argue with the results of the last few weeks and now we're in a position where many folks are now questioning what the future of the football program should look like...or even recommending that Frank step aside.

With respect to all of this I submit a couple humble requests:

- We should stop talking about this type of stuff. Its over now. Anyone with half a brain now realizes that the program is struggling. If they don't, then their opinion is not worth the effort of swaying. I'm officially done calling attention to stats that show things are not going well or complaining about the staff. The message has been conveyed to those that care to exist in reality.

- Frank, the staff and the team have worked very hard over the years and deserve our support, particularly now that things are sorta in free-fall.

- Do we really want Frank to go out with the fans trashing him and calling for his head? Surely thats not how we want the successful Solich years to end.

- And finally...this team has a lot of nice players and good kids. Lets put aside our egos and the desire to be "right" and just give them some unmitigated support.

So I'm calling on the BA gang to circle the wagons and support the team until the season is over. Thats what I'll be doing!

You waited until something happens you can't control (the results of yesterday's game) to finally decide to put effort into something you can control (your attitude and support of the program)?!

These "humble" requests could've been made at any point over the last 2.5 years, or even sooner. There were no major hurdles preventing you from making an effort to stay positive and show support.

Your basis for positivity is as critically flawed as your basis for program change over the past 2.5 years.

I hope you've also finally decided to leave your fantasy world where you somehow feel vindicated after yesterday's loss. Because there are some people down here on Earth who have been focusing solely on what they can control all along.

The fact is Frank is under contract with the university until June 30th 2017. That is 20 months of salary the university would have to eat ($1 million) to fire Frank this Monday. The administration has to balance that with the other fact that Frank is 5-3 and with a 6th win ends up in a bowl. Ohio makes a bowl and with guys healed up its a team that would be a handful in a bowl game. While a MAC title isn't in reach this year or next the chances are strong Frank could put another bowl banner on the wall of Peden Stadium before he's done. I can see him retiring after next year and as a parting gift renovating the weight room which he says he wants to spruce up. The administration would rather milk the Solich name and his career MAC win totals than to force him out. I'd argue that position makes some sense especially with new facilities not due to come online until 2017.

We had 6 wins last year... there was no bowl. I doubt t here will be a bowl this year. Would need 8 wins for a bowl to be a sure bet I think,