When Ohio takes the field against Bowling Green this Saturday, it will be the most important game for the Bobcats since 2012.
There's no other way to put it: This game is absolutely monstrous.
With a win, the Bobcats could effectively bury the Falcons for good. Bowling Green would fall to 1-5 and 0-2 in the Mid-American Conference. Ohio would rise to 4-2 and 2-0 in the MAC, with the tiebreaker in hand. That's essentially a three-game lead just two games into conference play.
For a team that's tormented the Bobcats like a little brother for the last few seasons, a win over the Falcons would vanquish any demons Ohio might have left in the MAC East.
Sure, some might say that Miami is the more important game. Rivalries!
Incorrect.
Some might say the end of season matchup against Akron that might decide the MAC East is more important. Finish strong!
Incorrect.
A win right now, this weekend, puts the Bobcats up at least one game above every team in the MAC East, with the exception of Akron. But, if the Bobcats want to become the team they say and think they are, a win this weekend would put to rest any doubt that this team is here to stay, even if it comes against a Bowling Green team that can't get out of its way.
Because that's what this Saturday represents for the Bobcats: a game for relevancy.
There was a very real feeling of dislike against Bowling Green this week at practice. Respect, sure. But the feeling was there nonetheless.
No player on the Bobcats roster played the last time they beat the Falcons, and some were barely teenagers the last time Ohio walked off the field the victors against the brown and orange.
With a Homecoming crowd on hand, although one that will wrongly leave at halftime, there will not be a better chance for the Bobcats to dethrone the king.
A loss wouldn't end the Bobcats chances, not in the slightest. They'd only be down a game to Akron and the same ole Falcons squad.
But at least for me, I would have a hell of a hard time believing in this team.
On paper, the Bobcats should win. The Falcons have an offense that's worse than Buck Showalter's bullpen strategy and a defense that's even worse. The Bobcats are no slouch themselves. Their front seven is ferocious and the offense is opportunistic.
A win, and maybe even a blowout win, could propel Ohio to a MAC Championship Game for the fourth time in Frank Solich's tenure.
That all starts Saturday. The season might begin and end in 60 minutes on Peden Stadium's turf against the big brother.
So what are the Bobcats made of?
We're sure as hell about to find out.
