The thrill is gone. I will watch this game. I will cheer on OUr team. I will root for OUr players. I will do so with less enthusiasm than I have had in many years. Last week, for some reason, wasn't the tipping point. I feel like our non-league play was the difference. I knew after we got blown out by Louisiana that we were going to not win the MAC East. And what is even more sad is that the other day I was thinking of our returnees next year and I counted 8 offensive and 7 defensive starters back with many backups returning as well. But I also thought: No Rourke. No Louie. No Farkas. No Hagan. Same Frank. Same Albin. Same curse. Very sad. I also think that with the energy provided by Boals I feel more energized by him and compare it to Frank. We are just plain stagnant now in football. You can't argue that...I dare you to tell me that we are not stagnant in football and have been for several years now.
I don't know, I might be somewhat bullish on next year's team. I love what Ohio has coming back as far as QBs go. I think as between Rourke, Jr. (I know that's not the younger brother's actual name, I just like using it) and Mischler, Ohio will be fine. I think losing the Joe's from last year's O-line and AJ were bigger losses than losing Rourke will be.
The losses on the OL (two Joes and Wood) were to key to our offensive ineffectiveness at critical times this year IMO. Not only in the running game, but in Rourke's lower productivity as well...how many more blind side hits did he take this year (including the huge one last week)? He was rarely running for his life last year as he has on multiple occasions this year. We all miss AJ (myself included), but our current backs could have a monster year behind the OL we graduated last year.
Skill-position wise, I think our offense has good times ahead. Losing Nathan will hurt, but if Kurtis performs the way he looks to the eye test, with our young backs (Allison and Wilbon), and young receivers, we can REALLY get our hopes up until future Novembers!
Last Edited: 11/12/2019 3:11:57 PM by AlumDadDad