It's been a while since I've posted an update on the Ohio team. The Bobcats lost both of their games last week on the road to Kent State and Eastern Kentucky.
Ohio's record is 13-13 and 6-6 in the Mid-American Conference. The Bobcats' season essentially comes down to the four-game stretch that begins Thursday against Miami.
Ohio will play Miami and Buffalo at home and then Akron and Bowling Green on the road. Personally, I think the Bobcats will be lucky to win one or two of those games.
Ultimately, Ohio didn't have enough talent to compete in the MAC this season. They overachieved at the beginning of the year winning at Miami, but they have come back to earth.
I'd say that fans for the most part have viewed Ohio's drop from glory with acceptance because they knew that the chances of winning the league this year would be difficult.
But some fans are calling this season a "letdown," which, I think is unfair considering the pieces new coach John Groce was left with entering this year. They lost their leading scorer (Leon Williams), best perimeter player (Bubba Walther) and a player who was expected to contribute inside (Maurice Pearson). Groce got the most out of his talent.
Here's a link to a thread about whether the team has regressed this season from bobcatattack.com, the top message board for Ohio athletics:
What I am wondering is if Ohio players will continue to play hard. Groce said yesterday he doesn't think that will happen. He knows Ohio could still make some type of tournament with a strong finish.
Read more in my article from today's Post about the state of the team.
Also here is a column from Matt O'Donnell in The Post comparing Miami and Ohio alumni.
I'm curious to see if the passion is there from Bobcats' fans this season because it's a down year.
I expect a good crowd, especially because of this.
Thanks to The Post's Kyle Grantham for the photo.
It's been a year a lot like last year, just to a little lesser degree. Both years we start out pretty decent in the MAC (last year it was nice to get bubble watch talk during the George Mason game), and both years we play horrible at the end. The only difference is that this year they've been playing a lot worse for a lot longer (See: Jordan Mincy).
ReplyDeleteThis is great, Steve! I'll be able to keep track of the Bobcat games much easier now. Maybe you could put up MAC standings each week? Or along the side? And I bet you can get some great action sports shots for this blog. The one at the top really draws you in. Great start!
ReplyDelete