The Campus Sports Guy
Ohio University has a football team
Drop the beer, pick up the flask and come to Peden!
By Corey Ryan, Sports Editor
September 25, 2007 | 12:01 a.m.
It was hot, I was slightly intoxicated, and the Bobcats looked like pussy cats in the second half of a 34-33 loss to Wyoming.
But I did get emotionally attached to a team that was actually exciting to watch for half a game, which is why I decided to actually stay after halftime unlike 70 percent of the people in attendance.
The last time I sat in the stands of Peden Stadium, opposed to the press box I inhabited during last season, was the homecoming game of 2005. I don’t remember who we played in that game or what happened, but if I had to guess, I think we routed Buffalo.
I don’t remember that game or any specific game from last season (except Akron and Bowling Green) because this team has been boring. They couldn’t throw downfield. It was like going to the dentist and watching people get cavities filled.
On Saturday, the Bobcats lost after a Notre Dame-esque second half (no offensive touchdowns). The defense had a chance to win the game with a stop on fourth down but didn't.
For some reason, coach Frank Solich put in Theo Scott (quarterback) on the game’s final drive, for one play, then immediately reinserted a supposedly injured Brad Bower (quarterback) rather than use a timeout to keep him in the game or simply keep Scott in to finish the drive.
But all of this isn’t my concern from the loss. My concern is the quality of fan support for this team.
Perched in the press box, I never paid attention to the obscene number of attendees who depart after half-time. I don't understand why someone would sit through an exciting half of football, on a beautiful day and then leave at the midway point.
Do people really go to see the band? I mean, no offense to the band because you are all way more musically gifted then I am (Guitar Hero is the only "instrument" I play and not even well), but I don’t see the appeal to going to just see the band.
It’s kind of like how I don’t see the appeal of The Pickup Artist. I mean, that guy just looks creepy to me.
Addressing all of you no-shows, maybe all of you get to be outside for extended periods of time throughout the week, but personally, I am either in class, the library, my bed or a meeting during most daylight hours during the week.
Saturdays I’m on my couch watching football.
It was nice to combine what I like to do on Saturdays with what I would like to do everyday of the week for more then just my epic commute down the West State Street hill.
There is something pure about going to a college football game -- Big Ten or Mid-American Conference -- that is special.
I know what you are all thinking, at least those of you who are sick of reading other campus sports opinion makers and their homer pleas, and you are all set in your ways.
It is not my goal to change your opinion toward Ohio football. I’m just merely telling you there is more to a Saturday afternoon then lazy binge drinking. It’s called active binge drinking.
As mentioned in the top paragraph, I’ll give you a minute to scroll up, you can be set in your “it’s the freakin’ weekend baby! I’m about to have me some fun!” ways and still attend football games.
Look, I don’t care if anyone is at the football game this Saturday afternoon, though most of you will make an appearance with mom and pop. It’s not like I am on the athletic department payroll -- though I should be.
But when you are glued to your couch, complaining about how there is nothing to do on this campus besides going to the bars, remember that we do actually have Division I football on campus.