1. Tackling -- There were a few really good stuffs yesterday but the past three weeks have seen too many plays where three, four or five defenders couldn't bring down the runner. These guys need work on fundamentals. One reason why we have so few takeaways is that the first guy misses, so the second guy doesn't have a chance to strip the ball.

2. Line play, on both sides of the ball -- One reason AJ and Maleek put up such great numbers is that they had a fantastic line opening holes for them. That's not there this year. And the defensive front seven haven't been stopping the run, especially during crunch time.

3. Catching passes -- There were at least a half dozen dropped passes yesterday. Pure lack of concentration. Catch the ball before you run with it.

4. Faster starts -- We've scored a total of three first quarter points in the last three games.

5. Strategy -- Passing on third and goal at the two is low percentage. You have only 12 yards for running routes, so there'll be more defenders that receivers in that area. Put in a jumbo package and run the damn ball.

It's certainly a good time for the bye week. If the team was going to lay an egg, it's good to have it out of the way. Now they need to regroup, and refocus, after a not very good start. They need to stop believing their press clippings, and go into the MAC with an attitude. It isn't like any position group played to their potential against Louisiana; they were all disappointing.

Last year, after an awful start in the non-conference schedule, the defense regrouped, and played exceptionally well against the MAC and in the bowl. Can they do it again? We shall see very soon. Buffalo is coming off a bad loss to Liberty, followed by a big win over Temple, plus they are going to want payback after last year's game. It's a must win game for Ohio.

Revised list: Everything. They pretty much need to work on improving in every area, right?

Special teams is pretty solid. Zervos is 11/11 in PATs and 6/7 in FGs. Farkas is averaging 41.7 a punt and the coverage teams have been solid (2.6 yd avg on punt returns, 17.2 on kickoff returns).

I think special teams could use some work on fielding punts.