People always want to put the blame on someone but sometimes the reason things happen is just chance. It just so happened in the first half that Rourke slipped into that passing funk that has become less common where he isn't so accurate. Ragland was on the mark and his receivers didn't drop the ball. Everything Miami called seemed to be perfect with perfect execution. It was the opposite in the second half, other than one of the best kickers in the league missing a short field goal and Rourke trying to make a play and finding himself in the wrong spot. Those mistakes happen. They happened at just the wrong time. It sucks for Ohio but I don't think it's a lack of effort, a lack of preparation, a lack of ability. The randomness of sports make it fun a lot of the time but also frustrating.
Please.
Is it random that Ohio lost at Akron last year with the East title on the line .... and then dropped then next at a sub-.500 Buffalo team?
Is it random Ohio lost in 2010 to Kent with East title on the line?
Is it random that Ohio lost all those November games in 2012 & 2013?
Is it random that Ohio lost to 2-win Texas State in their home opener in 2016?
Is it random that Ohio is the only school in the MAC to not win a title since 1972?
Is it random that Ohio has never won a MAC Player of the Year award in Solich era?
Is it random that Frank has been named coach of the year in the MAC once in his 14 years? And that was in 2006 (his second year)
Is it random that 11 different coaches have won a MAC title during the first 13 years of the Solich era? (and we're on the verge of a 12th in 14 years this year)
Is it random that Ohio has the 3rd most wins in the MAC since 2005 ... and zero titles to show for it?
Is it random that Ohio has played the second most games as a road favorite (38) than anyone else in the MAC ... and has the most losses (10) since the start of the Solich era?
Is it random that Ohio has the best non-conference winning percentage in the MAC since start of Solich era (54%) .... because they traditionally play the weakest non-conference schedule in the league? Stacking up wins vs. inferior opponents?
Is it random that Ohio has the best MAC East divisional record ... and best non-divisional record in MAC games in the last 14 years ... but only 4 MAC East titles to show?
I don't think there is as much randomness as you're alluding to.
There is a common thread thru all of this .... and here's a hint ... no player had 14 years of eligibility.
Stop avoiding the obvious.
This coaching staff has proven their limitations year after year.
They'll get you 7-5 (5-3) from now until eternity ... but they will NEVER deliver a championship.
It just is NOT in their DNA. They are not built for the big stage.