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Topic: That was pretty bad.
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Athens
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Posted: 9/5/2026 6:03 PM
I don't understand how Ohio's defense after shutting out Nebraska on their first drive of the second half could stop nothing after that. Not a good look to collapse like that in the 4th quarter which portends it could very well happen to Ohio in MAC play. Nebraska had the 17th ranked recruiting class in the Big Ten last season, rated overall on par with Ohio. The team was outcoached not out muscled. 4-8 season is possible if Ohio doesn't tighten up its defense.
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 Fiami @ Peden with 25,086 fans
2023 10-7 near shutout of Iowa State @ Solich Field
2025 17-10 defeat of WVU @ Peden in front of 26,740
StevenTimothyVitte
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Posted: 9/5/2026 6:24 PM
Athens wrote:expand_more
I don't understand how Ohio's defense after shutting out Nebraska on their first drive of the second half could stop nothing after that. Not a good look to collapse like that in the 4th quarter which portends it could very well happen to Ohio in MAC play. Nebraska had the 17th ranked recruiting class in the Big Ten last season, rated overall on par with Ohio. The team was outcoached not out muscled. 4-8 season is possible if Ohio doesn't tighten up its defense.
I think you're overreacting. It's Game #1 and against a B1G team.
Athens
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Posted: 9/5/2026 8:49 PM
StevenTimothyVitte wrote:expand_more
I don't understand how Ohio's defense after shutting out Nebraska on their first drive of the second half could stop nothing after that. Not a good look to collapse like that in the 4th quarter which portends it could very well happen to Ohio in MAC play. Nebraska had the 17th ranked recruiting class in the Big Ten last season, rated overall on par with Ohio. The team was outcoached not out muscled. 4-8 season is possible if Ohio doesn't tighten up its defense.
I think you're overreacting. It's Game #1 and against a B1G team.
The data point 21-49 I have to go by against a middling Big Ten team doesn't give me any confidence. Especially when combined with comparing the recruiting. Fans on here act like the talent level at Nebraska is close to the level of Ohio State but but they are wrong about that looking at the recruiting rankings.

https://247sports.com/season/2026-football/overallteamran...

Ohio State 351.49
Southern Cal 342.52
Oregon 341.13
Michigan 306.13

Northwestern 227.24
Purdue 223.37
Nebraska 216.86
Wisconsin 212.53

Bowling Green 197.07
Miami 186.72
Central Michigan 186.20
Ohio 185.59

This is with the transfers included. Nebraska's class was 31 points ahead of Ohio's class but 134 points below Ohio State. Without transfers Nebraska is only 11 points ahead of Ohio. Did I watching the game think even when Ohio was leading in the second quarter observing the both teams that Nebraska had more talent than Ohio? I thought Nebraska had more team speed. This idea though Ohio was roadgraded by the massive Nebraska Cornhusker line doesn't hold weight because the moved the ball on the ground by edge sweeps. It was not pushing forward for 8-10 yards straight ahead per carry. For the most part Ohio's defense was exploited by Nebraska's play calling. The coaching staff didn't make the necessary adjustments.

If Ohio was able to keep it within two scores I would give the loss today a pass but how do you infer this team will be 9-3 using the data points we have so far today? I know the program has clunkers on the road against the P4 before only to turn it around and have the usual 8 to 10 win season. Going by observed results so far Jax St, Stonehill, Sac St, Kent St & Ball St should be wins. You can't extrapolate this to the usual 8-10 win season based on this current moment. Ohio didn't play a program anywhere near the level of Ohio State today like what WMU is going up against at Michigan.
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 Fiami @ Peden with 25,086 fans
2023 10-7 near shutout of Iowa State @ Solich Field
2025 17-10 defeat of WVU @ Peden in front of 26,740
Athens
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Posted: 9/5/2026 9:08 PM
Quote:expand_more
After the missed field goal, Nebraska easily ran down the field as its running game effortlessly tore apart every piece of Ohio’s defense, while scoring a touchdown to add eight points. From this point on, the Bobcats' defense could do nothing against the Cornhuskers' running game, as Nebraska was able to do whatever it wanted on the ground.Content marketing services

“In the second half we got schemed up a little bit, and outmatched physically,” linebacker Jack Fries said. “A lot of that falls on me. I’ve got to be better at communicating, getting more knockback on my block construction and leading the defense better.”

https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2026/09/httpsdocs-g...
Fries himself said they were outschemed by Nebraska. Defensive unit was obviously unprepared. Coaches have a job to make sure each unit is prepared.
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 Fiami @ Peden with 25,086 fans
2023 10-7 near shutout of Iowa State @ Solich Field
2025 17-10 defeat of WVU @ Peden in front of 26,740
StevenTimothyVitte
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Posted: 9/5/2026 9:23 PM
I understand and acknowledge the data you're using, but I'm gonna stick to what I said: I think you're overreacting to the first game of the season.
Athens
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Posted: 9/5/2026 9:31 PM
StevenTimothyVitte wrote:expand_more
I understand and acknowledge the data you're using, but I'm gonna stick to what I said: I think you're overreacting to the first game of the season.
To make another point here Poulos has to bring that leadership and carry the offense down the stretch for Ohio to pull out tough games. Was he able to stitch together a strong drive when it counted? He threw a late interception to make the rout that was on worse. His work was fine enough except down the stretch.
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 Fiami @ Peden with 25,086 fans
2023 10-7 near shutout of Iowa State @ Solich Field
2025 17-10 defeat of WVU @ Peden in front of 26,740
Deciduous Forest Cat
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Posted: 9/5/2026 9:34 PM
Athens wrote:expand_more
I understand and acknowledge the data you're using, but I'm gonna stick to what I said: I think you're overreacting to the first game of the season.
To make another point here Poulos has to bring that leadership and carry the offense down the stretch for Ohio to pull out tough games. Was he able to stitch together a strong drive when it counted? He threw a late interception to make the rout that was on worse. His work was fine enough except down the stretch.
Vezza threw the pick
cbarber357
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Posted: 9/5/2026 9:35 PM
Athens wrote:expand_more
I understand and acknowledge the data you're using, but I'm gonna stick to what I said: I think you're overreacting to the first game of the season.
To make another point here Poulos has to bring that leadership and carry the offense down the stretch for Ohio to pull out tough games. Was he able to stitch together a strong drive when it counted? He threw a late interception to make the rout that was on worse. His work was fine enough except down the stretch.
For somebody with such strong opinions and judgements it’s very funny that you’re completely unaware that Matt Vezza subbed in and threw the pick.
Athens
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Posted: 9/5/2026 9:47 PM
cbarber357 wrote:expand_more
I understand and acknowledge the data you're using, but I'm gonna stick to what I said: I think you're overreacting to the first game of the season.
To make another point here Poulos has to bring that leadership and carry the offense down the stretch for Ohio to pull out tough games. Was he able to stitch together a strong drive when it counted? He threw a late interception to make the rout that was on worse. His work was fine enough except down the stretch.
For somebody with such strong opinions and judgements it’s very funny that you’re completely unaware that Matt Vezza subbed in and threw the pick.
I was watching while talking with friends out at a restaurant so I missed it but what was Vezza doing in there anyways? I realize the team was in the game until the 4th quarter but it was a collapse at the end worse than Rutgers last year. I forgot to mention Sac St. on the schedule so 5 wins (Jax, Stonehill, Sac St, Kent, Ball). Eastern Michigan lost to SJSU but barely and they've been decent in recent years. Results at the moment say 5+ wins unless play improves. Today was not good.
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 Fiami @ Peden with 25,086 fans
2023 10-7 near shutout of Iowa State @ Solich Field
2025 17-10 defeat of WVU @ Peden in front of 26,740
cbarber357
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Posted: 9/5/2026 10:36 PM
Athens wrote:expand_more
I understand and acknowledge the data you're using, but I'm gonna stick to what I said: I think you're overreacting to the first game of the season.
To make another point here Poulos has to bring that leadership and carry the offense down the stretch for Ohio to pull out tough games. Was he able to stitch together a strong drive when it counted? He threw a late interception to make the rout that was on worse. His work was fine enough except down the stretch.
For somebody with such strong opinions and judgements it’s very funny that you’re completely unaware that Matt Vezza subbed in and threw the pick.
I was watching while talking with friends out at a restaurant so I missed it but what was Vezza doing in there anyways? I realize the team was in the game until the 4th quarter but it was a collapse at the end worse than Rutgers last year. I forgot to mention Sac St. on the schedule so 5 wins (Jax, Stonehill, Sac St, Kent, Ball). Eastern Michigan lost to SJSU but barely and they've been decent in recent years. Results at the moment say 5+ wins unless play improves. Today was not good.
Now you also self admittedly were barely paying attention and have strong opinions on our performance. Lol
Athens
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Posted: 9/5/2026 11:14 PM
cbarber357 wrote:expand_more
I understand and acknowledge the data you're using, but I'm gonna stick to what I said: I think you're overreacting to the first game of the season.
To make another point here Poulos has to bring that leadership and carry the offense down the stretch for Ohio to pull out tough games. Was he able to stitch together a strong drive when it counted? He threw a late interception to make the rout that was on worse. His work was fine enough except down the stretch.
For somebody with such strong opinions and judgements it’s very funny that you’re completely unaware that Matt Vezza subbed in and threw the pick.
I was watching while talking with friends out at a restaurant so I missed it but what was Vezza doing in there anyways? I realize the team was in the game until the 4th quarter but it was a collapse at the end worse than Rutgers last year. I forgot to mention Sac St. on the schedule so 5 wins (Jax, Stonehill, Sac St, Kent, Ball). Eastern Michigan lost to SJSU but barely and they've been decent in recent years. Results at the moment say 5+ wins unless play improves. Today was not good.
Now you also self admittedly were barely paying attention and have strong opinions on our performance. Lol
I did see the interception but missed the QB substitution. That doesn't mean I wasn't watching the game overall. The reality is this team is giving up 49.0 ppg on defense at the moment. When the team doesn't get it done in the 4th in a MAC game this board will explode the first time it happens like the Ball State game last year. How many weeks did I have to listen to that on this board?

Somehow because Nebraska plays in one of the largest football stadiums in the country imploding in the second half is OK. It was not ok at Rutgers for some and an unforgettable disaster at Ball State for most others. I moved on the second the game was over to talk about what was left of the MAC title picture. But right now where Ohio sits it could struggle to make a bowl game. Did you watch the Western Michigan game? They know how to play defense!
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 Fiami @ Peden with 25,086 fans
2023 10-7 near shutout of Iowa State @ Solich Field
2025 17-10 defeat of WVU @ Peden in front of 26,740
mid70sbobcat
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Posted: 9/5/2026 11:19 PM
Athens wrote:expand_more
I understand and acknowledge the data you're using, but I'm gonna stick to what I said: I think you're overreacting to the first game of the season.
To make another point here Poulos has to bring that leadership and carry the offense down the stretch for Ohio to pull out tough games. Was he able to stitch together a strong drive when it counted? He threw a late interception to make the rout that was on worse. His work was fine enough except down the stretch.
Poulos did not throw an INT. Vezza was in the last 2 series.

Second, we put our 2nd team in for like the last 6 minutes. Nebraska was trying every which way to run up the score as evidenced by throwing for a TD with under 2 minutes and up by 21 at that point.
Taiwan BC
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Posted: 9/5/2026 11:50 PM
I thought we played quite well considering the situation. Playing in one of the loudest stadiums with a new QB and many new faces on offense and still scored quite a bit. More time of possession and we would have done a good deal better.

Nebraska's recruiting isn't largely better than us but, they have the cash to keep players they've recruited that actually show out on the field. Combine that with signing a bunch of proven players that have had many, many starts elsewhere and you have a group that has played a lot of high-level football.

We have to keep more players that have shown promise. We are losing too much starting experience and losing depth in the process. Let Hendricks go, sure. We can't match offers in the millions. But there were so many portal losses that could have helped today. That's not anything we don't know but...

We've got to find a way to bolster our funds. And it doesn't even have to be NIL. We've got to get creative. Like I said a few years back, (Much to one posters clowning dismay),Ohio has to realize that good publicity from sports is worth real, actual money. And I don't even think it would take that much money comparatively. I think many players love Ohio. They love the football culture. They love winning. Bring in some former players that can talk about the realities of portal success. We just have to be able to get in the ballpark money wise and we have a good shot at keeping more players.
As always, go Bobcats!
Last Edited: 9/5/2026 11:52:46 PM by Taiwan BC
FishBates
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Posted: 9/6/2026 6:31 AM
cbarber357 wrote:expand_more
I understand and acknowledge the data you're using, but I'm gonna stick to what I said: I think you're overreacting to the first game of the season.
To make another point here Poulos has to bring that leadership and carry the offense down the stretch for Ohio to pull out tough games. Was he able to stitch together a strong drive when it counted? He threw a late interception to make the rout that was on worse. His work was fine enough except down the stretch.
For somebody with such strong opinions and judgements it’s very funny that you’re completely unaware that Matt Vezza subbed in and threw the pick.
Vezza and Rosa were the biggest disappointments for the game.

I won't go into detail with stats because anybody who saw the game knows.
Mike Coleman
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Posted: 9/6/2026 8:33 AM
Athens wrote:expand_more
I don't understand how Ohio's defense after shutting out Nebraska on their first drive of the second half could stop nothing after that. Not a good look to collapse like that in the 4th quarter which portends it could very well happen to Ohio in MAC play. Nebraska had the 17th ranked recruiting class in the Big Ten last season, rated overall on par with Ohio. The team was outcoached not out muscled. 4-8 season is possible if Ohio doesn't tighten up its defense.
I think you're overreacting. It's Game #1 and against a B1G team.
The data point 21-49 I have to go by against a middling Big Ten team doesn't give me any confidence. Especially when combined with comparing the recruiting. Fans on here act like the talent level at Nebraska is close to the level of Ohio State but but they are wrong about that looking at the recruiting rankings.

https://247sports.com/season/2026-football/overallteamran...

Ohio State 351.49
Southern Cal 342.52
Oregon 341.13
Michigan 306.13

Northwestern 227.24
Purdue 223.37
Nebraska 216.86
Wisconsin 212.53

Bowling Green 197.07
Miami 186.72
Central Michigan 186.20
Ohio 185.59

This is with the transfers included. Nebraska's class was 31 points ahead of Ohio's class but 134 points below Ohio State. Without transfers Nebraska is only 11 points ahead of Ohio. Did I watching the game think even when Ohio was leading in the second quarter observing the both teams that Nebraska had more talent than Ohio? I thought Nebraska had more team speed. This idea though Ohio was roadgraded by the massive Nebraska Cornhusker line doesn't hold weight because the moved the ball on the ground by edge sweeps. It was not pushing forward for 8-10 yards straight ahead per carry. For the most part Ohio's defense was exploited by Nebraska's play calling. The coaching staff didn't make the necessary adjustments.

If Ohio was able to keep it within two scores I would give the loss today a pass but how do you infer this team will be 9-3 using the data points we have so far today? I know the program has clunkers on the road against the P4 before only to turn it around and have the usual 8 to 10 win season. Going by observed results so far Jax St, Stonehill, Sac St, Kent St & Ball St should be wins. You can't extrapolate this to the usual 8-10 win season based on this current moment. Ohio didn't play a program anywhere near the level of Ohio State today like what WMU is going up against at Michigan.
The data point you are missing here is Nebraska's total points are low because they had the fewest recruits in the Big 10, according to the link you provided. The reason they only had 30 recruits is because they are one of the most experienced teams in the country heading into the season, whereas we are one of the least. In fact, we are dead last in FBS with zero returning Offensive Line starts.

Good data. Poor reading of the data. But your record prediction could prove true unless we can get the OL back to what we are used to.
Doc Bobcat
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Posted: 9/6/2026 8:37 AM
mid70sbobcat wrote:expand_more
I understand and acknowledge the data you're using, but I'm gonna stick to what I said: I think you're overreacting to the first game of the season.
To make another point here Poulos has to bring that leadership and carry the offense down the stretch for Ohio to pull out tough games. Was he able to stitch together a strong drive when it counted? He threw a late interception to make the rout that was on worse. His work was fine enough except down the stretch.
Poulos did not throw an INT. Vezza was in the last 2 series.

Second, we put our 2nd team in for like the last 6 minutes. Nebraska was trying every which way to run up the score as evidenced by throwing for a TD with under 2 minutes and up by 21 at that point.
My wife is from Nebraska and says that sounds about right. Sounds like something OSU would do.

Unlike the Negative Nicks I think OUr first half with just about all new players was impressive considering the heat and the opposition. If we can get someone besides Neer to catch the damn ball we should be fine….maybe more than fine. Bowman and Dowart need to show up.

Others like Brune need to show up. Tackling was terrible but hopefully that will get better. OUr D line with Gillison and the Nebraska kid did OK.

On a positive note two areas that we were concerned about looked decent. The offensive line played against a tough D line. OUr QB looks like a winner. He has the strongest arm of any recent QB. Hopefully his accuracy will improve and we can stretch the field. His comments to the press were impressive.
Athens
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Posted: 9/6/2026 10:39 AM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
I don't understand how Ohio's defense after shutting out Nebraska on their first drive of the second half could stop nothing after that. Not a good look to collapse like that in the 4th quarter which portends it could very well happen to Ohio in MAC play. Nebraska had the 17th ranked recruiting class in the Big Ten last season, rated overall on par with Ohio. The team was outcoached not out muscled. 4-8 season is possible if Ohio doesn't tighten up its defense.
I think you're overreacting. It's Game #1 and against a B1G team.
The data point 21-49 I have to go by against a middling Big Ten team doesn't give me any confidence. Especially when combined with comparing the recruiting. Fans on here act like the talent level at Nebraska is close to the level of Ohio State but but they are wrong about that looking at the recruiting rankings.

https://247sports.com/season/2026-football/overallteamran...

Ohio State 351.49
Southern Cal 342.52
Oregon 341.13
Michigan 306.13

Northwestern 227.24
Purdue 223.37
Nebraska 216.86
Wisconsin 212.53

Bowling Green 197.07
Miami 186.72
Central Michigan 186.20
Ohio 185.59

This is with the transfers included. Nebraska's class was 31 points ahead of Ohio's class but 134 points below Ohio State. Without transfers Nebraska is only 11 points ahead of Ohio. Did I watching the game think even when Ohio was leading in the second quarter observing the both teams that Nebraska had more talent than Ohio? I thought Nebraska had more team speed. This idea though Ohio was roadgraded by the massive Nebraska Cornhusker line doesn't hold weight because the moved the ball on the ground by edge sweeps. It was not pushing forward for 8-10 yards straight ahead per carry. For the most part Ohio's defense was exploited by Nebraska's play calling. The coaching staff didn't make the necessary adjustments.

If Ohio was able to keep it within two scores I would give the loss today a pass but how do you infer this team will be 9-3 using the data points we have so far today? I know the program has clunkers on the road against the P4 before only to turn it around and have the usual 8 to 10 win season. Going by observed results so far Jax St, Stonehill, Sac St, Kent St & Ball St should be wins. You can't extrapolate this to the usual 8-10 win season based on this current moment. Ohio didn't play a program anywhere near the level of Ohio State today like what WMU is going up against at Michigan.
The data point you are missing here is Nebraska's total points are low because they had the fewest recruits in the Big 10, according to the link you provided. The reason they only had 30 recruits is because they are one of the most experienced teams in the country heading into the season, whereas we are one of the least. In fact, we are dead last in FBS with zero returning Offensive Line starts.

Good data. Poor reading of the data. But your record prediction could prove true unless we can get the OL back to what we are used to.
Yes it was a cherry pick of the data. I noticed it before the game and I thought the line was probably too high but wanted to see how the game played out. With CMU looking poor against New Mexico last night that gives the Bobcats another game on the schedule that can be counted as reasonable win. Tracking 6-6 at least then which is more in line with how the first 3 quarters of the game.
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 Fiami @ Peden with 25,086 fans
2023 10-7 near shutout of Iowa State @ Solich Field
2025 17-10 defeat of WVU @ Peden in front of 26,740
Athens
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Posted: 9/6/2026 11:07 AM
Taiwan BC wrote:expand_more
I thought we played quite well considering the situation. Playing in one of the loudest stadiums with a new QB and many new faces on offense and still scored quite a bit. More time of possession and we would have done a good deal better.

Nebraska's recruiting isn't largely better than us but, they have the cash to keep players they've recruited that actually show out on the field. Combine that with signing a bunch of proven players that have had many, many starts elsewhere and you have a group that has played a lot of high-level football.

We have to keep more players that have shown promise. We are losing too much starting experience and losing depth in the process. Let Hendricks go, sure. We can't match offers in the millions. But there were so many portal losses that could have helped today. That's not anything we don't know but...

We've got to find a way to bolster our funds. And it doesn't even have to be NIL. We've got to get creative. Like I said a few years back, (Much to one posters clowning dismay),Ohio has to realize that good publicity from sports is worth real, actual money. And I don't even think it would take that much money comparatively. I think many players love Ohio. They love the football culture. They love winning. Bring in some former players that can talk about the realities of portal success. We just have to be able to get in the ballpark money wise and we have a good shot at keeping more players.
As always, go Bobcats!
Looking at the G6 scores so far this year a lot of good programs that would of in the past been competitive with a P4 program showed zilch this week. I go back to what L.C. used to talk about on here as to the number of starts (e.g. the experience) as a determinant in success. The P4 at the very least with its incoming transfers is picking up more experienced players, tilting their classes toward upperclassmen while there is less room for talented freshman. Conversely I do think younger players may have less wear and tear on their bodies than guys in their 4th and 5th year but it looks overshadowed by the experience.

Penn State 45
Marshall 0

Iowa 40
NIU 0

Texas 59
Texas St. 7

USC 39
Fresno St. 0

Alabama 48
East Carolina 10

Indiana 52
UNT 16

These are some of the best programs in the G6. Teams you woud expect would be able to keep it within 3 scores in a big non-conference game but they were all absolutely smashed. North Texas won 12 games last year. East Carolina 9 games. Fresno State 9 games. Marshall and Northern Illinois have reputations for upsets in these kind of games. What can be done about it perhaps adding experience to the roster instead of exclusively chasing the talent. The P4 transfers down may be wash outs.
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 Fiami @ Peden with 25,086 fans
2023 10-7 near shutout of Iowa State @ Solich Field
2025 17-10 defeat of WVU @ Peden in front of 26,740
Mike Coleman
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Posted: 9/6/2026 12:54 PM
Athens wrote:expand_more
I thought we played quite well considering the situation. Playing in one of the loudest stadiums with a new QB and many new faces on offense and still scored quite a bit. More time of possession and we would have done a good deal better.

Nebraska's recruiting isn't largely better than us but, they have the cash to keep players they've recruited that actually show out on the field. Combine that with signing a bunch of proven players that have had many, many starts elsewhere and you have a group that has played a lot of high-level football.

We have to keep more players that have shown promise. We are losing too much starting experience and losing depth in the process. Let Hendricks go, sure. We can't match offers in the millions. But there were so many portal losses that could have helped today. That's not anything we don't know but...

We've got to find a way to bolster our funds. And it doesn't even have to be NIL. We've got to get creative. Like I said a few years back, (Much to one posters clowning dismay),Ohio has to realize that good publicity from sports is worth real, actual money. And I don't even think it would take that much money comparatively. I think many players love Ohio. They love the football culture. They love winning. Bring in some former players that can talk about the realities of portal success. We just have to be able to get in the ballpark money wise and we have a good shot at keeping more players.
As always, go Bobcats!
Looking at the G6 scores so far this year a lot of good programs that would of in the past been competitive with a P4 program showed zilch this week. I go back to what L.C. used to talk about on here as to the number of starts (e.g. the experience) as a determinant in success. The P4 at the very least with its incoming transfers is picking up more experienced players, tilting their classes toward upperclassmen while there is less room for talented freshman. Conversely I do think younger players may have less wear and tear on their bodies than guys in their 4th and 5th year but it looks overshadowed by the experience.

Penn State 45
Marshall 0

Iowa 40
NIU 0

Texas 59
Texas St. 7

USC 39
Fresno St. 0

Alabama 48
East Carolina 10

Indiana 52
UNT 16

These are some of the best programs in the G6. Teams you woud expect would be able to keep it within 3 scores in a big non-conference game but they were all absolutely smashed. North Texas won 12 games last year. East Carolina 9 games. Fresno State 9 games. Marshall and Northern Illinois have reputations for upsets in these kind of games. What can be done about it perhaps adding experience to the roster instead of exclusively chasing the talent. The P4 transfers down may be wash outs.
Phil Steele has a section where he talks about experience. He mentions seniors (age), D, and OL especially, and says that teams that bring back those groups off a bowl season are especially dangerous early in the season. Interestingly, two of the top teams in that regard are Boise and WMU (as well as Nebraska). Last year, IU fit in even though Mendoza was new.
Victory
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Posted: 9/6/2026 2:18 PM
Mike Coleman wrote:expand_more
The data point you are missing here is Nebraska's total points are low because they had the fewest recruits in the Big 10, according to the link you provided. The reason they only had 30 recruits is because they are one of the most experienced teams in the country heading into the season, whereas we are one of the least. In fact, we are dead last in FBS with zero returning Offensive Line starts.

Good data. Poor reading of the data. But your record prediction could prove true unless we can get the OL back to what we are used to.
In fact, we really have zero returning starters on offense, period. Dorwart has several starts and Poulos and Pugh have one start each all due to injury prior to this season. I believe that is it in the entirely of the whole offense.
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 9/6/2026 2:28 PM
Athens wrote:expand_more
. . . With CMU looking poor against New Mexico last night that gives the Bobcats another game on the schedule that can be counted as reasonable win. . . .
If you know anything about our history, you know that a win against a CMU team is never a given, regardless of our record or their record going into the game.
The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

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Bobcatbucnut
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Posted: 9/6/2026 3:26 PM
R E L A X! Head coaches first game. He will improve game by the new role! D was sound until they wore down! NEB… all be it middle of the pack BIG they are still bigger faster and stronger. D will be strength of team when all is said and done. QB was solid, few missed throws and drops. Running game is a concern. Need to keep D off field, example 3 and out passing at the end of the game… Hauser will learn. In the MAC with a favorable schedule, O just needs to not lose games, keep drives alive by catching the ball, grinding out first downs and winning field position battle. Special teams, new kicker has a leg, missed FG is a concern just because how bad it was missed. We need those 45 and in to be automatic. Kickoff return, Looked like few times returns were possible and we chose fair catch…. Player decision or coach? Punting started off shakily but improved. Team has things to work on no doubt! Back to film, adjustments, focus on next game, defend the Frank and get on a roll!
MonroeClassmate
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Posted: 9/7/2026 10:05 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
. . . With CMU looking poor against New Mexico last night that gives the Bobcats another game on the schedule that can be counted as reasonable win. . . .
If you know anything about our history, you know that a win against a CMU team is never a given, regardless of our record or their record going into the game.
Especially when it is HOMECOMING!

Have the Bobcats faced another team more often on Homecoming during the last 25 years then CMU?
100%Cat
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Posted: 9/8/2026 8:38 AM
It's cute that you expected us to beat a Big Ten team on the road, but this is not the 5th season of your dynasty on NCAA Football 27. This is reality. Being within one score through 3 quarters is something to be happy about, considering the competition. I came away much mor optimistic than I expected to after that game.
MonroeClassmate
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Posted: 9/8/2026 11:08 AM
One thing that was pretty bad....

Nebraska noticed a tendency of the Bobcat defense that was clear from where OUr visitor seating. When Huskers set up with their right side tackle uncovered by tight end or wide out (weak side) it pulled the OHIO corner up near the line knowing he (#20) would aggressively attempt to skirt around the end of the line while the OHIO left side line backer would attack. This left two gaping holes past the line of scrimmage and resulted in BIG runs by the back running to the weak side and once the tackle kicked out the defensive end the running back was off to the races.

These two OHIO defenders need to read the play before attempting hero ball and trying to get into the backfield while leaving so much space for the offense to capitalize upon.

Tighten up a few things and make tackles and the score would have never gotten out of hand like it did.
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