There's a lot of interesting stuff in Paul Myerberg's rundown on the MAC, including plaudids for Coach Solich and some comments that provide insight into the logic behind the order of teams in his count-up to No. 1 (he does not believe Ohio has the best talent in the MAC, but he does believe it is good and should feast on what he believes is the easiest FBS schedule).

But enough preface. The post is here: http://www.presnapread.com/forecasting-the-mac-in-2011/#more-23518.

Enjoy (or not) and let the comments begin!

Foxie,

It is possibly a fair evaluation to depict us as "slightly above average" -- IF he's looking at OUr team in the context of the big picture of all 120 FBS teams. 

That is sure a nice upgrade from where we were regarded seven years ago! And the 'Cats are still "a project" ... a work in progress.

I know I certainly wouldn't go on record with a resounding endorsement of a team that has the kinds of questionmarks that we have -- notably at QB and RB. Rather, I'd fill the opinion with a lot of "if's."

I agree. I think it is a fair evaluation. My point is that it should serve to temper the 10-win predictions we are hearing. I fear our collective expectations may be a bit too high this year. If this team wins 8 or 9, is that a failure?

Just remember that my prediction of an undefeated season in 2011 was made several years ago, before the server crash. Could they lose a game or three this year? Sure. Could they be undefeated? There is no doubt in my mind that it could happen. Therefore I see no conclusive reason to change my forecast at this time. I've taken a bit of heat over the years for what seemed like an outlandish prediction a few years ago, so if it happens, this way I can claim credit as the first person to predict it.

Would I consider an 8-10 win season a disappointment? No, you take your wins as you find them, and the ball doesn't always bounce the right way. So long as the kids play as hard as they can for 60 minutes a game, they'll have my support, regardless of the final result. Go Bobcats.

The program is in an envious position to be in. Solich has made some questionable calls on and off the field but over the long haul is turning out to be a great move. At seven seasons he is the dean of MAC coaches. He owns a record of 5-1 against Miami and 3-1 against Temple the next two best teams in the division. The biggest issue that has kept Ohio from a bowl win or a MAC Championship was not having the talent at a few positions. QB and RB continue to be question marks but he has loaded this program upfront and at receiver. I'm pretty convinced Frank is going to be coaching in Athens through 2015 after that Burrow will take over to continue the tradition.

Yep! I totally agree. I wonder...if we can put together a couple of great seasons, perhaps Frank will become the face of the MAC and Ohio will become THE place to play in the conference. Then we would really be in position to clean up (on the field and recruiting-wise) for a few years until he retires. It's time this conference had a successful coach that is happy to be here.

Lets just hope that other MAC schools don't figure this out and start hiring older, experienced coaches who have had their fill of BCS football.