vs. Kent State (11/9)

[jpfalcon09]

I'm thinking this game defines the season....no?

Perhaps. At this stage of the season it's one week at a time. Win tonight, get some help from CMU over Buffalo, and the Toledo game could very well define the season. Tonight is definitely the path of least resistance to getting bowl eligible though.

Bowl eligible was my acceptable result before the season started, and tonight definitely seems like the best shot of getting there, so I would agree that it is potentially season-defining.

In a way, the EKU game was season-defining if we don't win another game. We would be 6-4 and already bowl eligible, if we had handled our business in that one.

Yeah, kind of the way I see it too. BG should be 6-3 heading into tonight and the narrative should be more about keeping pace in the East race than worrying if that sixth win comes if tonight is a loss.

[Beaker]

[/quote]

Potentially. But I'll say this: Toledo does not look invincible.
[/quote]

I agree with this entirely, unless you are talking about at the Ass Bowl against BG. We don't exactly have a good track record there. We play there every other year. Going back 40 years, we have beaten them there 3 times in 20 trips and last time was 14 years ago. The last 2 meetings (each location) which many of the players in this years game have participated in, have been 30+ point wins for the scuds. That place seems to have a hex on us. We've lost plenty of games there we when had the better team. It's hard to make a case that we are the better team this year but regardless, it's almost like we start 14 points in the hole before kickoff, just because we are playing there. We ambushed them at our place in 2019 when they clearly thought it was impossible for us to beat them and they were not ready to play. I don't think they would come in to the meeting this year with that level of overconfidence.

I think a win in Athens would be more likely.......but I don't think we have much of a shot at all in Athens. They are playing great over their last 5 games and Rourke is deadly accurate and making all the right decisions. They made plays in their passing game last night that we can only dream of. We need to win tonight.

[Flipper]

If we lose out...the EKU game will be the one that really...sticks.

Glad we're playing a meaningful game this late in the year...but I look at this team and it's hard not to think that the whole does not equal the sum of the parts

[BGSU33]

I'm thinking this game defines the season....no?

Agreed. It's very, very likely going to determine if we play in a bowl or not. Win and we're going bowling, lose and we likely close the season out with 3 losses and stay at home. That 7-OT loss to EKU is looming large right now.

[BGSU33]

I'm thinking this game defines the season....no?

Potentially. But I'll say this: Toledo does not look invincible.

I agree, but when a team has beaten you 11 out of the last 12 times, they just seem invincible when you're facing them. They have been squeaking past teams the last few weeks (EMU & BSU) and certainly don't look invincible at all. Finn was back for UT last night but was playing with a different injury this time. His shoulder injury looks to be resolved, but now he appears to have injured his right ankle last night as he wasn't trying to run anymore after he went to the tent and got it wrapped. He was basically playing on one leg and wasn't the dual-threat he is when healthy. Ball State had a number of chances but couldn't hit a pass to save their life last night or they could have won that game. Toledo is all but a lock to get to Detroit but I think they're going to be exposed by Ohio in the MACC. Ohio is flat out on a mission and I really don't see anyone beating them the rest of the season.

[jpfalcon09]

Early returns are a smaller crowd than last week. Might be more students due to a tuition and cash giveaway.

[jpfalcon09]

Taron Keith is out tonight due to injury.

[roguewarrior]

Osborne is playing.

[mbenecke]

Fumbled on the opening kickoff.

Massive blunder. Very on brand.

[mbenecke]

Fumbled on the opening kickoff.

Massive blunder. Very on brand.

Defense comes out, stiffens, and Kent misses a FG.

Crisis averted. Now take care of the damn ball and go get points.

[jpfalcon09]

I lied about the crowd, pretty good showing on the east side.

[jpfalcon09]

Gotta punt there. Make Kent earn it tonight.

[mbenecke]

Ref standing in the way on 4th down gets run over and the pass is incomplete. Frankly, I’m frustrated with the official on that. Get the hell out of the way.

[roguewarrior]

Punt the ball from the 50!!!! Stupid.

[mbenecke]

Punt the ball from the 50!!!! Stupid.

I wonder if the fumble on the opening kickoff changed the calculus for Loeffler there, trying to “steal” a possession back.