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I'm very optimistic this team wins 10+ games.  My dream is that we go into the Temple game on ESPN2 a perfect 8-0.  I think that is the point where campus support could take off.  

My preliminary calculations show that Ohio will probably be favored in most games this year. They will probably be the underdog against Rutgers, but by less than a TD, and also against CMU. The Temple game will probably be close, though Ohio should be favored due to the home field advantage.  I expect Ohio to be favored by double digits in 6 games (NMSU, Gardner-Webb, Kent, Buffalo, Ball State, Akron), and those they should win.

Lots of factors will determine how the season goes, and whether they win only 6, or double digits. Off season work ethic, in season focus, leadership, team attitude, and how the ball bounces will all be important. You don't win 12 without a little luck along the way.

I notice in the voting outcome a definite favoritism for even numbers.

In 08 Ball St cracked the AP Top 25 after 6-0, beating Northeastern, Navy, Akron, Indiana, Kent St and Toledo. They enter the Coaches poll the following week after beating Western Kentucky.

I think we get at least 10 wins this season and hit the Top 25 at 7-0 after beating up on Ball St on Homecoming. Ranked around #22 for the Temple showdown.

This is a tough season to predict based on the questions at quarterback and loss of some key players. I'll do my best predicting these games:

@NMSU - W
Gardner-Webb - W
Marshall - L (I think we easily can win, but we have pulled back to back poor performances vs. them)
@Rutgers - L (lower tier Big East team but probably more talented
Kent - W (we've stunk last 2 years vs. them. HAS got to end this year)
@Buffalo (playing my hometown team that I used to love, but who cares now. Easy win for OU)
Ball State - W
@Akron - W
Temple - W (Don't know when this W streak vs. Owls will end, but hope it isn't this year)
@CMU - L (I feel like there's going to be 1 stinker somewhere on this schedule. Don't know if it will be this week but don't know what other week to place it)
@BGSU - W
Miami - W

Overall: 9-3 (7-1)
MAC Championship Game: Northern Illinois - L

Little Caesar's Bowl: Florida Atlantic - W

Final Record: 10-4 (7-1)

With so much uncertainty with the offense, it is possible that the Bobcats could be better or a lot worse. They have a chance to win every game on the schedule which you rarely ever have a chance to say. But they also will have to show that they have improved in some areas if they want to have the season that they are aiming for such as the one I listed above.

KW13, You are forgetting about the OL.  Lots returning guys there.

The other day I overheard a starting player being asked his take on this season.  He responded with, "our goal is to break into the top 25 this year."   This team is working hard to reach the high standards they have set.  SOUNDING GREAT FOR BOBCAT NATION!!! LET THE GAMES BEGIN.

You know, this is the first year I can remember that we have 12 "can win" games and 8 "should win" games.  The four toughest, of course, are Terd, Rutgers, Temps and Fiami.  If the team isn't careful, they could actually go 6-6: Kent is always a surprise and the CMU & BGSUCKS games could be traps, being road games on ESPN and coming between Temps and Fiami.  I'd like to see the Cats win the East and get out of their rut (they were 9-3, 7-1 in '06 and '09), so let's shoot for 10-2, 7-1.  If they win the MAC title, I like their chances in a bowl game; if not, it'll probably be another oh-fer in postseason.  It's been a pessimistic year in my household, so let's show a little optimism: 12-2.

I picked 10. The coaching staff continues on occassion to lay an egg as far as game preparation goes. We've had this staff for 7 years now and a pretty good idea of what a Solich led team is going to do. Overall depth on the lines is probably built up to about the maximum. Not really as standout at QB or RB but with the big offesnive line is enough to roll over opponents in the MAC. The attrition of coaches and players is something the program has been able to minimize. 12 wins or a MAC Championship would be an overachievement (or indication that we really are taking this program to another level).

@NMSU - W
Gardner-Webb - W
Marshall - W (Its our time at home)
@Rutgers - L (the bobcats will play well but come up short)
Kent - W (New HC at Kent in Peden)
@Buffalo - L (HC Quinn guts one out with a great game plan)
Ball State - W
@Akron - W
Temple - W (New HC at Temple in Peden)
@CMU - L (Loss to a much improved CMU)
@BGSU - W
Miami - W (New HC at Miami in Peden)

Overall: 9-3 (6-2)
MAC Championship Game: Toledo - L

Humanitarian Bowl: Nevada - W

Final Record: 10-4 (6-2)

The MAC has good luck in the Humanitarian Bowl thus far with BG nearly winning in 2009 against favored Idaho and NIU crushing Fresno State last year. I predict Ohio will go to Idaho and get the programs first bowl win.

I think you are reading too much into the lack of depth, specifically experienced names upfront. Dline is not as difficult to learn as Oline. Players come around much faster. I just see the departure of miscreants like Koval an opportunity for another talented young guy to make an impact right away. The biggest complaint Frank has voiced about play along the defensive front is recruiting DE's with the athletic talent to put serious pass rush pressure on the passer. The recruiting has gone in that direction the past couple of seasons. Then also I with Noah back there at MLB that is another safety valve upfront. Dline could be medicore and it wouldn't matter with a great MLB.

I would like to congratulate buffalobobcatfan for making a very accurate prediction about this year's Bobcat team -- back in JULY!

Nice going!