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Topic:  MAC Preview

Topic:  MAC Preview
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Turney13
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Member Since: 7/27/2010
Post Count: 355

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  Message Not Read  MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/24/2024 1:34:37 PM 
It's behind a paywall -- TLDR: It's bleak...

https://www.espn.com/college-football/insider/story/_/id/...

Turney Duff
Twitter: @turneyduff

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Victory
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Member Since: 3/10/2012
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/24/2024 1:44:12 PM 
I can't argue with it. It makes a lot of sense. Miami should be the clear favorite based on returners, and Toledo, based on the recent recruiting classes, has a good chance to be able to replace their losses. That's how I saw it and how they see it.
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ctb
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Location: Ohio
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/24/2024 5:12:55 PM 
Honestly, with the amount of turnover for most teams due to the portal, who knows? If Albin was able to pick up good talent, then we may be competitive. If he wasn't... this season may be rough.

But it does seem obvious that Toledo and Miami will be clear favorites this season, with everyone else fighting it out for everything they can get.
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L.C.
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/25/2024 12:43:47 PM 
My only comment is that, based on the number of players that have left Ohio in the last six months, there must have been sort of morale issues with last year's team, and that no doubt affected results. The team, this fall, will be all new, and that could be good or it could be bad. Hopefully the players are all happy to be at Ohio, and hopefully they will build some camaraderie. I see no way to predict whether they will be really good or really terrible, or somewhere in the middle. I hope they are good from the start, but if not, I hope they improve as the season progresses.

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” ― Epictetus

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Bobcat1996
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Member Since: 1/2/2017
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/25/2024 8:10:04 PM 
I really don’t think morale issues LC. These kids are getting paid big time compared to what Ohio can pay them. If Ohio had 1.5 million in the collective then most of these players would still be in Athens.

Last Edited: 5/25/2024 8:10:52 PM by Bobcat1996
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Valley Cat
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Member Since: 12/28/2004
Location: Jackson Twp., OH
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/26/2024 8:09:04 AM 
Players who left either got paid, overestimated their ability to get paid or knew they wouldn’t get on the field. I’m not sure morale played much of a role if any. Money is a pretty good motivator. In some cases so is playing time.
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Maddog13
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Location: Albuquerque, NM
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/26/2024 9:36:33 AM 
The super cool thing about life is that there are always exceptions to the rule; however, let’s face it, if you are a young athlete and not already part of the Power 5, your chances of eventually making it into the Pros are not good. That’s why being part of the other 27 Conferences gives you at least a chance to gain some exposure, which might lead to a second chance when it comes to accessing the Power 5 or even bypassing that altogether and going straight to the Pros.

I feel that things like being a YouTube Influencer these days have misled a lot of youth into thinking that hitting on something and making it big are accessible to everyone, when, in fact, it is more the exception than the rule in life. After all, isn’t this based on the same concept of throwing away good money in the hope that you can win a State Lottery. That said, why wouldn’t a young person become a bit full of themselves when people are throwing money and bling-bling around in order to land them in a certain place? The insane thing here is that schools, like Ohio, are out of their minds to think that they can even compete for a moment in a market such as this.

I suppose that if Southeastern Ohio became the next Silicon Valley, we could expect a couple of Billionaires to throw some of their wealth at the program, if, for nothing else, to make the product that they are closest too interesting enough to watch in person and thus get a personal rush out of the fact that they had personally turned an otherwise unremarkable athletic program into a National Powerhouse. Shoot, if I had that kind of money, and having graduated from Ohio and all, I would do such in a minute. Not only would I be wined and dined at Ohio University, but I would certainly be receiving prime seats and exposure to the program. That’s win/win, Baby.

I would go further and say that the athletes that are not staying here at Ohio are only interested in pursuing their fantasy that they can be another sports star, when, in fact, that ship has probably already sailed. I was watching some promotional videos about Ohio University, and I was struck with the amount of diverse interests that some of the students showcased in them had when it came to enjoying their experience at Ohio University. In that scenario, while playing sports is great, it is not the only reason they went to college, and that they stick around Ohio for such things as they like the area of study that they are involved in, the friendships that they have formed, and that they even dig the natural beauty there too.

I sometimes wonder if the real problem here is that the coaching staff themselves is biting at the bit to get into a Power 5 conference themselves rather than enjoying other things about being in Athens, Ohio. I remember going to school with a couple of talented Athletes that were wise beyond their years and realized that there was more to life than being a sports hero. (Can you imagine that?) Cool if it happens, but they were not willing to put everything else on hold in order to make that dream (or is it a delusional fantasy) a reality. In their cases, they chose the diversity of experience over the possibility that they might hit the big time elsewhere.
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BillyTheCat
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Member Since: 10/6/2012
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/27/2024 8:03:03 AM 
Maddog13 wrote:

I sometimes wonder if the real problem here is that the coaching staff themselves is biting at the bit to get into a Power 5 conference themselves rather than enjoying other things about being in Athens, Ohio. I remember going to school with a couple of talented Athletes that were wise beyond their years and realized that there was more to life than being a sports hero. (Can you imagine that?) Cool if it happens, but they were not willing to put everything else on hold in order to make that dream (or is it a delusional fantasy) a reality. In their cases, they chose the diversity of experience over the possibility that they might hit the big time elsewhere.


Seriously? We haven’t had a Football staff move “up” in 23 years! Had one basketball coach move up since 1984. Most all of our coaches have been well liked and popular within the community.
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colobobcat66
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Member Since: 9/1/2006
Location: Watching the bobcats run outside my window., CO
Post Count: 4,341

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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/27/2024 10:17:17 AM 
BillyTheCat wrote:
Maddog13 wrote:

I sometimes wonder if the real problem here is that the coaching staff themselves is biting at the bit to get into a Power 5 conference themselves rather than enjoying other things about being in Athens, Ohio. I remember going to school with a couple of talented Athletes that were wise beyond their years and realized that there was more to life than being a sports hero. (Can you imagine that?) Cool if it happens, but they were not willing to put everything else on hold in order to make that dream (or is it a delusional fantasy) a reality. In their cases, they chose the diversity of experience over the possibility that they might hit the big time elsewhere.


Seriously? We haven’t had a Football staff move “up” in 23 years! Had one basketball coach move up since 1984. Most all of our coaches have been well liked and popular within the community.


You must mean head coach. From where we are, almost any FBS school outside the MAC is a step up for our staff. We’ve lost several coaches including one just a few weeks ago. How about Derek Mason ?
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Rufusbobcat94
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Member Since: 6/13/2018
Post Count: 378

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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/27/2024 10:51:27 AM 
L.C. wrote:
My only comment is that, based on the number of players that have left Ohio in the last six months, there must have been sort of morale issues with last year's team, and that no doubt affected results. The team, this fall, will be all new, and that could be good or it could be bad. Hopefully the players are all happy to be at Ohio, and hopefully they will build some camaraderie. I see no way to predict whether they will be really good or really terrible, or somewhere in the middle. I hope they are good from the start, but if not, I hope they improve as the season progresses.


Yeah, i think you are right that there must have been some type of morale issue offensively. My guess is part of it was with Rourke coming off the injury and the defense playing lights out, the offense got conservative. The loss of Jacoby Jones hurt but with a returning o-line and skill positions they could have been more productive.

A lot of good points all around with pro prospects and college money probably playing some role too.


Last Edited: 5/27/2024 10:52:57 AM by Rufusbobcat94
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colobobcat66
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Member Since: 9/1/2006
Location: Watching the bobcats run outside my window., CO
Post Count: 4,341

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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/27/2024 11:10:45 AM 
Rufusbobcat94 wrote:
L.C. wrote:
My only comment is that, based on the number of players that have left Ohio in the last six months, there must have been sort of morale issues with last year's team, and that no doubt affected results. The team, this fall, will be all new, and that could be good or it could be bad. Hopefully the players are all happy to be at Ohio, and hopefully they will build some camaraderie. I see no way to predict whether they will be really good or really terrible, or somewhere in the middle. I hope they are good from the start, but if not, I hope they improve as the season progresses.


Yeah, i think you are right that there must have been some type of morale issue offensively. My guess is part of it was with Rourke coming off the injury and the defense playing lights out, the offense got conservative. The loss of Jacoby Jones hurt but with a returning o-line and skill positions they could have been more productive.

A lot of good points all around with pro prospects and college money probably playing some role too.




There was a report on here from a former athlete that there was an issue of some kind with the team last December I believe . Must have been serious.
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Victory
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Member Since: 3/10/2012
Post Count: 2,197

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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/27/2024 4:26:47 PM 
colobobcat66 wrote:
Rufusbobcat94 wrote:
L.C. wrote:
My only comment is that, based on the number of players that have left Ohio in the last six months, there must have been sort of morale issues with last year's team, and that no doubt affected results. The team, this fall, will be all new, and that could be good or it could be bad. Hopefully the players are all happy to be at Ohio, and hopefully they will build some camaraderie. I see no way to predict whether they will be really good or really terrible, or somewhere in the middle. I hope they are good from the start, but if not, I hope they improve as the season progresses.


Yeah, i think you are right that there must have been some type of morale issue offensively. My guess is part of it was with Rourke coming off the injury and the defense playing lights out, the offense got conservative. The loss of Jacoby Jones hurt but with a returning o-line and skill positions they could have been more productive.

A lot of good points all around with pro prospects and college money probably playing some role too.




There was a report on here from a former athlete that there was an issue of some kind with the team last December I believe . Must have been serious.


My speculation is that in the first half of 2023 the offense was carrying the defense and started ribbing them and then in 2024 when the defense carried the offense there was some payback ribbing only maybe a little bit worse.
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Bobcat1998
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Member Since: 11/7/2012
Post Count: 2,307

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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/28/2024 10:59:33 AM 
This season will boil down to 5 things in my book:
1. Can Parker Navarro be a starting quarterback regularly in Division 1?
2. We know what we're getting in Hunt. Can Tyus be a "Jaylin Hunter" type of transfer who comes in having played well in the Big 10 but is ready for a star turn?
3. We have some great defensive pieces. How will some of the guys mentioned like Leake, Dustin Johnson, Michael Mack, Doggette and a host of others, look for us?
4. How will our Big 10 receivers do (Dennis and Pugh) along with Hartzup?
5. Can our O-line stay healthy?
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L.C.
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Member Since: 8/31/2005
Location: United States
Post Count: 10,310

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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/28/2024 5:00:47 PM 
Bobcat1998 wrote:
...
4. How will our Big 10 receivers do (Dennis and Pugh) along with Hartzup?
...

Not just players transferring down, but who will rise to the top? At WR, I count on the roster, and the picture is:
Returning players (9): Hendricks, Harris, Debrow, Borer, Duffy, McDole, Stuewe, Gosset
Incoming Freshmen (3): Dorwart, Hurst, Thompson
Walkons (2): Cremescoli, Neer
Players from P5 (2): Pugh, Dennis
Player from Juco (1): Rodarte
Players from FCS (2): Owen, Hartup

At TE, the picture is 7 total:
Players returning (2): Butler, WIlliams
Transfer from G5 (1): Blankenship
Incoming Freshmen (2): Miller, Segarra
From Division II (1): Guffy
From NAIA (7): Bruno


“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” ― Epictetus

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Mike Coleman
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Member Since: 12/21/2004
Location: Near the Pristine Sandy Shores of Lake Erie, OH
Post Count: 1,395

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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/28/2024 6:52:08 PM 
L.C. wrote:
Bobcat1998 wrote:
...
4. How will our Big 10 receivers do (Dennis and Pugh) along with Hartzup?
...

Not just players transferring down, but who will rise to the top? At WR, I count on the roster, and the picture is:
Returning players (9): Hendricks, Harris, Debrow, Borer, Duffy, McDole, Stuewe, Gosset
Incoming Freshmen (3): Dorwart, Hurst, Thompson
Walkons (2): Cremescoli, Neer
Players from P5 (2): Pugh, Dennis
Player from Juco (1): Rodarte
Players from FCS (2): Owen, Hartup

At TE, the picture is 7 total:
Players returning (2): Butler, WIlliams
Transfer from G5 (1): Blankenship
Incoming Freshmen (2): Miller, Segarra
From Division II (1): Guffy
From NAIA (7): Bruno




Bruno was FCS. In fact, St. Francis has both Kent and EMU on the schedule this fall.
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BillyTheCat
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Member Since: 10/6/2012
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 5/29/2024 6:36:22 PM 
Bobcat1998 wrote:
This season will boil down to 5 things in my book:
1. Can Parker Navarro be a starting quarterback regularly in Division 1?
2. We know what we're getting in Hunt. Can Tyus be a "Jaylin Hunter" type of transfer who comes in having played well in the Big 10 but is ready for a star turn?
3. We have some great defensive pieces. How will some of the guys mentioned like Leake, Dustin Johnson, Michael Mack, Doggette and a host of others, look for us?
4. How will our Big 10 receivers do (Dennis and Pugh) along with Hartzup?
5. Can our O-line stay healthy?


Spot on
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colobobcat66
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Member Since: 9/1/2006
Location: Watching the bobcats run outside my window., CO
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 6/17/2024 10:58:35 AM 
The simple fact is that we have the second most incoming transfers in the MAC, after EMU. We talk about all the transfers in football these days, but NIU, CMU and Miami together have less incoming transfers than we have ourselves. Our situation is way more challenging than most on here are acknowledging IMHO. we had no choice with all the transfers out, but it’s not ideal or exactly the norm elsewhere.
I guess I didn’t make it obvious that I was talking about incoming transfers-not outgoing.

Last Edited: 6/17/2024 2:03:22 PM by colobobcat66
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71 BOBCAT
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 6/17/2024 1:03:36 PM 
There is much conjecture out there as to all the transfers the the why. Truth be known we will probably never know.



I always believe our success will be determined by controlling turnovers.




71 BOBCAT
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Victory
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 6/17/2024 1:07:49 PM 
I don't think you get a feel for losses by counting transfers. You want to count how many transferred up and then how many transferred laterally. Counting transfers landing outside of the FBS doesn't tell you all that much.
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M.D.W.S.T
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 6/17/2024 3:36:04 PM 
71 BOBCAT wrote:
There is much conjecture out there as to all the transfers the the why. Truth be known we will probably never know.



I think we saw a lot of the truth last season as even some of the posters here were upset by the playcalling... then Scott got demoted. We saw Kurtis move on, and Bangura and I think that was the flood gates opening. Nobody wanted to be stuck holding the bag for a rebuilding MAC team if they had a chance to move on to an Oklahoma State.

On defense, I'd say similar. Once Spense was gone, the rebuild was on.

We all can question it, but for a lot of these guys it was a chance to be recruited all over again and for the most part none of these guys were ever talked to by P5 teams and this was their chance to keep that dream alive, stats be damned.

The only one that hurts is Jacoby, but in fairness he probably didn't want to be the #1 WR on a running team or be a major blocking piece coming off a major injury.
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colobobcat66
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  Message Not Read  RE: MAC Preview
   Posted: 6/17/2024 7:09:01 PM 
M.D.W.S.T wrote:
71 BOBCAT wrote:
There is much conjecture out there as to all the transfers the the why. Truth be known we will probably never know.



I think we saw a lot of the truth last season as even some of the posters here were upset by the playcalling... then Scott got demoted. We saw Kurtis move on, and Bangura and I think that was the flood gates opening. Nobody wanted to be stuck holding the bag for a rebuilding MAC team if they had a chance to move on to an Oklahoma State.

On defense, I'd say similar. Once Spense was gone, the rebuild was on.

We all can question it, but for a lot of these guys it was a chance to be recruited all over again and for the most part none of these guys were ever talked to by P5 teams and this was their chance to keep that dream alive, stats be damned.

The only one that hurts is Jacoby, but in fairness he probably didn't want to be the #1 WR on a running team or be a major blocking piece coming off a major injury.


Except Spence left in April and had nothing to do with all the earlier defensive transfers out( unless they all thought he would be gone like most of us on here thought)
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