It's another season, another year to EARN the respect again!

BGSU33 · Post by **BGSU33** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 12:10 pm

I made a similar post like this last season, and I'm making one again this year in the preseason. First off, I love this board, no doubt. I find out more information and get more details on here than I could anywhere about BG. The last four years have been wonderful for BG football, and as good as they've been, the future can be even better. Over the last two months, I've read a lot of posts about an undefeated season for BG, magazines not respecting BG and picking us to finish second in the MAC East, etc. While I am cautiously optimistic about this season, I'll say again this season what I lsaid ast year. It's 2005....and we've got to show it, do it, and earn it all over again. Last year is just that – last year. It's in the past. The seasons of 2004, and 2003, 2002, etc.....they are all in the past. While we've made great strides and have proven ourselves (then), now we've got to go out there and prove ourselves all over again in 2005. We've got a great history, but now it's our future we need to take care of.

To be honest with you, on paper, I think BG is the best team in the MAC in 2005. But we all know games aren't won or lost on paper. We've got to go out 11 times in the regular season and prove that this year – all over again. We should know by now we aren't going to be given anything, we've got to go out there and earn it. When I see us picked second to Miami, you know what, I almost have to agree. Why you might ask? Well, BG hasn't beaten Miami since 1997. And if I remember correctly, Miami is the only team in the MAC to own a winning record over BG. Miami has owned BG in recent years, as the RedHawks have won six consecutive games over the Falcons including three consecutive games right in our own backyard at Perry Stadium. BG hasn't won in Oxford in a decade, not since 1996, and that's where this year's game is scheduled to be played. And before we start factoring into the equation that we moved to the West and they started in the East, keep in mind, the only year we didn't play was 2002. The fact of the matter is, Miami is defending East champs and they've been the team to beat in the East the last couple years. To me, they should be the team to beat which is why we need to go down there and finally do it this season. Although I think our offense is better than Miami's, I do believe their defense is a lot better than ours. But just like I said about BG, the same also applies to Miami – the past is in the past. But all the talk in the world won't change that from BG or Miami fans. The deciding factor in this will be on November 15th. November 15th the stage will be set, and the better prepared and the better team will come out on top. I hope it is us.

We have another new challenge ahead of us in 2005. As good as we've been in recent years, we still haven't won the MAC. But this could be the year. But we all know, we've got a bulls-eye on our backs. Teams will be gunning for us every week. It's going to take one helluva season from the entire team and coaches to pull of a MAC championship and a bowl game again. I know we "can" do it, but it's up to the team to actually go out there and make it happen. We need a total team effort, all season long. We can't score 41 points and lose a game, like we did vs. Toledo. Our defense must show up this season. We can't underestimate a team due and have them shove the ball right down our throat like we did vs. Northern Illinois. And we can't squander the perfect opportunities like we did at Ohio State two years ago. We can certainly learn from out past, but we must make our own future.

I think 2005 can be a very special year, but I'm going at it one week at a time. I'll start with Wisconsin and go from there. It's one game and one week at a time. I've circled a few dates on my calendar as ones to pay special attention to, and I hope at the end of the year, this season will go down as the best ever at BG!

JoeFalcon · Post by **JoeFalcon** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 4:03 pm

Barring injuries, I definitely think we're in the position to achieve the goals we all desire for the team and school.

Boise State and Wisconsin (in that order) are dangerous but both are irrelevent in the conference standings.

Miami is a shell of what they were with Roethlisberger and our offense should put up enough points to get the win. I still don't understand why we're going on the road again when we played them at Yeager in 2003.

The home field will be huge against Toledo and the meltdown of 2004 isn't likely to be repeated.

I predict a BG/UT rematch in the MAC championship game to decide the league title.

MiamiBando · Post by **MiamiBando** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 4:07 pm

Technically Miami played BG last at the Doyt. In the MAC game, and to be fair, Miami should have hosted the MACC last year, but didn't because of Ford Field. So we get ya at home!

TG1996 · Post by **TG1996** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 4:23 pm

MiamiBando wrote:Technically Miami played BG last at the Doyt. In the MAC game, and to be fair, Miami should have hosted the MACC last year, but didn't because of Ford Field. So we get ya at home!

blah, blah, blah... fair, schmair. we're talking regular season here. the point will be moot (or is it "mute", Grant?

) by the end of November.

1987alum · Post by **1987alum** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 4:38 pm

BG must win the MAC this year, regardless of the outcome of the Boise State and Wisky games.

Let's beat this dead horse's behind, though - we haven't won a big MAC road game in a long time. Our last four years have been very successful, but each of those seasons have been tempered by a big MAC road loss.

To wit,
2004 - Road losses to NIU & UT
2003 - Road loss to Miami
2002 - Road losses to NIU & UT
2001 - Road loss at Marshall

During that four-year stretch, we've won plenty of games vs. BCS conference opponents - beating Purdue, Northwestern (twice), Missouri (twice), Temple (twice) and Kansas. But we have exactly zero MAC titles.

We must run the table in the MAC, get to the MACC game and win it decisively and end all this bridesmaid nonsense. Let's put the cherry on the sundae.

BGSU33 · Post by **BGSU33** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 6:43 pm

Right on 1987alum.......if we don't win the MAC this year, I'm not sure when we will again. For the fourth consecutive year, we line up a team that is capable of winning the MAC title. The three previous teams had wonderful seasons lined with victories over BCS teams and even a pair of bowl wins. Don't get me wrong, those achievements were absolutely great! But all three teams fell short of winning a MAC title. It really does just prove the point I've made about the MAC for years. It's a damn good league that's got some quality teams. Sure we have our share of poor team – as does every conference – but we've also got some very good ones too. It also proves just how difficult it is to win this league's title. We've faired well against BCS competition and in bowl games, but we've fizzled in the MAC title runs....you tell me which is more difficult to win???

I also agree if we are going to win the MAC this year, we have got to finally get that "big road game" win in the MAC. Like some of the games you listed (at NIU, Miami, Toledo), we just haven't been able to get the job done and those losses cost us shots at the MAC title. If we win road games at Ball State, Buffalo and Kent State this year - that will be great and I feel very confident we will. But getting a win at Miami is probably going to be the one we really, really need.

MiamiBando · Post by **MiamiBando** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 6:51 pm

Well, I think in the long run, you could get some help from Miami in winning the East. NIU is a game I think Miami looses. Kent State is another one that could be close, as well as OhioU. I can see two MAC losses, and still a win over BG. BG has Turdledo at home, I think, which might make it easier. The team to watch for is NIU. I could see them taking it all this year. Miami could have a VERY off season(Marshall-esque last year) with Shane as a new coach. However Shane is a VERY strong coach. I wouldn't be surprised if Miami ran the board this year either. BG has the same authority on the field too. Toledo, not so much....

redskins4ever · Post by **redskins4ever** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:06 pm

JoeFalcon wrote:Miami is a shell of what they were with Roethlisberger and our offense should put up enough points to get the win. I still don't understand why we're going on the road again when we played them at Yeager in 2003.

Yeah Miami doesn't have Roethlisberger... however... the front seven is way better then it was in 2003, the wide receiver pool is deeper and has two or three legitmate NFL players who will be drafted. The offensive line is probably the best in School history.

Also, I have seen alot of people post about a "First" Year coach... well I have seen the last three BG coaches kick butt in their first year in the MAC... Blackney... 10-2, Meyer 8-3, and Brandon 11-2/3? What makes it quite easy for a first year coach besides being an assistant is to walk in with a senior QB ah lah Harris.

BG has a great QB, they have some of the best WR's in the conference, I see tons of talent on both sides of the ball... but this nonsense... that Miami is the shell of its former self is ludacrious...

As for having to travel to Miami... BG's Road game was a crossover match from the other division... and the MAC pissed off Miami royaly over having to move their benches, band, and putting a home game over three aday weekend... On top of that Miami needs to have at least one decent rivalary game at home as we have Central, Buffalo, and Akron at home... not really the biggest drawing games in the world.

duckunder53 · Post by **duckunder53** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:09 pm

All of this talk excites me even more. It is making me get out my planner and plan months ahead for road trips, and believe me, I'm not that type of guy. I don't plan road trips, they just happen, lol.

MiamiBando · Post by **MiamiBando** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:24 pm

They wanted to move the band, and the students last year. But Garland(President of the U), Bates(AD), and Hoep(Former HC) said"Over our dead bodies." Essentially. The OU game had Chryst and McDavis(OU Prez) in attendance to make sure we weren't being "bad." The MAC pissed Miami off royally by admitting Temple. As well as forcing the reversal of Yager's seating. I must concure with R4E's assessment.

Bleeding Orange · Post by **Bleeding Orange** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:29 pm

MiamiBando wrote:They wanted to move the band, and the students last year. But Garland(President of the U), Bates(AD), and Hoep(Former HC) said"Over our dead bodies." Essentially. The OU game had Chryst and McDavis(OU Prez) in attendance to make sure we weren't being "bad." The MAC pissed Miami off royally by admitting Temple. As well as forcing the reversal of Yager's seating. I must concure with R4E's assessment.

Miami is a member of the MAC. You guys can either accept the rules of the conference or you can get the hell out. Bottom line. Nothing makes you better than anyone in the conference. Nothing.

I don't mind Miami fans most of the time, but this kind of a statement is simply the product of pure arrogance. I can't stand that.

My message to Miami - go private, get out of the conference or simply just shut up and respect your position in the world. You are no "Oxford of the Americas" as you fancy yourselves. You need a substantial graduate college to even approach that.

Sorry, I'll go back to being congenial to my silver-beaked friends now.

MiamiBando · Post by **MiamiBando** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:37 pm

Bleeding,

When Miami's Administrators said "Over our dead bodies." the MAC wanted the stadium to be reversed in a week, and literally about 4 days before a game. Would BG have done that? I seriously doubt it. I also know that you people here were NOT happy that Temple was admitted to the MAC. I see no point to it. Oh, and the privatization thing... you may just get you wish. Miami is and has been moving towards that, and has been FORCED to move towards it by the Great State of Ohio.(Oh, and those are capitalized because it is the name of the state.) Let me ask, does the FMB sit behind the opposing teams bench? and is the student section behind the opposing teams bench?

Schadenfreude · Post by **Schadenfreude** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:42 pm

MiamiBando wrote: Let me ask, does the FMB sit behind the opposing teams bench? and is the student section behind the opposing teams bench?

No, and no.

TG1996 · Post by **TG1996** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:51 pm

Very well said, Bleeding.

And Band(OH)... if Miami(OH) had been playing by the rules all along, they wouldn't have had to been so put out of their way to "reverse the stadium" in a week.

Bleeding Orange · Post by **Bleeding Orange** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:53 pm

MiamiBando wrote:Bleeding,

When Miami's Administrators said "Over our dead bodies." the MAC wanted the stadium to be reversed in a week, and literally about 4 days before a game. Would BG have done that? I seriously doubt it. I also know that you people here were NOT happy that Temple was admitted to the MAC. I see no point to it. Oh, and the privatization thing... you may just get you wish. Miami is and has been moving towards that, and has been FORCED to move towards it by the Great State of Ohio.(Oh, and those are capitalized because it is the name of the state.) Let me ask, does the FMB sit behind the opposing teams bench? and is the student section behind the opposing teams bench?

No, our band isn't behind the opposing team's bench and neither is our student seciton. Fact of the matter is that Miami (OH) had all year to change their setup. It doesn't matter what the setup of the stadium was in the past. Every school in the conference (so far as I know) respected this rule with the exceptions of Miami and NIU. It was wrong for both schools to ignore the rules of the conference and both should have been severely penalized. It is not the severity of the infraction that warrants a penalty, but the fact that the infraction was made at all. If a school can not respect the rules of the conference in which it participates, why should the conference respect the wishes of that school? Its ridiculous that Miami administrators and fans are so self-absorbed that they can not see that. Is Miami happy with the overall state of the conference? No. Is anyone else in the conference? No. Well, I'm sure EMU and Buffalo are, but no one else. If Miami's administration is not willing to work with the other teams in the conference to make the conference better, then they have no place here.

Oh, and even if you guys do go private, you will never lose the (OH) trailer on your name. That makes me very, very happy.