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I would've put this in the "Other Schools" forum, but I think it does have direct implications on our season.

I think it is safe to say that the Bobcats have always had a fairly decent defense while their offense has been perennially lackluster. I am not seeing anything in the game tonight against Pitt to indicate to me that much has changed offensively for them, but I think their defense looks to be MUCH improved under Solich.

I really think that this is a team that is going to give MAC teams with mediocre offenses fits. I am saying this with Miami in mind. Yes, Miami is a very, very good team, but they are the most "defensive" team, in my opinion, in the MAC. I'm not impressed with Betts in big games, and their good recievers are only as good as the guy throwing the ball to them. Miami's strength is their defense with guys like Terna Nande holding down the LB unit. OU could very well upset Miami this year with this kind of combination, providing they can get something going against the Skinhawks offensively.

On the other side of the coin, I think teams like BG and Toledo could match up very well with the Bobcats because of their potent aerial offensive attacks. OU's defensive strength is clearly run defense, as I haven't seen much to impress me with their secondary (Palko is playing a TERRIBLE game!).

Could OU be the team that determines the MAC East champ? I think they might be. Interesting to ponder, I think.

On a side note, I keep thinking as I watch this game that if we had only had their run defense against Wisky... Bloodbath.

Not so good when they play the prevent, however.

Rightupinthere wrote:Not so good when they play the prevent, however.

Like I said, not too overly impressed with their secondary.

That D-line and those LB's look excellent, though.

What a fitting way to end that game. OU outplayed them all night and deserved to win. Tyler Palko = most overrated QB I have ever seen.

Very good defense on that team that will surprise some MAC teams this year. I agree with what was stated earlier that I think we should be able to handle them because of how good our offense is. I wouldn't expect 50 points against that defense, though.

Pitt probably won't ever play another MAC team on the road again.

Bleeding Orange wrote:

Rightupinthere wrote:Not so good when they play the prevent, however.

Like I said, not too overly impressed with their secondary.

Well, considering a Bobcat corner scored two touchdowns last night, including the game winner -- I'm not going to knock 'em.

Dion Byrum now has three touchdowns in two games. And he's a CORNER.

Schadenfreude wrote:

Bleeding Orange wrote:

Rightupinthere wrote:Not so good when they play the prevent, however.

Like I said, not too overly impressed with their secondary.

Well, considering a Bobcat corner scored two touchdowns last night, including the game winner -- I'm not going to knock 'em.

Dion Byrum now has three touchdowns in two games. And he's a CORNER.

No doubt. They did play well against Pitt, but I'm not going to say at this point that they have a lights out secondary since Palko had such a miserable, miserable ball game. I do give them props.

I, for one, am glad that OU is seemingly on the upswing, especially as we make our debut in the East today. Sure, we may get bit in the ass by them sometime in the next few years, but won't it be reeeaaal nice to have more than 1 or 2 intense conference games a year?

exactly. OU could give the MAC a fifth program that has actual value. The increased strength of other programs in the MAC will contribute to our strength long-term.