egregiousbob

I predict a 6-point margin of victory. It always happens when it doesn't make sense.

Even with the cuts, the football program is funded at a level commensurate with many other MAC programs. If this season continues to disappoint, I definitely could see Moorhead seeking an escape clause. The reality in today's environment is that he will likely lose the program's most promising players to the portal after the season. Kickers will definitely get scooped up with NIL-laden offers. Most likely best linemen on O and D would be gone as well. In this new reality, MAC coaches must use their scarce NIL funds to retain players, and it's simply not enough to hold on to your stars. Ohio lost 50 players to the portal following a 10-win season. I sense Moorhead is looking for light at the end of the tunnel and it's not going to be at Akron or any other MAC program. Plus, isn't his son in his senior year of high school? No reason for staying in this region. Whatever the cause, I have sensed a lack of "fire" from Moorhead thus far -- he's either physically exhausted or simply frustrated beyond hope. If he leaves or is let go, I predict JD will be elevated to head coach as a convenient, semi-safe, cost saving move. Budgets aren't going to rise any time soon -- and the program just might face another cut due to continued enrollment struggles.

Their TV contract is gonna take a MAJOR hit.

I know a few other MAC ADs. They are amazed by his nonchalance regarding the nuts and bolts of running a successful department. He wants no input from anybody.

When your QB has to crawl off the field, he's not going to be able to his those sideline throws. He was OK in the first half but was beat up after that. Why Taj not given a chance I have no idea.

It's not raining in Athens. Storm has moved through.

Funny point regarding last year's halftime lead. Ohio had invested in heated benches for the team. Their coach ordered that the benches be disconnected and moved at halftime. That 11 point lead disappeared quickly when play resumed.

Really don't see the upside for either Toledo or NIU.

Good tailgating action in Athens...depending on weather.

Graduate of Holy Cross. Not exactly a state school.

Hard to believe UNLV doesn't stand by its promises... I applaud the QB, who's obviously got a pretty good head on his shoulders.

This is a president who has invested multiple millions of dollars in a meaningless affinity program with the Cleveland Browns. Those dollars should would have helped boost other enrollment initiatives, including improving the football program.

On the bright side, I believe the undergrad population increased. Other state schools that have reported thus far: Cincinnati +4.5% BG +3.7% Toledo -3.8% OU +4.6% OSU +2.3% YSU +10.7% CSU +0.002% What's concerning about Akron numbers is that both applications and "admits" were up 10%, but seemingly few of these prospects chose to enroll.

Interested in your assessment of Ohio and EMU as "average" MAC programs. Ohio is coming off of two consecutive 10-win seasons, has won five straight bowl games and has more wins than any other MAC school, excepting Toledo, over the past 15 years. Also in top 2 in attendance. They lost 48 players to the portal last year yet game Syracuse a great game and are 2-1. They are in the "average" tier?

I'm sorry but this is silly. Toledo and Akron are VERY different cities/markets. Read up on the history of Toledo and that slice of Ohio swampland no one wanted back in the 1800s. Toledo is isolated from other major cities in Ohio. It has its own TV network affiliates. Its citizens are as likely to work in Michigan as Ohio and many are indeed Michigan fans. This insular mentality explains the strong civic pride, the iconic status of the Toledo Mudhens and, yes, the pivotal role of UT athletics in many residents' lives. Some of these same characteristics explain the popularity of University of Cincinnati sports - although the UC folks are delusional, IMO, if they believe they can compete financially with other P5 leaders. Akron, by comparison, is part of a three-city metroplex where citizens are fans of Cleveland professional sports teams, Ohio State, and high school athletics. Our media is largely Cleveland based. There are tens of thousands of graduates of other state universities who live and work in NEO. UA is still largely viewed as a (good) municipal university that provides convenient access to higher education. UA sports have never been, and likely never will be, priorities for local residents. We're kidding ourselves to believe otherwise.