Wow...

I'm honestly at a loss to even address some of the sentiments thrown up on this board sine the conclusion of the UMass game.

We're 5-0 for the first time in 40+ years and we're chucking OUr program under the bus?

We're knocking on the door of a top 25 ranking and we're throwing a tantrum about a close win against a conference opponent?

We're patching things together to get through injuries and we're criticizing our young players that put more into this team on a daily basis than any of us do in an entire season?

I'm embarrassed by some of the things I've read.



Bobcats...Great win fellas...Get well...Most of Bobcat Nation is PROUD of you...We'll be there waiting for you in Peden on Saturday..Go Ohio!!!!!

Honestly, I believe our role is to show up, wear green & white, and cheer ourselves hoarse...either at the game or in front of our TVs, radios and PCs.  Either way, there is little we can do in the way of coaching the team .  I have faith that Frank and his coaching staff will take care of the rest!

Defend the eyepatch!  Beat the Bulls!  Go 1-0!

What's embarrassing is how entitled many of us seem to have become and that they've gotten there pretty rapidly.  There are ways to make observations and sound educated,  Those that miss the mark are the ones that bother me.  You can be a fan, have an opinion and still support your team and those that make it possible to sit in the stands and root for your colors.  I'm the first one to talk about policing your own fan base so I exercised my right to comment as well.

I find it ironic that 2 of the first 3 responses are ruffled by the fact that I would make such observations but support the right to criticize the performance of our student athletes that dedicate themselves to the program and the university.

If the secondary is "playing like crap" it could be due to a multitude of reasons (injuries, youth, scheme) many of which we as fans have no insight into.  Would those that cast those aspersions welcome those same types of comments stated in the same fashion if directed at their performance in the work place?  I doubt it...

Yes I'm aware that the close win lost us a few votes...I'm also aware that breaking into the rankings is an inevitability if we remain undefeated (which thus far we have).  When I used the phrase "knocking on the door" I meant it in the context of a season.

Obviously, anyone has the right to put their rants in writing...Conversely, I have the same right to do so in response...

Go Bobcats!!!! 

36, I am not "ruffled" by your comments, only confused why you seem to be against any criticism of the team's play.  The stated purpose of this board is to "Talk about the past, present and future of Ohio football here."  The present, while very, very good, still has some deep problems that may cost us games down the road.  If you want to be an ostrich, that's fine -- that's your right.  But others have a right to discuss the improvements that need to be made.  You may disagree with the tone of their criticism and take them to task for it.  But don't try to squelch all criticism on this board.  This is Ohio, not Stepford.

The term fan is short for fanatic. That tells you all you need to know. Even in the highs and lows, there will be criticisms. It's been two days since the game, whatever "meltdown" or non-support has occured on this board will go away by Wednesday or Thursday. There is a reason why people call it "Overreaction Monday." We got the W, people are happy we are 5-0, but the expectations are for more than 5-0 so there will be concerns.

The ones you speak of are the minority of the board. Every fan base has their clown in the nose bleeds who doesn't know what he's talking about. Just ignore it.

please. that same blogger you quote listed Ohio as #2 behind Toledo in his power rankings this week because we didn't win big enough against UMass. That's not "appreciation for our position". Toledo has beat Wyoming(1-3), BGSU, and WMU without Carder at QB. PSU and Marshall are both better wins than any of those, AND we didn't lose a game like Toledo did either.

so we don't mess up going forward, can you tell us what the proper scenario is or when the proper date is that we can be slightly critical of our team's performance again? I don't want to seem ungrateful.

Again the irony is astonishing...It's OK to bash our own but not OK to stand up for the team you're supposed to be loyal to?

For about the 5th time in this thread alone...I'm not saying no one "can be slightly critical".  Open discussion about performance is obviously the essence of a fan site.  If you weren't offended by some of the knee jerk comments then so be it...Carry on.  Again...Just exercising the same right you're standing up for.

And for crying out loud...I'm not saying the guy is a model Ohio fan...He's obviously not going to be...But he at least has the sense to see the bigger picture...

"The patience, and skill with which their coach has nurtured the football culture has begun to pay huge dividends both on the field and in the stands." 

I usually stay away from message boards for a couple of days after a bad game for this very reason.  After wins we have equally as ridiculous mood swings (i.e.  we've got a shot at going to the NC Game) but those are easier to take than the "World Ends in Two Days" posts.

It's not as bad now as it was in 2005. I described the fan base as manic-depressive because they went to such emotional extremes after each game. Now there is some frustration, but no one is ready to concede the rest of the games just yet. I'm hoping that soon there will be more people returning from injury than there are new injuries, and then I think everyone will be more comfortable.

I would be thrilled if we won the rest of OUr games 37-34! Ha!

Go Big Bobcats!

36, I normally agree with just about everything you have to say. Your letter to The Post last month was written exactly how I would have done it. However, I think you're misreading the fan base on this one.

I felt like we dodged a bullet in Huntington by slowing down Marshall's potent passing attack. In my eyes, Marshall was the biggest (and last) road block to a very special season. The injuries in our secondary are going to be a weakness for the entire year. Weller has been scoring a lot, but there is obviously something shaky going on for the special teams all year. And, Tettleton is obviously not 100% healthy. These are all facts, not baseless rumors.

I have felt all year that Ohio has the best shot in the country to run the table. I'm not mad at the players or pointing fingers at anyone for not blowing out an inferior opponent. For the first time all year I saw vulnerability in our team that might be exposed by other teams that are pass happy. The fan base is just nervous, not mad. I don't think sharing our concerns equates to a lack of faith in the coaches or players.

EVERY team has injuries. We can't hide behind such a weak excuse. Life (football) goes on. Deal with it or forget about a top 25 ranking.