In recent weeks, has Ohio's conference schedule toughened?  Let's see, Ball State followed its win over Indiana with a victory over South Florida.  UMass lost to Miami but played tough and out-gained the Red Hawks.  And, yikes!, Akron played Tennessee tough into the 4th quarter.

(Yesterday likely ranks among the MAC's better non-conference Saturdays.  Ball State over South Florida, Western Michigan over UConn, CMU over Iowa, NIU over Kansas.)

That's why it's good that Solich pounds home the philosophy of not taking anyone for granted.  They've got to be ready physically and mentally for every game.

Agree that Ball State is much better than expected.

I would agree that Ball State is somewhat better than I expected, but not that far. Going into the season I had them as one of the harder games. Akron is also somewhat better than expected. On the other hand, some MAC teams are significantly worse so far than I expected, notably Miami, BG, and U. Mass. What was true at the beginning of the season is still true: There is no game Ohio isn't capable of winning, and not game they couldn't lose. They have to just keep playing them one game at a time, and try to stay out of the ditch.