+1 for honesty...could also have been true for me during the Knorr years (well, except for the "I thought they were doing good" bit, I don't recall ever feeling that way when leaving an OHIO game early)

They all make mine explode! It was a GREAT student crowd, but for a game of that magnitude, there's no excuse for leaving early!!!

I feel like we have this discussion nearly every game, every year. 
Honestly, as an two-time alumnus, it disgusts me to watch people leave. Have I ever left before a game ended? Sure, but not to go to a bar and not when it was a close game, especially one where there were major implications on the line.
I get it if we are playing a 1-AA team or the Ball States of the world, but when ESPN is in town, it is a blackout crowd, the team is playing well and there are major season implications on the line, I just don't get any argument for leaving.

There are a number of ways to combat this but the fact of the matter is that nothing will change until we bring a more exciting talent to Peden for OUr fans each week. Honestly, that might not even be something that is feasible.
The biggest thing we could do would be to improve the fan experience more. Stop with the stupid promotionals and advertisements during timeouts. Let the DAMN BAND PLAY! Additionally, the University and game day staff could try to create a more exciting atmosphere by trying to foster more traditions that center around fans, more fan interaction and participation. People get bored when they just stand there.

You know, that's the thing here that worries me that our fair university may be failing in education. Wanna drink inside the stadium? Figure out a way to drink inside the stadium! It's really not that difficult to sneak alcohol into Peden if you get the least bit creative. Where is that spark of imagination and daring?

Oh yeah! I know that not being 21 sure inhibited my ability to  find and consume alcohol during my freshman, sophomore, and most of my junior years...hahaha

EDIT:  I should have noted that I was in school during the dark days of Brian Knorr

For me the drinking age was 18 during those years. I never missed a Northwestern game in Dyche Stadium (since renamed), nor did I leave early, nor did I drink during the game. Considering the quality of football Northwestern was playing at the time, maybe I should have, but I was perfectly happy to wait until post-game.

Exactly!  And, it's this attitude that Dr. McDavis is trying to combat with various policies.  To tell you the truth, the attitudes about alcohol expressed by some on this board are really scary.  They make it sound like half the student population are alcoholics.  Having a beer or two after the game is one thing.  Coming to the game drunk and then leaving at halftime to get more drinks is just over the top in terms of regular behavior.  We were all students once and did stupid things and probably got drunk a few times, but when it's a regular occurrence, it's a problem.  If you deny you have a problem, then you won't realize that you're an alcoholic until you "hit bottom."  I have a cousin who is involved with the local AA, and I'll have to say they do a really good job and are very supportive of their fellow recovering alcoholics.  This is a serious disease and shouldn't be taken lightly.  Sorry for the ramble, but it's high time we talk about this subject in the light of day.

Ohio should sell beer at the games hands down thats extra money for the university and you wouldnt have to worry about students drinking and driving..They are going up the hill to court street and spending the money anyway..this will defiently keep many in the seats.

DelBobcat, I wish you were right, but some of the comments on this board over the last year or so would say otherwise.  Several have posted things like "I got drunk before the game.  After half time I left to go back to the bars because I was loosing my buzz."  

I can back this one up.  My sister goes to O$U and she says that she and all her friends rarely stay past halftime.  They just go to be there and then leave at halftime and go to the bars to drink and watch the game their.  So it's not just our school that has this, it's much of America.

Topless 4th quarters for the cheerleaders. Stay to watch them take it off (jk).

And one more thought about student  AND other patron drinking before, during and after games:

If you know you can drink AT the game, would you not feel less compelled to drink more before the game if you knew you could buy a few beers during the game, and then potentially reduce the amount of alcohol post game, hence leading to more responsible consumption through the entire game attending experience?

I think so, just my humble opinion.