[QUOTE=bshot44
First, I wish you could forgive TT.
Forgive him? What did he do that I need to forgive him? That play had no bearing on my "real life" He doesn't need my forgiveness! To assume as much is absurd?!? I'm not mad at HIM....I'm mad we lost. Yes, do I think he could've made a smarter play and one that even he would even admit he is capable of....of course! I don't think TT is losing sleep over me not "forgiving" him just like I am not losing sleep over my alma mater losing a football game (even if it was to Fiami, my sister's god-forsaken alma mater.)
My point is...we as fans, like OhioAlum suggested, should and can be upset about this loss. That doesn't mean we should head up to Court Street and light cars on fire and start a riot. But to just say, "Mmm, well, the boys played their heart out and I'm happy with that." or "Well, we can still win the MAC title and that's what it's all about." is just absurd.
The best thing about Frank....he has brought expectations. And I think that is awesome. Winning 7 or 8 games a year was nice at first...so was winning 9 & 10. And yes, I think with Frank we will win 9 games in our sleep most years. But the bar should be higher now. We should strive for more than a MAC title (even though we haven't won one since 1968)
But would you tell the Buffalo Bills if they are 16-0 in the regular season that making the playoffs is just fine. Don't worry about winning the Super Bowl.....we happy just to make the playoffs.
No!
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for this football program! And you are insane if you think a 9-0 OHIO team isn't ranked about #19 in the BCS right now. National TV exposure with EMU, BGSU and Ball State on nights when no one else is playing.....ESPN would have been pumping it up because it's on their airwaves. Human voters would have taken notice, only helping our stock. Computer points would continue to rise with Kent, NIU and Toledo success. That Nov. 23 game with Kent would've been a huge deal.....as would the MAC title game between two ranked teams on a Friday night national TV game.
You can run all the numbers/stats/formulas you want, but I would hope everyone on this board would agree that we would feel pretty good about our chances that to go to a BCS game meant we had to beat BG, Ball, Kent & NIU/UT. It's just like a run in the MAC hoops tourney....no it's not "easy" but I love our chances! Especially when we have a very, very good football team (especially when healthy)
Remember back when Boise made their first real run at the BCS.....they were everywhere. Media is always looking for the next "big story" and OHIO would've been IT had they continued to win. We already graced SI, USA Today, etc. It only would've snowballed with wins.
So yes....I am upset we missed out on that. Because, let's be honest....in two years when we have a playoff in CFB, no non-BCS conference school will EVER have a chance to make a splash nationally. No until we expand to an 8-team playoff and then it's a maybe.
So yes....I am happy we are in the midst of possibly the best-season in school history....but also really upset we let one slip thru our fingers.
There's nothing wrong with that. I'm not "blaming" anyone nor do I need to forgive anyone. I'm just a fan that wants to see OHIO succeed to the highest of levels. And winning a MAC title this year was NOT the highest level they could achieve given how the cards fell throughout the season. It was there for the taking....and a gut-wrenching loss took that away. So again, yes, it pains me.