Bobcat Attack - Ohio Basketball

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Topic: Schedule Up

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ohio9704

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Posted: 8/19/2011 4:53 PM

http://www.ohiobobcats.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/081911aab.html

bigtillyoopsupsideurhead

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Posted: 8/19/2011 4:59 PM

I'm surprised Marietta College is in the middle of the season and is not an exhibition. Does that even count?

It looks like our marquee non-conf home game is St. Bonaventure? Andrew Nicholson is back so they should be a decent team. Hopefully we get revenge for the 4 OT loss from last year.

Besides that, pretty lackluster. That's fine just as long as we win most of them.

ohio9704

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Posted: 8/19/2011 5:10 PM

Why travel 3,000 miles to the west coast and not schedule a second game out there? A money game somewhere would make that trip make sense.

Jeff McKinney

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Posted: 8/19/2011 5:12 PM

It's true that the home schedule lacks "name" programs, but some of these teams have prospects to be pretty good for the upcoming season.

Would have liked to have had a Temple or a similar type program in the Convo this year, but it is what it is. Gotta concentrate on beating some pretty good teams in the Convo, especially after struggling in Athens last year.

catfan28

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Posted: 8/19/2011 5:41 PM

No real surprises on there...Portland is a bit of a head-scratcher. Why travel 3,000 miles just for one game? Try to find somebody else out there to play.

Home games, as expected, are rather lackluster. Robert Morris is a good mid-major program, and we have lost to them each of the last 2 years. Need to get one against them. St. Bonaventure will be tough as well. Other than those 2, we should be VERY disappointed if we drop any other non-conference home games.

Athens

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Posted: 8/19/2011 8:22 PM

This has to be one on the lightest non-conference schedules in the history of Ohio Basketball. The program has made a decision to buy home games against low major opponents in hopes of pumping up the winning percentage. With the ruling by the MAC office to requiring 7.5 games OOC games a year at home to receive a full share of the NCAA basketball money expect schedules like this to become the trend of the future. There is a boasting on Ohiobobcats.com that the combined winning percentage of these schools is .539 but it what level of conference was that winning percentage achieved?

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First Street Forever

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Posted: 8/19/2011 8:36 PM

I circled one game on the schedule. Would have preferred to have circled at least three...

There are alot of opponents that I can't tell if they are D1 or not. Not a dig, just an honest statement.

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Bobcat Love

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Posted: 8/19/2011 9:13 PM

Which one did you schedule?

Lamar is VERY interesting b/c of Pat Knight. Same w/ Ark State with Brady. Nicholson and St. Bonnie will be nice. We still have home Bracketbuster as well I believe.

Miami on Dad's weekend is HUGE. I like the start of the MAC @ BG, Could really put us off on the right foot.

Oakland, Portland, and Louisville are good away games. I'd like to see one of those returned, and preferably not Oakland again.

I don't love the schedule, but I trust it. There's 21 or 22 reg season wins in there based on my calculations after watching Ohio Basketball the past 17 years.

catfan28

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Posted: 8/19/2011 10:15 PM

Curious...which game did you circle?

LOVE is right, there are some interesting storylines to some of these opponents. Not necessarily due to a winning tradition, but more coaching, off-the-court type things.

I checked out the rosters and both St. Bonnie and Robert Morris return a lot of guys. Both of those teams will pose serious challenges, especially considering our recent history with them. Before we talk too much noise, we actually have to beat these teams, I suppose.

Last Edited: 8/19/2011 10:17:38 PM by catfan28

The Optimist

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Posted: 8/19/2011 10:42 PM

I was sad about this schedule until I realized Miami was on Dad's weekend..... Are yOU kidding me!?!?!?!?!???!???!!! This could be a sellout!!!!!!!!!!

I've seen crazier things happen.

catfan28

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Posted: 8/19/2011 11:18 PM

Agree with Miami on Dad's Weekend...we need to pull out all the stops for this game. Free sandwiches, t-shirts, glow sticks, lights out, whatever! This needs to be an all-time great atmosphere at the Convo!!

First Street Forever

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Posted: 8/19/2011 11:28 PM

BobcatBigFish wrote:expand_more

Curious...which game did you circle?

I circled the Louisville game. My feelings are that part of the OOC schedule should be for show, and the MAC schedule is for dough...

For show: Play against some big name teams. See how the Ohio squad compares to them. Maybe get a big win that draws national attention and energizes the fan base a bit...

For dough: Trudge through the always competitive MAC season... (hopefully) improve abilities and jell as a team through the season... and win the MAC tourney (da' dough).

For show and at-large dough: And maybe, just maybe the "show" part can get a significant win leading to an at-large bid if we have a great season but come up short in the MAC tourney.

That's my scheduling philosophy. You can have your OOC filled with the Lamars, Poindexters or Boogers of D1 (or near D1) hoops - just give Ohio a chance to take down a couple of the Gables and Ogres...

I don't endorse the furry lifestyle, but when the Bobkitten is involved things can change mighty quickly...

intrpdtrvlr

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Posted: 8/19/2011 11:34 PM

Cool, I may be able to swing a trip to Ypsilanti to catch at least one away game. Going to be a real culture shock after catching close to a dozen games in Athens last season. Still, I'll gladly take one game over none.

Next season if we're @WMU as expected, I am a LOCK!

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oubobcatjohn

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Posted: 8/20/2011 12:40 AM

At first glance the natural thing is to say its a soft schedule, but when you breakdown the road games we have play and some tough matchups among the home games and its not a walk in the park as the casual fan might think.

The five difficult away games include:
Louisville 25-10 last year and a traditional national power and top 25 program. Future NBA talent on the court and Rick Petino on the bench.

Marshall 22-12 last year. This is a rivalry game for us. We played twice last season. This game will be a tough road game as always.

at Oakland 25-10. They beat us in Athens last year. They are the top team in the Summitt most years. This won't be an easy game.

at Portland 20-12 last year from the WCC. Finished 4th behind Gonzaga, St Mary's and Santa Clara. Its a west coast game and a team that it on the same level as the top of the MAC. This will be tough game.

at Wright State 19-14 from the Horizon League. A rare road game vs a non-MAC in state school. Wright State is a solid Horizon program. This will be a tough game for us.

Now the home games are games Ohio will be expected to win, but some of these games will be close. These teams are much like teams in the MAC that they could beat you if you don't bring your A game.

St Bonaventure 16-15 from the A-10 they were 8-8 in A-10 last year which is very good. They beat us last year too.

Robert Morris 18-14. They beat us in Athens last year. That tells you they aren't too afraid of us either.

Arkansas St 17-15 from the Sun Belt. They got better late last year could be a team on the rise.

Morgan St 17-14 they recently reached the NCAA tournament.

NC A&T 15-17 Very up tempo team. They played us tough two years ago and also out west under O'Shea.

Kennesaw State 8-23 but Ga Tech managed to lose to them last year. We should still win this one.

Tenn-Martin 12-21. Regular season opener we better win that one.

Lamar 13-17 Another game you better win at home,but Southland is a decent league so can't take them to easy.

Marietta College this game comes after a tough road trip and Bobcats will need a W. To regain some momentum. Marietta is a excellent team in their division, but Bobcats have superior talent and that will be on display.

Record likely 9-5 non-conference. The MAC schedule would likely yield 11-5 and put us 20-10. This isn't at-large worthy and will be perhaps CBI worthy.  If we show that we can win a couple of those road games and sweep at home non-conference then I would feel better going into January and up those projections.  Bobcats first must prove to its fans that they can take care of business at home. They need to do that to install confidence that we are a contender to win the MAC regular season. Ohio needs to beat Miami and Kent State and Buffalo those first three MAC home games and get off to a decent start in the MAC for once. This team has some experience led by a talented junior class. We should expect a better start to the MAC than what we have done the last two years. I think we will be in contention in the east and in fact lead it most of the way until three tough road games at UB, at Kent St and at Miami in the last two weeks on the schedule. If we win all the home games we should have a very good season. I'd expect 12,000 plus for Miami from the fans and students on a Saturday. That's the game every Bobcat should have circled and free up time on the calander to attend.

oubobcatjohn

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Posted: 8/20/2011 1:38 AM

Breaking down last years rpi of our non-conference schedule for this coming season.
Louisville 17
Oakland 50
Marshall 54
Robert Morris 101
Portland 103
St Bonaventure 123
Wright St 125

7 games vs the top 125 rpi from last year with 5 of those 7 on the road.

Ohio had an RPI of 165 last year so half of the schedule had a better year than Ohio did last year and by a significant amount.

The other six games were teams weaker than Ohio was last year

Arkansas State 181
Morgan State 209
NC A&T 231
Tenn Martin 293
Lamar 297
Kennesaw St 321

The fact is the non-conference schedule is stronger than what the MAC schedule will be.

First Street Forever

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Posted: 8/20/2011 2:02 AM

oubobcatjohn wrote:expand_more

The MAC schedule would likely yield 11-5 and put us 20-10. This isn't at-large worthy and will be perhaps CBI worthy.

Isn't CBI worthy basically having $50,000 to blow and a record above .500?

I don't endorse the furry lifestyle, but when the Bobkitten is involved things can change mighty quickly...

Last Edited: 8/20/2011 2:07:58 AM by First Street Forever

colobobcat66

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Posted: 8/20/2011 8:46 AM

Groce wanted to load up with a schedule that is appropriate for a young team. Let's hope we can win the majority of these games or we're in big trouble.

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Posted: 8/20/2011 9:34 AM

I realize what Groce was trying to do. But this schedule isn't going to help the RPI much. The Cats could win the MAC, have a 25-win season and still wind up a 14 or 15 seed. The schedules over the past few years show a tendency to shy away from playing more than one Big 6 school per year. The last time OU had more than one Big 6 on the schedule was 07-08: Maryland, Kansas and St. John's all on the road (one true neutral site) in a 7-day span -- and won 2 of three (MD and StJ). Granted, that team was highly talented and senior laden (Leon, Tillman, Bubba, Justin Orr), but you never know how good your team is unless they play Big 6 a little more often. There should be two per year at least.

As for fan interest, it's hard to get excited about the names on the home schedule. Yes, they may be competitive, but no one's heard of Kennesaw, and most of the others -- although somewhat known -- are from conferences that have even less respect than the MAC. Robt Morris and Marietta should get some regional interest and St. Bonnie at least is A10. But getting fans to show up for others, especially those during the break, will be tough.

I see 7-2 on the OOC home schedule (Bonnie & Robt the most likely losses) and maybe as bad as 1-4 on the road (I wonder if someone thought that Oakland U is in California, so they scheduled Portland too) for 8-6 OOC. Maybe 11-5 in the wacky MAC for 19-11, maybe 20 with the bracketbuster.

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Monroe Slavin

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Posted: 8/20/2011 5:23 PM

It's a reasonable schedule. If we're good, our record will have a chance to reflect that. (Inside my head: last year's three frosh showed flashes, DJ, the way Ivo came on, etc--it could be.)

Anyone know when season ticket apps will be accepted. I need more Bobcat seats for games that I can rarely attend, being 2500 or so miles away!

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Posted: 8/20/2011 6:10 PM

Bottom line: if we win, I doubt many of us will be bemoaning the schedule come January. Barring a minor miracle, the MAC is not getting 2 bids...there's nothing wrong with racking up some wins and some confidence along the way.

Would we all enjoy some "marquee" opponents in the Convo? Sure! But I know most of us will be there in the stands for every game regardless of opponent.

Big Willy

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Posted: 8/20/2011 7:53 PM

oubobcatjohn wrote:expand_more

at Wright State 19-14 from the Horizon League. A rare road game vs a non-MAC in state school. Wright State is a solid Horizon program. This will be a tough game for us.

We should win this game. If we don't I will barf. WSU was only 17-14 last year against D-I competition and lost several seniors, including their two best players and scorers, Vaughn Duggins and N'gai Evans. This should be a road win.

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Posted: 8/20/2011 8:48 PM

I was a little underwhelmed at first, but the more I look at the schedule the more I think it'll suit this team well. Not a lot of sexy matchups on there, but a lot of teams that are roughly at our level.

Ever since Groce took over there has been a lot of instability with roster turnover and way too many early departures (a lot which were not necessarily JG's fault). It seems like every year we're looking at a young, inexperienced, but talented squad that needs a softer schedule to gel together for MAC play.

Hopefully this is year one of some stability in the program, and we can start to schedule some bigger names in a year or two.

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Posted: 8/20/2011 9:13 PM

We sucked at home last year. Can't expect us to ratchet things up.

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Alan Swank

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Posted: 8/21/2011 3:21 PM

Got to love the MAC going back to Wednesday and Saturday games - you can set your schedule by it. Not only is Miami on Dad's weekend but Akron, the last home game of the year, is also on a Saturday. At least from a local fan's perspective, this is great scheduling. Will have to miss the exhibition though - same night as Young Frankenstein in Mem Aud.

catfan28

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Posted: 8/21/2011 7:49 PM

Alan Swank wrote:expand_more

Got to love the MAC going back to Wednesday and Saturday games - you can set your schedule by it. Not only is Miami on Dad's weekend but Akron, the last home game of the year, is also on a Saturday.

Agreed. The occasional Tuesday and Thursday games were always sparsely attended. Having a more consistent schedule can do nothing but help.