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Topic: Know your role...

Topic: Know your role...

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World B. Free
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Member Since: 11/21/2010
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Know your role...

Posted: 11/21/2010 11:01:23 PM

Hello all,

I'm a Bobcat football season ticket holder, loyal to the core. And celebrating another (potential 9 win season). And VERY glad we likely will be playing for a MAC title against a team NOT quarterbacked by Dan LeFevour.

So...why is it that I am just not that excited about the bowls and our potential matchups. I'm no fool, our 9 wins are great, but the Cats are hardly world beaters. In fact, this team probably doesn't finish 6-6 in C-USA. But when all we have to look forward to is playing also-rans like UL-Monroe or Troy just isn't exciting.

What's really odd is that, if other MAC teams are invited to bowls, they'll play big-name teams. Kind of like last year when Temple played UCLA.

I saw in one projection that Miami (who we crushed) could play Nevada. Yet we are stuck playing teams in a Sun Belt conference that is struggling to produce just TWO bowl eligible teams.

So I am forced between rooting for two distinct scenarios...
1) Hoping the Sun Belt IMPLODES, leaving a wave of 5-7 teams, forcing the bowl to choose another opponent (I saw Fresno State mentioned somewhere). Now, of course this could mean we get beaten (or slaughtered), but at least we will play a quality opponent on a neutral site - which is the best we can hope for considering the stinky out of conference home sked we will be seeing the next few years...
2) Hoping the Sun Belt COMES THRU and gets the two 6-6 teams eligible, giving us the best chance to actually win a bowl. Of course I thought a 6-6 Marshall team was going to be a cakewalk last year, but...

So what is the best option - getting the program their first bowl win, or playing top-flight competition?

I think the win against Georgetown has my mind spinning...

mf279801
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/21/2010 11:10:40 PM

2. Get a bowl win. Against anyone. Pulse or no. After we get that monkey off our backs, then we worry about getting quality bowl opponents (and victories against them).

But it doesn't matter. All that matters now is Kent. And if, IF things go well against Kent, a possible tilt on the first first weekend of December.

Football Jim
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/21/2010 11:49:40 PM

Isn't it great that we can debate about which bowl would be the best for us to go to? Look back a few short years ago and try to imagine this kind of debate.

It doesn't matter though, beat kent.

Hanging in there!

GO BOBCATS!

Athens Block
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/21/2010 11:53:36 PM

Win a bowl.... I don't care if it's against the Little Sisters of the Poor... I just want us to have a bowl win... I don't care about playing NMSU or Louisiana or playing tougher competition right now...those are conversations for summertime when things are slow... right now all I care about is winning a bowl...

Monroe Slavin
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 1:57:11 AM

Welcome aboard, B. Free. Post more often.

Where's the band?!
WHERE"S THE BAND?!

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bobcat28
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 8:37:48 AM

Had the pleasure of meeting World B Free (the basketball player, not this poster) a few weeks ago. Good dude. Snazzy dresser.

John C. Wanamaker
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 8:53:36 AM

Lloyd Free was my favorite player back in the day when I actually watching NBA basketball.

"Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is I don't know which half."

Bobcat Love
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 9:14:08 AM

World, welcome. Search for "Bobcat Love" in the search box and read my threads about football scheduling.

98% of this board is overjoyed about getting to play in a bowl game.

2% of us are realistic and realize that if you DO NOT play in a bowl game under the current 6 win setup - your season has been a failure....especially against a MAC that could be the worst in FBS.

Secondarily, I've been preaching for years now about how we've chased fans away with our heinous home out of conference schedule. Nobody wants to listen, as the kool-aid must taste pretty damn good.

It's great that Ohio Football is doing "well" in the context of our lackluster competition, but I'm not comfortable being the skinniest person at fat camp for much longer.

Bobcat Love
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 9:15:26 AM

mf279801 wrote:

2. Get a bowl win. Against anyone. Pulse or no. After we get that monkey off our backs, then we worry about getting quality bowl opponents (and victories against them).

These things are completely mutually exclusive. Having zero bowl wins does not correlate to your bowl opponent in a given year. That's just ridiculous to even speculate that we need to get this "monkey off our back" before we can start playing real teams.

Bobcat36
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 10:04:58 AM

World,

LOVE the poster name...Brings back a lot of childhood memories...I think you should spell it like this though... World B. Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Love,

This program is approaching the apex of the evolution process...This is where bigger things start to happen...I'd love to see a Big 10 match-up if for no other reason than regional respect / recruiting but to be honest I feel like winning the MAC is where our focus needs to be right now...Any bowl win against any opponent would be icing...I'm personally still pulling for Humanitarian. I think it draws well on TV just because of the field, it could give Ohio a climate / weather advantage and they guarantee a payout covering travel costs which is huge considering our current financial position.

GoBobcats!!!! Always have been and always will be... Ohio's First and Finest!

Monroe Slavin
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 12:56:12 PM

Also know that the individual which refers to himself as Love, The is correct in stating that we all want updgraded OOC scheduling but that those of us who are more often more rational realize the limited economics of Peden's small seating capacity and the economics/ticket affordability of SE Ohio and the driving/distance factor for OHIO fans.

That is, Peden seats 25k, not 55k...locals around Athens are not inclined to pay $60 a ticket...and we are 65 miles from Columbus, more from Cinci and Cleveland and without a big fan base in West VA. So, drawing Michigan State or Clemson or UWashington to Peden is not very likely.

Now a home game against MichState in Cleveland's stadium--that's a smart idea.

mf279801
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 2:21:24 PM

Bobcat Love wrote:

mf279801 wrote:

2. Get a bowl win. Against anyone. Pulse or no. After we get that monkey off our backs, then we worry about getting quality bowl opponents (and victories against them).

Do you know what the phrase "mutually exclusive" means?

Regardless, of course the number of bowl wins a program wins has no correlation to your bowl opponent in a given year. My point was that it is idiotic for us to gripe and moan about being paired up against Sunbelt of CUSA teams in bowl competition (rather than facing mid/upper-level BCS conference teams) when we've never won a bowl game. Does being winless in the post-season prevent us from drawing a big name team in a bowl game? Of course not. Does beating Troy look better than losing 48-3 against Stanford in the Alamo Bowl, or 63-0 against Boise on the Smurf Turf? Hell yes it looks better, AND that puts an end to sports commentators saying "Now remember so&so, OHIO has never won a bowl game, even against the likes of Richmond or Marshall"

I've been berated by the Love, I think that makes me an official BobcatAttacker. When does my official membership card and decoder ring arrive?

perimeterpost
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 2:35:10 PM

Welcome World. I agree with those on here that think a win against any team in a bowl is a great place to start. Of course I'd love to see a win over a marquee name and I'd also like to see a stronger OOC too, as mentioned, but in the end I don''t think it makes that big of difference. Look at OHIO and Toledo this year as an example-

Both schools have identical conference records, but Toledo gets the edge for having the tougher conf. schedule because they beat OHIO in the head to head and their only loss was to an undefeated NIU.

Now let's compare OOCs- OHIO had a cupcake OOC and went 2-2 with wins over FCS Wofford and 2-8 La Lafayette and losses to Big10 OSU and 4-7 Marshall. Toledo on the other hand, had a very respectable OOC but went 1-3 with a win over Big10 Purdue and losses to 3-9 Wyoming and BCS schools Arizona and Boise State.

So which OOC is better- 2-2 cupcake or 1-3 respectable? I think a lot of people would prefer to go 1-3 against the respectable OOC. But how do the voters see it, do they recognize that Toledo's 7-4 record has been tougher than OHIO's 8-3?

OHIO has received votes in the AP Top 25 (#36), Harris Interactive (#35), and Coaches Poll (#35). Meanwhile, Toledo hasn't received a single vote in any of the 3 polls. In the cbs120 OHIO is at #35 while Toledo is at # 58. Is it fair? probably not, but my point is this- playing better opponents in a bowl or in OOC is nice, but in the end the only thing that matters is the number of Ws and Ls. A win is a win, is a win.

MY STATE. MY TEAM.

Flomo-genized
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 2:40:22 PM

perimeterpost wrote:

OHIO has received votes in the AP Top 25 (#36), Harris Interactive (#35), and Coaches Poll (#35). Meanwhile, Toledo hasn't received a single vote in any of the 3 polls. In the cbs120 OHIO is at #35 while Toledo is at # 58. Is it fair? probably not, but my point is this- playing better opponents in a bowl or in OOC is nice, but in the end the only thing that matters is the number of Ws and Ls. A win is a win, is a win.

I don't think that the difference between 8-3 and 7-4 explains us getting votes and Toledo not, as much as the fact that Toledo just got absolutely destroyed 65-30 at NIU less than two weeks ago.

Flomo-genized
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 2:50:20 PM

Monroe Slavin wrote:

Come on Monroe, for as often as this dead horse has been beaten around here, couldn't you at least get the argument right? No one is, or has ever suggested that we should be able to get teams the caliber that you are talking about to Athens. Rather, the suggestion is that we should be able to occasionally schedule a home game every few years against the type of lower-tier, regional BCS conference opponents that most of the rest of the MAC manages to host. We are talking about teams like Syracuse, Louisville, Pitt, Purdue, Cincinnati, etc. Given that from what I understand we've actually turned down home-and-home series with at least two of those teams in recent years, I fail to understand how one could argue that it is unrealistic to think that we would be able to schedule a home game against that level of opponent. The opportunities are (or, at least, were) there, we have just decided to decline to grab them.

Nor do economics, seating capacity, or fan base size/demographics have anything to do with it. A 1-for-1 against one of the aforementioned schools would actually cost us less than we are going to be paying for our home and homes with the likes of NMSU and Idaho, given that our travel costs would be lower. And that is before you factor in the fact that we would undoubtedly sell at least a few more tickets to a home game against one of the BCS level opponents than against a non-marquee WAC team.

I'll be the first to admit that reasonable minds can differ on whether it is preferable to build a program by beating up on cupcakes vs. adding in an occasional game with a lower-level BCS opponent. But the argument you are framing is dishonest and factually incorrect.

Last Edited: 11/22/2010 3:09:28 PM by Flomo-genized

EastTennesseeBobcat
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 2:54:07 PM

While I generally don't like our scheduling, lets say we beat Kent, NIU, and win our bowl game. A lot of ifs for sure. I'm pretty sure that would get us ranked. Now, if we would have played 1 or 2 more big name teams and lost, there is no way we get ranked.

Getting ranked is good rignt? Not to mention, getting ranked this year makes it easier for us to be ranked for a longer period next year. (if the voters pay attention)

/still think we should try to get BCS schools at home

Last Edited: 11/22/2010 2:56:09 PM by EastTennesseeBobcat

TWT
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 3:38:02 PM

I really like the direction this program is moving in. The MAC has been known as a conference that any team can rise up and win like the Sun Belt. It looks that is changing at least in the East as dominant as Ohio and Temple have been in that division and with the largest East football budgets and the most experienced coaches I do not see them slowing down. The MAC East is becoming like the WAC where its becoming a given that the top teams will always take out the second tier. Ohio has won 5 in a row against Miami, 3 in a row against Akron, and 2 in a row against BG. With a third MAC East title in hand this season the program is no longer looking up to Miami and BG in the standings like it was for many years. That to me spells progress. 13-2 in the MAC over the last 2 years is progress. When was the last time that was done in the MAC with different starting quarterbacks in both seasons? Owning the in-state MAC schools looks like its going to be a yearly thing. The next step is for Ohio to own the non-conference schedule. A loss to Marshall is unacceptable. Tennessee, UConn, Rutgers, Penn State are games we need to win every time.

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

Robert Fox
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 3:51:08 PM

Wes wrote:

Tennessee, UConn, Rutgers, Penn State are games we need to win every time.

Really? Every time? That's a big order, and significantly different from holding a winning record against some of the in-state MAC teams.

TWT
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 4:00:33 PM

EastTennesseeBobcat wrote:

The weaker OOC is not a bad move. Why not try to get a long term series going with a close by Sun Belt school like Middle Tennessee or Western Kentucky? That sounds better than a steady diet of distant WAC schools and travel would be much easier. Then 1 SEC school on the road for a big cash payday. Minnesota, Rutgers, and Loisville are not normally good enough that win over them attracts attention.

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

TWT
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 4:13:14 PM

Robert Fox wrote:

Wes wrote:

Tennessee, UConn, Rutgers, Penn State are games we need to win every time.

Really? Every time? That's a big order, and significantly different from holding a winning record against some of the in-state MAC teams.

In the context of them being "mid level" BCS teams then I mean yes. To be taken seriously in the polls Ohio has got to consistently win against mid level BCS opponents. Again on the in-state schools Ohio is not just gettting to the point of not just holding their own or better (winning record) but always winning against them with rare exceptions. Like the way Fresno, Nevada, Hawaii ect sweep the lower tier every year in the WAC. Ohio would then be a regular top 40/top 25 type of team that is known nationally for quality football. That repuation has yet to be built. Notice how the ESPN analysts acted like Ohio was a lower tier team whipping up on Temple during the ESPN telecasts. Ohio football at this point doesn't have much of a reputation outside of conference experts. Trying to define the next level here after the program clears the MAC Championship hump.

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

Bobcat Love
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 4:42:50 PM

Monroe Slavin wrote:

So, drawing Michigan State or Clemson or UWashington to Peden is not very likely.

Wait, you mean the same Michigan State going to Central Michigan AND Western Michigan AND Eastern Michigan in the next 6-7 years?

I'm pretty sure you always have your facts straight, so maybe you just made an accidental error here.

mf279801
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 4:44:47 PM

Shockingly (i almost choked on my coffee when I heard it) OHIO was mentioned as a reason that A&M should be ranked higher: During the ESPN-CollegeFootball-Podcast's week 12 preview, Ivan Maisel said (this quote is from memory, forgive minor mistakes) "Looking at Ohio State at #9 I can't help but think they're ranked too low. We mocked their non-conference schedule, but OHIO is about to win 1 side of the MAC, Miami (FL) seems to have found itself, yet there is no buzz about Ohio State...."

Yes, Ivan Maisel implied that A&M's heavy victory over us is a strong point on their resume. Talk about increased respect!

TWT
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 4:57:14 PM

mf279801 wrote:

Yes, Ivan Maisel implied that A&M's heavy victory over us is a strong point on their resume. Talk about increased respect!

That right there has me excited. Bowl opponet be damned. When has basketball ever made a top 25 podcast round up during the regular season.

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

Monroe Slavin
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 5:03:55 PM

Bobcat Love wrote:

Monroe Slavin wrote:

So, drawing Michigan State or Clemson or UWashington to Peden is not very likely.

Flomo--I was going to concede your point based on your more specific memory vs. my hazy memory of Love agitation. But here ya go.

Love--I looked on WIki for a minute. Curiously, they don't have Peden listed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_American_football_stadiums_by_capacity
but Eastern, Central and Western are all listed at 30k. Not a huge difference, but some. I'm guessing that these are 'courtesy' games the likes of which we (and 'kron and miami and toledo, etc) will never get from that team in columbus.

It's just not sensible to think that we're likely to get high-up BCS teams in Peden. Even the logistics must be tough--I imagine teams would have to fly in to Columbus and bus down?!

UpSan Bobcat
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RE: Know your role...

Posted: 11/22/2010 6:59:34 PM

Monroe Slavin wrote:

Bobcat Love wrote:

Monroe Slavin wrote:

So, drawing Michigan State or Clemson or UWashington to Peden is not very likely.

Definitely, the directional schools only get visits from Michigan State because of the state relationship, and they'd never get a visit from Michigan (just like Ohio State will never visit any MAC school). However, I think Cincinnati or even West Virginia could be comparable to Michigan State for us and should be schools we could target to bring into Peden.

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