Opinion: Booker’s success crucial for Democrats

http://thenewpolitical.com/2013/09/09/opinion-bookers-success-crucial-for-democrats/

Cory Booker is becoming somewhat of a star among attentive liberals. He figures to be an important player in Democratic party politics for some time to come, and this is great for the party.

Booker is a black, vegetarian, non-alcohol consuming mayor of a city that is infamous for its high crime rate. He has increased efforts to reduce crime and poverty in Newark, even living in impoverished, crime riddled areas of the city. He’s “hip” and advocates for causes like same-sex marriage. There’s no doubting his sincerity in his efforts to create change.

Booker takes to Twitter on a daily basis to answer tweets and messages from constituents, even giving his phone number out to some so he can provide further assistance. He has participated in a 10 day hunger strike, lived on food stamps for a week, and at one point saved a woman and a dog from a burning building. One can’t help but wonder if the two-term mayor is a modern-day politician/superman whose concern for his constituents actually shines through in his actions. He’s nearly everything a hardline liberal would love to see in a politician.

Many have criticized Booker for what they perceive to be his focus on building his national profile through his amount of Twitter followers. Others perceive him as being all-talk, and have critiqued what they say has been his inability to actually get things done. Some liberals have compared him to President Barack Obama and his inability to follow through on some of his campaign promises. Obviously the two are comparable for their meteoric rises through the Democratic Party. Also running similar comparisons to Obama, many believe that Booker might have presidential aspirations.

He goes even further than Obama in his opposition to trimming benefits on entitlement programs. He is opposed to missile strikes in Syria. He claims he would have jailed the bankers who helped cause the 2008 banking crisis. He will draw a great deal of support from Democrats for such positions. Booker has been a strong advocate of prison reform. And he befriends foes. He has drawn ire for his friendship with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in a time that people are screaming for bipartisanship.

He hardly deviates from typical democratic norms, but some Democrats feel his record with big business is rather sketchy. As the Washington Post’s Jason Horowitz noted, “It is something of a mystery what kind of a senator Booker will try to be. Conservatives fear he will be a liberal lion. Liberals fear a Trojan horse for Wall Street and Silicon Valley interests.”

In October, voters will decide whether they trust Booker to replace Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who passed away last June, over Republican candidate Steve Lonegan. An active and respected liberal voice taking a seat in the New Jersey Senate could point toward bigger and better things for the Democratic party.

Opinion: New Yorkers cast votes in the right direction

http://thenewpolitical.com/2013/09/16/opinion-new-yorkers-cast-votes-in-the-right-direction/

Though the candidacies of Eliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner may have seemed like a joke just few short years ago, their candidacy for New York City public office was taken very seriously by both contenders.

Spitzer, a Democratic governor from New York, and Weiner, a Democratic congressman also from New York, both resigned from office in a state with a history of corruption and poor judgment within its Democratic party.

Weiner resigned in 2011, Spitzer in 2008.

Even after a prostitution scandal (Spitzer) and a sexting scandal (Weiner, with the irony lost on no one), both felt a need to attempt to get back into public office.

After resigning in 2008, Spitzer decided to run for the office of New York City’s new Comptroller. The Comptroller in New York is essentially the chief financial officer in the city with numerous  fiscal responsibilities. Before even having a chance in the election, Spitzer had to face off with Scott Stringer, another Democrat with a background as a Manhattan Borough President. Spitzer ended up losing the primary by a four percent margin, 52-48, to Stringer.

During much of the campaign, Spitzer’s wife, Silda Wall Spitzer, was conspicuously absent on the campaign trail. It’s not hard to guess why. Spitzer has taken responsibility for his actions and championed his time in office as productive. But it is hard to trust the ethical conduct and implications of Spitzer’s actions, not only with the prostitution scandal, but with his inability to answer questions about ethical issues in his election campaign this time around.

In July, Spitzer, along with other Comptroller candidates failed to file an ethics report, but the fact that this came in light of controversy still surrounding him makes his candidacy all the more iffy. A lawyer for his campaign said that Spitzer was “very busy” at the time and was unable to complete the ethics report at the time being. This comes after supposedly accepting responsibility for his mistakes.

As much as Spitzer’s campaign was taken seriously up until quite recently, Anthony Weiner’s run for New York City mayor became more of a joke.

Evidence surfaced in his recent election bid that Weiner had continued sexting women after claiming to be done, after claiming to be a changed individual who intended to be a family man. After Weiner had made some of these claims, it became apparent that Weiner had flat-out lied.

This sequence of events surely seems reprehensible, not necessarily because of the actions themselves, but because of the trust his family and constituents had in him He failed them. He would be failing his constituents if he had a chance at being the New York City mayor. Thankfully, that is not going to happen, as the distraught Weiner dropped out of the race with about 5 percent public support and rode away from the announcement with a prominent middle finger for his adoring media fans.

It is not necessarily that the actions are just inherently reprehensible, especially if they were isolated incidents without familial relationships and public office and responsibility involved. Ultimately, it is the fact that both individuals took part in shady behavior, lied to the people they represented, and failed to act in a responsible fashion while in office. They have to be held to a higher standard.

So good of the people of New York to shoot down Weiner’s chances, and for narrowly turning down Spitzer in the primary.

RedStorm Win 2-1 In Extra Time

http://woub.org/2013/09/07/redstorm-win-2-1-extra-time

The Rio Grande Men’s Soccer team pulled out a thrilling 2-1 double overtime victory against Davenport University in the team’s first match at the Indiana Wesleyan tournament.

Both Davenport and Rio fought back and forth, with both able to fire off 10 shots. Most importantly for Rio, the defense stepped it up in the overtime periods, not allowing a single shot.

Dzenan Catic scored the only goal for the Blazers, netting it in the 16th minute.

Defender Patricio Arce (71’) and William Paulino (103’) provided the scoring for the RedStorm on the evening. Paulino’s goal was the difference in a long, drawn-out battle. Craig Davies assisted on the winning score.

The RedStorm will take on defending NAIA National Champions, Belhaven University Saturday afternoon at 4:30.

Trimble Throttles Nelsonville-York, 40-0

http://woub.org/2013/09/01/trimble-throttles-nelsonville-york-40-0

The Trimble Tomcats defeated the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes in convincing fashion Saturday night in Glouster. The Tomcats posted 40 points and blanked the rival Buckeyes in what was the largest margin of victory in a Trimble victory over NY since 1980.

A big theme on the night was the control of line of scrimmage. The Tomcats slashed through the Buckeyes’ defense to the tune of 195 yards rushing, and allowed only 80 yards on the ground. Konner Standley had time to sit back and throw for 181 yards on 11 of 18 passing. He would also carry the rock 13 times for 57 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Standley found a connection in Austin Downs all evening, as Downs hauled in eight receptions for 108 yards.

The Buckeyes struggled to find offensive consistency, and were unable to put together a long drive all night. New starter Colt Adams threw seven times on the evening, completing only three passes for eight yards. Alex Mount would lead the NY attack with 58 yards on 18 carries.

Coach Phil Faires was pleased with his team’s performance but saw plenty of room for improvement.

“The second half we got a lot of people involved and got our offense going a little bit,” he said. “No one played their best game so I hope they all know they have got a bit more to give, and a bit more to improve on.”

Faires also commented on a team motto that TVC-Hocking fans will more than likely hear plenty of in the coming weeks. The Tomcats bring a rope out to the field that symbolizes team unity.

“It’s more of an army thing, when you’re hanging off a cliff, who do you want holding the rope?”

And if the Tomcats are to defeat Wahama next week, they will have to “Hold the Rope” for sure. Their game against the White Falcons is set for next Friday, Sept. 6. at Bachtel Stadium in Wahama.

Opinion: Smoking ban not the right answer for OU

http://thenewpolitical.com/2013/08/26/opinion-smoking-ban-not-the-right-answer-for-ou/

Coming into my second year as a student at Ohio University, I have heard my fair share of complaints about smoking on the Ohio University campus.

Ryan Lombardi addressed the situation in an e-mail comment to me.

“We’re actually just getting started on the tobacco-free initiative,” he said. “Our goal is to be tobacco free in three years.  We’ll begin discussing how to do this beginning this fall. Our discussions will involve more detail about enforcement, policy, education and support. None of these issues have been resolved yet, we’re simply publicly stating a goal to be tobacco-free in three years,” he said.

Ohio does have its own policies on the books concerning tobacco usage.

Ohio University approved “Policy and Procedure 44:113: Smoking” on March 9, 2009.  It mandated: “Due to the acknowledged hazards arising from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke or secondhand smoke, Ohio University will provide a smoke-free environment for all employees, students, and visitors. This policy covers the smoking of any tobacco or other plant product; it applies to employees, students, and visitors of Ohio University.”

This might not be enough as far as the state of Ohio is concerned. The Ohio Board of Regents, which oversees colleges and universities within the state, voted unanimously to render a suggestion to all Ohio public universities to ban smoking on campus in July of 2012. Ultimately, the school’s individual Board of Trustees will have the final say as to whether tobacco products are banned on campus

As conversations concerning a prospective ban swirl all around Athens about a tobacco and smoking ban on campus, I can’t help but feel strongly about several factors in this situation.

Though it is well within a person’s right to smoke and do to their bodies as they please, I would prefer not to have smokers around me while on campus.

Whether students smoke for pleasure, relaxation, the social aspect of it, or whatever it may be, they should be free to do so—but I feel that there should be designated areas for smoking. It would have to be more of an honor system for those to not smoke. The Court St. and downtown area is quite an indistinct location and figurative lines would have to be drawn to dictate where people can or cannot smoke.

People would surely be agitated. Undoubtedly some people would be upset. There might be some lashing out towards the administration concerning civil liberties and individual rights. Even as what seems to be a majority of students are in favor of such a ban, there has been plenty of pushback towards the idea.

As a non-smoker myself, smoking does not appeal to me. This does not mean that I have the right to tell people not to smoke. I would suggest that designated smoking areas be made for places on the outskirts of campus, like behind South Green, beyond the confines of the South Green intramural athletic fields, north of Court St., or to the west or east of campus.

I will not claim to have an answer or permanent fix. I feel as if a temporary solution should come down sooner than the planned three years, and then a more in-depth conversation can take place. I’m not predisposed to a ban for good at present time.

Until then, smokers can probably be a bit more courteous to those around them. Those of us who do not smoke realize you are not intentionally trying to breathe in our faces, but a bit of common courtesy is appreciated at least. This is a conversation that continues to be worth having.

Opinion: Obama obligated to seek congressional permission for military action?

http://thenewpolitical.com/2013/09/03/opinion-obama-obligated-to-seek-congressional-permission-for-military-action/

On Saturday, President Barack Obama seemed to solidify his position of straightforward action in Syria.

But does Obama have the power to call directly for military strikes against the Bashar Al-Assad regime? The Constitution vests in Congress the power to declare war. But does this mean that Congress must consent to military strikes? Obama was adamant in how he expressed the need for action, and stated the following:

“But we are the United States of America, and we cannot and must not turn a blind eye to what happened in Damascus.”

However, Obama seems to have backed down a bit, having sent a letter to Sen. Harry Reid and Speaker of the House John Boehner. As CNN’s Catherine Shoichet put it, “The proposed legislation from Obama asks Congress to approve the use of military force ‘to deter, disrupt, prevent and degrade the potential for future uses of chemical weapons or other weapons of mass destruction.’”

Americans often see their nation as a beacon and a shining example of democracy that should help out those who are weak and weary. The nation has intervened on behalf of these countries, or for our own vested self-interests, many times.

As John Yoo, an attorney, political commentator and published author,  makes note of in an article for Fox News, “We have used force abroad more than 100 times but declared war in only five cases: the War of 1812, the Mexican-American and Spanish-American Wars, and World Wars I and II.” The U.S. may have gone to war many times in people’s minds, but most of these situations have not been formal acts of war. And in most of these situations, Congress has been consulted and has either played the main role, or a pivotal one, in deciding military action. This needs to continue. Regardless of whether this is a formal act of war, or a resolution as in Iraq’s case, Obama really needs to consult Congress a great deal more before organizing missile strikes on Syrian government forces.

It is hard not to be weary coming into another conflict, especially considering the recent actions of the U.S. government abroad. Obama called for missile strikes in Libya against Moammar Gadhafi’s regime, and did not seek congressional approval then. Obama now seeks to do something similar once again, citing human rights abuses and the United States’ responsibility to respond.

America still finds itself embroiled in Iraq, partially because clear-cut goals for the war were not established in the beginning of the conflict. A similar situation might be the United States’ involvement in Vietnam, as an example of times when the nation has gone into dangerous situations without clear-cut goals. Congress must be consulted immediately and plans must be drawn up if the U.S. is to enter into the conflict to fight against the pro-Syrian forces.

It does seem to be common knowledge that chemical weapons were used. Syrian ally Iran even acknowledged the use of chemical weapons in Syria. A delegation from the U.N. was allowed to collect evidence of potential chemical weapons residue and check the effects on people of possible sarin residue.

Syrian officials continue to blame rebel fighters for staging the attacks but conventional wisdom seems to indicate a crackdown by pro-government forces. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has confirmed that samples acquired even before the U.N. delegation were positive for sarin residue. The United Nations has put out an estimate of over 100,000 deaths occurring in what has become a civil war. Some estimates have guessed there to be near 40,000 civilian fatalities, though it’s a possibility that anti-government forces are reporting some deaths as civilian to help their cause. Even knowing all this, what seems smart about launching immediate strikes without creating clear-cut strategies and goals for the United States’ actions?

As the anti-government Syrian Nation Coalition waits on congressional approval,  Samir Nashar, president of the Secretariat General of the Damascus Declaration alliance and its representative in the Executive Committee of the Syrian National Council, expressed his disappointment in a statement: “We can’t understand how you can promise to help those who are being slaughtered every day in the hundreds, giving them false hope, then change your mind and say let’s wait and see.”

Neoconservatives and empathetic liberals are beating the war drum under the guise of protecting Israel from potentially threatening neighbors like and Russia and China, who have said they would respond to U.S. strikes against Syria. But it is entirely necessary to exhaust our diplomatic opportunities with Syria as well as nations proposing to respond to U.S. action. Obama may have decided that this is the necessary course of action, but there needs to be more of a debate as he seems to have conceded a congressional discussion before outright missile strikes.

Rio Men's Soccer Looks To Youth For Continued Excellence

http://woub.org/2013/08/22/rio-mens-soccer-looks-youth-continued-excellence

The men’s soccer team at Rio Grande is readying itself for another year, coming in with expectations as high as ever. The RedStorm come into the 2013 campaign after a successful year of 2012 that saw them go 16-3-1, win the regular season Mid-South Conference title while going undefeated, and jump out to a No. 1 ranking after a victory over then No. 1 Lindsey Wilson on Sept. 29. Rio would finish the year by earning a No. 9 ranking by the Soccer Coaches of NAIA in the postseason poll.

Coach Scott Morrissey returns for his 24th season at the helm of a Rio Grande program that can trace almost the entirety of its success back to him and the foundation he has laid for the program. In that time, Morrissey has guided the RedStorm to a stellar 370-109-25 record, which has included four trips to the NAIA Final Four, and a National Championship in 2003.

With as much success as Rio has enjoyed in recent years, it has managed to bring in a great deal of talent year in and year out. Last season was no different in yet another successful campaign, but the squad is without a few high-caliber athletes in 2013.

Missing Pieces

Unfortunately for the boys of Rio, they will have some big shoes to fill. Jack Marchanta, a third team All-American selection and fixture in the net for the Storm in each of the last two seasons, graduated at the end of the 2012 season. On top of that, Richard Isenberger, an NAIA First-Team All American, is gone. Isenberger was third in the NAIA in goals scored per game, netting 1.22 a match. Four others have graduated -- three of them after playing roles in the midfield. Oliver Hewitt-Fisher, a second team All-American, and Mike Burney, a third team All-American defender, graduated. Hewitt-Fisher’s services will still be of use to Rio on the coaching staff.

Returning Experience

Returning for the RedStorm are five juniors and four sophomores on a roster laden with foreign-born talent. Places like Japan, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, England, El Salvador, and Uruguay will all be represented by players on Coach Morrissey’s roster this year.

Cesar Lopez, a staunch, tall defender, is back and will see time in the back on defense as well as in the midfield. Brazilian Forward Luis Filho is back for his sophomore season and will be expected to produce for Rio Grande. Senior Maximilliano Viera, the leading returning scorer from a year ago (10 goals) returns to anchor a midfield that has seen its fair share of solid players in recent years (with Coach Hewit-Fisher coming to mind). Several incoming international students come to Rio, including the likes of Willian Paulino and Romain Terzian.

Traveling to Evan E. Davis Field and Outward

Rio Grande will open the 2013 campaign with a home matchup that pits them with Saint Xavier University (13-6-1 in 2012), a strong team from the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The RedStorm get their shot at revenge on Sept. 21 when they visit the Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders (22-2), who knocked them out of the conference tournament a season ago.

A road trip to Campbellsville University (13-6-1) in Lebanon, Tennessee on the 5^th of October waits in the thick of Mid-South Conference play.

Evan E. Davis field will then play host to Rockets Over Rio, an annual fireworks display that takes place after one game a year. That game this year will be against Shawnee State (4-14) on Oct. 12.

Rio Men's Soccer Dominates Opening Match 7-1

http://woub.org/2013/08/26/rio-mens-soccer-dominates-opening-match-7-1

The Rio Grande RedStorm started the 2013 season off with a flurry of goals in a 7-1 victory over the Saint Xavier (Ill.) Cougars.

Coach Scott Morrissey’s squad scored in short spurts with Maximiliano Viera notching goals in the 15^th and 18^th minutes.  Luiz Filho scored back-to-back goals in the 75^th and 90^th minutes of play in what was a resoundingly effective second half of play.

Sandwiched between the outbursts of these two were goals by Brandon Simoes (50’), Heitor De Melo (59’), Orlando Zapata (60’) and Pau Delgado Rodriguez (63’).

In the opening half of play, Morrissey’s defense was stout throughout as the RedStorm defense did not allow a single shot attempt. Goalie Jon Dodson was resigned to yelling out directions and encouragement for most of the first half as Rio played on the Cougars’ half of the pitch.

Morrissey was excited about his team’s defensive play, as well as his team’s ability to control possession.

“I think we pinned them in to the defensive half a lot,” said Morrissey. “It really eliminates them from trying to get forward.”

Saint Xavier netted a goal in the 50^th minute to make things a bit more tense in Evan E. Davis Field before De Melo’s goal brought a roar from the crowd, his exuberant teammates, and a cannon that elicited several screams during the evening.

Jon Dodson started 73 minutes in the net for Rio Grande before being replaced by Ludovic Delapeyre, a new addition to the team who figures to see time in the net this season.  Dodson yielded only one goal and only had to make one save on the evening.

Rio Grande was able to fire off 25 shots on the evening, compared to Saint Xavier’s total of two in what was a dominant performance.

The RedStorm travel to Indiana Wesleyan on Friday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. for their next match.

Filho Lifts Rio To 1-0 Victory Over Indiana Wesleyan

http://woub.org/2013/08/31/filho-lifts-rio-1-0-victory-over-indiana-wesleyan

The Rio Grande RedStorm struggled to find a rhythm throughout much of Friday night’s matchup with the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats. Even as Luiz Filho had his issues on the night doing good things in the box, he was rewarded for his persistence with the goal that would ultimately decide the contest. The 88th-minute  score gave Rio a 1-0 victory.

Coach Scott Morrissey came away pleased with the result.

“I was encouraged with what I saw,” he said, “encouraged with some of the new guys. We certainly have things to work on, but it’s coming together nicely.”

Both teams struggled to find their footing early on as neither could string together more than a few consecutive passes. Indiana Wesleyan managed to shank a few balls that entered the box, allowing the RedStorm to maintain possession of the ball on the Wildcats’ side of the field for much of the first half.

Both teams managed a few shots in the general vicinity of the goal, but nothing outstanding came from either squad in the first half.

The Wildcats made a couple nice saves in the second half as the RedStorm upped the pace, and managed to string together more passes. Ryota Tonegawa played the role of facilitator in the midfield all night, completing nearly all of his passes on the evening.

“He was really effective in the midfield,” said Morrissey. “He really dictated the game in the midfield. I thought he was very effective on getting the second balls, and getting us the balls in wide areas when we needed to.”

Rio is back in action Friday, Sept. 6, against Davenport (Iowa) University in the Indiana Wesleyan Tournament in Marion, Ind.

Trimble Throttles Nelsonville-York, 40-0

http://woub.org/2013/09/01/trimble-throttles-nelsonville-york-40-0

The Trimble Tomcats defeated the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes in convincing fashion Saturday night in Glouster. The Tomcats posted 40 points and blanked the rival Buckeyes in what was the largest margin of victory in a Trimble victory over NY since 1980.

A big theme on the night was the control of line of scrimmage. The Tomcats slashed through the Buckeyes’ defense to the tune of 195 yards rushing, and allowed only 80 yards on the ground. Konner Standley had time to sit back and throw for 181 yards on 11 of 18 passing. He would also carry the rock 13 times for 57 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Standley found a connection in Austin Downs all evening, as Downs hauled in eight receptions for 108 yards.

The Buckeyes struggled to find offensive consistency, and were unable to put together a long drive all night. New starter Colt Adams threw seven times on the evening, completing only three passes for eight yards. Alex Mount would lead the NY attack with 58 yards on 18 carries.

Coach Phil Faires was pleased with his team’s performance but saw plenty of room for improvement.

“The second half we got a lot of people involved and got our offense going a little bit,” he said. “No one played their best game so I hope they all know they have got a bit more to give, and a bit more to improve on.”

Faires also commented on a team motto that TVC-Hocking fans will more than likely hear plenty of in the coming weeks. The Tomcats bring a rope out to the field that symbolizes team unity.

“It’s more of an army thing, when you’re hanging off a cliff, who do you want holding the rope?”

And if the Tomcats are to defeat Wahama next week, they will have to “Hold the Rope” for sure. Their game against the White Falcons is set for next Friday, Sept. 6. at Bachtel Stadium in Wahama.

Ohio at Louisville 2013: Game Preview

http://www.hustlebelt.com/2013/8/30/4666274/ohio-vs-louisville-preview

The Bobcats return many of the skill positions that led them to a 9-4 record a season ago. Louisville's high-powered offense returns the more than efficient Teddy Bridgewater who led them to a Sugar Bowl victory over Florida in January.

College football’s opening weekend features a Sunday game with the Ohio Bobcats and a Teddy Bridgewater led Louisville Cardinals squad.

The game will be on ESPN at 3:30 p.m. places Ohio on a national stage just as it was a year ago against Penn State in Happy Valley. The Bobcats took down the Nittany Lions in 2012, but just about any sports fan would acknowledge that this is a much taller task. The Bridgewater led Cardinals, ranked ninth in the nation, are coming off of a Sugar Bowl victory over then No. 3. Florida, and have high expectations entering 2013.

Bridgewater broke out a year ago as a legit Heisman candidate, when he passed for 3,718 yards, tossing 27 touchdowns, and completing an impressive 68.5 percent of his passes. Complimenting Bridgewater is an impressive offensive group that features Senorise Perry and Dominique Brown returning in the backfield, as well as seven offensive starters. DeVante Parker contributes to an explosive receiving group after having scored 10 touchdowns last season, and Damian Copeland who gathered up 628 yards on 50 receptions is also back. Oh, and if that wasn't enough, Michael Dyer, MVP of the 2011 BCS National Championship Game while he was a freshman at Auburn, is now a Cardinal and is ready to go for this game.

Head coach Charlie Strong’s starting defense lost only two starters from a year ago and stands to provide a stiff challenge to the Bobcats' offense. If Ohio is going to get the ball rolling on offense, it's going to need to get Beau Blankenship going early. Tyler Tettleton's will need to play a near perfect game as well, piggybacking off his highly efficient season a year ago in which he threw just four interceptions. Ohio will have to make the most of its possessions if it wants to have a chance of outscoring the Louisville offense. The team needs consistent efforts across the board, and a strong performance form a defensive line full of new faces, and a secondary that was ravaged by injury in 2012, it it hopes to have a shot in the game. Currently, the 'Cats are a three-score underdog.

Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium averaged just short of 50,000 in attendance in 2012 and will be rocking in an environment that may rival what the Bobcats encountered a year ago in Happy Valley. Even if they are not the beloved darlings of the state, the U of L boasts a dedicated fan base that comes out in big numbers to cheer on its Cardinals. The large and intimidating crowd adds another element that Ohio will need to overcome if it hopes to come away with the upset.

Though Ohio is a heavy underdog, we've witnessed them pull off big victories before. While the Louisville game is arguably the toughest test the 'Cats have faced yet, if Ohio can play a near-perfect game, and slow the Cardinals' offense just enough, they could come away victorious.

2013 MAC Football Season Preview: Ohio Bobcats

http://www.hustlebelt.com/2013/8/22/4643514/2013-mac-football-season-preview-ohio

The 2013 Ohio Bobcats look to build on an 9-4 campaign that began with the high of a 24-14 victory over Penn State in Happy Valley and ended in a bowl victory over Louisiana-Monroe.

The Ohio Bobcats grinded out a season of impressive feats in 2012. But, it was marred by a 1-4 stretch in the second half of the season, compounded by numerous injuries.

Frank Solich, in his eighth year with the program, guided Ohio to a 7-0 start, highlighted by a first game victory in Happy Valley over Penn State, and a 45-14 Advocare V100 Independence Bowl Victory over Louisiana-Monroe. With a healthy group of Bobcats heading into the 2013 season, Ohio is on many a fans radar, with plenty taking them to win the MAC East.

A big story in the spring was coach Solich limiting the amount of contact and full go drills in practice, as he attempted to lighten the wear and tear on his players. This is expected to be a continuing trend after more than a dozen players suffered season-ending injuries in 2012. And now with guys healthy on both sides of the ball, there doesn't seem to be much (well, that is if you don't count Bowling Green) to keep the 'Cats from taking a MAC East crown.

There were losses suffered in the trenches, as Ohio is replacing an entire defensive line, and three offensive lineman.

Defensive ends Kendrick Smith, Nic Barber and Ty Bransz are expected to pick up the slack, while Antwan Crutcher, Watson Tautuiaki and Brandon Purdum will jam things up in the middle at nose tackle and nose guard.

Left guard Jon Lechner, a preseason third-team All-MAC selection by Phil Steele, enters 2013 with 25 starts under his belt and will likely be the leader of the new-look O-Line. Left tackle John Prior also garnered a second team preseason All-MAC rating from Steele. But even with three new starters on the line, Ohio's front five should be imposing this season.

The Bobcats return nearly all skill position starters, with eight offensive players back for another year. Tyler Tettlton, Beau Blankenship, Donte Foster, Chase Cochran (who had a bust out bowl game performance in which he had 162 yards receiving), and the big fellas on the line make for a daunting offensive group.

Foster and Blankenship had break out years in 2012, with Foster setting career highs in receptions (59) and yards (659) along with eight touchdowns. Blankenship was no slouch either, with the bowling ball-like back sprinting his way to 1604 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Tettleton embarks on his senior year already the greatest quarterback in school history in just two seasons.

Ohio returns leading tackler Keith Moore at linebacker and has a healthy group of defensive backs that just a year ago were devastated by injuries. Jamil Shaw and Travis Carrie are two highly-touted cornerbacks that are both healthy after having missed virtually all of last season (Carrie, a preseason All-MAC performer on several lists including Steele's and was hurt in fall camp last season, Shaw went down at Penn State). Ian Wells filled in admirably at the spot a year ago, and was recently elevated to the starting corner spot opposite of Carrie. Nathan Carpenter, somewhat of a homegrown kid from Lancaster, Ohio returns at nickelback for his junior season.

The Bobcats are also looking to replace Matt Weller, a consistent kicker for the squad with a decision seemingly yet to be made for a replacement.

Ohio will start the 2013 season with a high profile matchup against Louisville's Heisman candidate quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, and a high powered Cardinals offense. The game will be one of just two Sunday games of opening weekend, as kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 1, at 3:30pm Eastern time, on ESPN.

A showdown awaits with Marshall in Athens on Sept. 14 with the Thundering Herd looking for revenge after falling to the Bobcats in Huntington, W. Va., a year ago. Austin Peay and North Texas make up the other two non-conference games before Ohio heads to Akron for its first conference game (with the two having played a surprisingly close game a year ago with a 34-28 final).

The biggest game on the schedule for the 'Cats is likely when they head to Bowling Green for a matchup with the vaunted Falcons defense that was the best the MAC had to offer a year ago. The Nov. 12 matchup could very well pit the top two contenders for the MAC East in a deciding game.

2013 MAC Soccer Season Preview: Kent State

http://www.hustlebelt.com/kentstate/2013/8/17/4629392/returning-production-key-for-kent-state-in-2013

The Kent State Golden Flashes come into the 2013 season looking to improve upon a 13-5-2 season (7-3-1) having lost to No. 1 seed Miami in the 2012 MAC tournament. Head coach Rob Marinaro has been a fixture within the program since its inception in 1997, and is headed into his 13th year as head coach of the Golden Flashes.

Marinaro's squad saw plenty of production a year ago, scoring 40 goals in 20 games compared to 19 netted for their opponents.

Crucial in the prospective success of this group this season are an experienced group of Golden Flashes. Jaclyn Dutton, a second team All-MAC selection, will lead the attack after having broken the Kent State single season record last year with 37 points (15 goals). She is now third in school history in goals (21) and points (55). Couple Dutton with Stefanie Hough (Second Team All-MAC selection) on the front line, and the Golden Flashes' have 53 percent of of their 2012 scoring back. As talented as these two, and much of this Kent State squad are, the offense should be fun to watch in 2013. Not that they could top this gem.

Sophomore Stephanie Senn returns in the net after having played in all 20 games in 2012. She blanked opponents eight times, and allowed less than a goal a match.

Morgan Mah and Mariah Sidwell will lead a standout defensive group that allowed only 10 goals in MAC play in 2012. Notable experience returns on the defense and the midfield. The Golden Flashes will have plenty of young talent to contribute to the defensive effort.

Kent State won't venture too far from home, keeping it fairly close over the first few weeks of the season before making a trip to North Carolina to take on Coastal Carolina and the College of Charleston. KSU fans will have a chance to see their team in spurts, with three game home stretches against Youngstown State, Central Michigan (which will be their first MAC contest), and Bowling Green, all in late September. In the middle of October, they play host Akron, Western Michigan, and Eastern Michigan.

2013 MAC Soccer Season Preview: Miami RedHawks

http://www.hustlebelt.com/2013/8/18/4632406/miami-redhawks-look-to-remain-at-the-top

The Miami RedHawks stand to be the best the MAC has to offer again in 2013. A season ago, Miami:

1. Won the MAC tournament
2. Set a school record for victories (20)
3. Posted a record of 10-0-1 in MAC play (only the second team to go unbeaten in conference play)
4. Made the second round of the NCAA tournament, defeating favored Tennessee in the first round

Coach Bobby Kramig has been at the helm of the women’s team in Oxford since the its inaugural season 17 years ago. In that time the RedHawks have put together a record of 174-127-22.

In 2012, while not only running the table versus MAC opponents, Miami outscored them at a 2.5-to-1 rate. They were particularly lethal in the second half of play, netting 34 goals in that frame.

Three players scored 10 goals or more in 2012, with MAC player of the year Jess Kodiack pouring in 12 goals (and adding 12 assists). Kodiak has graduated, but returning are two of the players who scored 10 goals. Kelsey Dinges and Haley Walter combine to return 21 goals between the two of them. Dinges was a First-Team All-MAC selection and Walter was named MAC Freshman of The Year for Miami.

Not only is Kodiak a big loss for the RedHawks, but also losing Emilee Kaminski on defense will require Miami to put up someone in her place, something they have proved more than capable of doing in recent years.

Kayla Zakrzewski (also an All-MAC first teamer) returns in the midfield to help keep the pace up on a fast attacking group of RedHawks, joining Jess Bronke, who started in the midfield all 24 games last year.

On defense, senior Sam Parrish returns to lead a successful group of Miami defenders into the 2013 season. Allison Norenberg returns in the net for the RedHawks after leading the team in minutes played as a redshirt freshman. She also posted an impressive 10 shutouts this past season.

Miami starts off its 2013 season on the road at Illinois State on Friday, August 23^rd. The teams will hosts a solid Louisville squad, Milwaukee and Purdue over a week-long stretch the starting Sept. 8 and finishing on Sept. 15.

2013 MAC Soccer Season Preview: Ohio

http://www.hustlebelt.com/ohio/2013/8/20/4637452/2013-mac-soccer-season-preview-ohio

It is a new era in Athens, Ohio as the Bobcats welcome new coach Aaron Rodgers to the fold. Rodgers brings a great deal of experience, having played in the USL and having coached at the collegiate level for programs like Florida, Kentucky, Alabama, South Alabama, North Texas (his alma mater), North Florida, and even other stops. He has worked with many goalies and this experience could prove invaluable to senior Mattie Liston and the young goalies behind her.

Rodgers rounds out his coaching staff by bringing in Allison Whitworth and Elizabeth Woerle, both of whom have professional soccer experience.

Rodgers' squad looks to be all about ball possession, and plans to model his team after squads like Barcelona, on top of some of his recent collegiate stops. He sees recruiting the most athletic players possible as the key to success in women's soccer.

Ohio went 8-10-1 a season ago, and has the chance to win a majority of their matches for the first time since 2002 when they went 15-5-1.

Ohio loses four seniors from a year ago, namely Cat Rogers, who led the squad in goals with seven in 2012. With the loss of the other three, Ohio loses players that accounted for 53% of their goals a year ago. If the Bobcats are to have success this fall, they are going to need to move the ball much more efficiently and take advantage of more opportunities. In 2012, the Bobcats netted only 17 goals in 19 games. Rodgers' more aggressive, control oriented attack could prove to be the right fit in getting the Bobcats to play more proficiently on offense.

Rodgers is excited what he has seen and what he expects to see going forth.

"I think they're trying to grasp the system and I think they are doing a good job...We'll also get to see the entire team, even the returners, how we have grasped so far, the concepts of pressing the ball and winning it back quickly, and trying to attack out of that to create more scoring opportunities than we have had in the past.

Names to look out for on Ohio's squad include:

1. Maggie Murnane, a senior in her second year with Ohio after transferring from Dayton. Murnane scored two goals and assisted on two others a year ago. Her play and preparation for the 2013 season earned her a spot on the Preseason All-MAC second team as a midfielder.
2. Holly Harris, the highest scoring returning player for Rodgers' group. Harris netted four goals and assisted on two more last season. In her sophomore season she figures to be essential in the Bobcats success in an attacking forwards' spot.
3. Mattie Liston, who has started at least 17 matches in each of the last three seasons, and posted six shutouts in 2012. She will likely split some time with several younger goalies on the team.

Ohio will play host to Indiana, Wright State, and DePaul, all before September hits. The end of September will mark the beginning of a tough stretch when they face off against the likes of Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Miami, and Ball State, all in a span of under two weeks.