Taking the above points one by one (I'm not getting into the positive/negative debate):

BG got to the MAC title game with a pitiful 5-3 record, and got there despite their D. They gave up nearly 27 pts a game in those eight games, and had real problems when their O wasn't working. They also were pummeled in the MACCG, 51-17. Not impressive.

Yes, BG's O will be the scariest in the MAC this season, which helps to make their D shortcomings seem less significant. But I like Bobby Knight's philosophy -- If you score a lot you might win; if you keep the other team from scoring you'll never lose. Babers' teams at EIU were known for scoring a lot of points and giving up a lot. We had our chances against them last year but couldn't cash in -- we ran over 100 plays and had about 40 mins TOP but shot ourselves in the foot too much.

The amount of video we've seen from practice is about the same as the videos we see from recruits. A few minutes of their best plays of the season largely against competition of unknown quality. Yet we get orgasmic over some of those, too. It's Spring, we're undefeated in 2015 and hope springs eternal.

I'd say our status has greatly improved under Solich. It's hard to compare numbers because of the differing coaching and scheduling philosophies. But we're getting six or seven home games a year instead of four or five, and I think it's better that we don't play three "can't win" games every year like we were doing before. Look what it does to Fiami every year. Shannon Sharpe says that the only thing you learn from losing is how to lose. While that might not be completely true, wins build swagger, no matter who you beat. People don't talk about Ohio as being a doormat anymore, which is good for recruiting. I'd like an upgrade in our schedule, and that may be happening over the next five or so years. Things have gotten better over the past ten years, and our expectations have been raised. Overall I'm pleased with the Solich years, and I look for improvement this year.

I don't think anything can be gained at this point by doctoring the schedule to finish 8-4 and make a minor bowl game. The program has gone to enough minor bowl games and one a couple of them. So long as Solich is here the goal is to win MAC Championships and if we go 10-3 or 8-5 to win that MAC Championship it doesn't really matter to me. Life after Frank though if we want to be viewed as a national contender we are going to have to step up the scheduling.