That would be a good argument for 2005, though I"m not sure talent was the difference between 2005 and 2006. 2005 actually was going pretty well until 3 starting linemen were lost for the year in one 5 minute period against BG, and there was little to no depth behind them. By contrast 2006 had few injuries until Everson sprained his ankle against Akron, and most of the players from 2005 returned. The only 2005 starters lost were Cole Wesley (RT), Brad Young(FB), Dave Cody (TE) Dion Byrum (CB), Seth Ream (DE), Matthew Miller (P).

I voted for 2005, mainly for the reasons you mentioned.  They were not the most talented team Solich has put on the field but they really seemed to believe in the new direction of the program and were relentless in their drive and determination.  I saw the first game at Northwestern and, even though they lost, you could tell they played their hardest on every down.  That attitude led to the Pitt victory.  Remember that Pitt scored on the opening play of the game a runback for a TD.  That would have discouraged many OHIO teams of the recent past at that point, but these guys buckled down and won the remainder of the game.  I'm getting a sense from what I'm reading about the recently concluded Spring Practice that the 2014 'Cats might be of the same mold.  Go OHIO!