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The Big Game

A random guy asked me on Friday if “I was ready for the BIG game?”

“Of course,” I replied, “the BG and UT game should be a good one. I think both teams are evenly matched.”

His puzzled, speechless response left a smile on my face as I walked away.

Now that Saturday has passed, our full attention can be shifted to THE rivalry of the state. It is the game that has produced classics throughout the previous 71 contests.

I’m talking BG/UT week.

It’s that time of year when the pumpkin and poop faithful spend their vacation day inside what many refer to as a “glorified high school stadium.”

But trash-talking aside, this game generally has larger implications. With both teams reaching national levels of success over the past six seasons, the big game during Thanksgiving week usually is for bowl positioning or a berth in the MAC championship.

Sadly, both squads seemingly have not climbed back into the conference title hunt over the past two seasons. Despite Bowling Green’s 7-4 record and likely bowl berth with another victory, the Rockets have struggled again in 2007. Poor defense has damaged both programs ability to close out games this season, but Toledo still can not climb out its state of mediocrity. With last Tuesday’s extremely disappointing loss at Ball State, the Rockets could repeat their 5-7 mark of 2006, unacceptable on all accounts.

A healthy Aaron Opelt means that the Rocket offense will be hitting on all strides come Friday afternoon. However, his injury changes that as freshman DJ Lenehan and junior Clint Cochran will share the signal caller duties. Both have the capability of delivering, but rarely can an offense sustain its high level of success when its starting quarterback is out. Senior Jalen Parmalee may be leaned on more than usual to give these quarterbacks a chance to get used to the game speed. Surely, the Falcons will not shutout the Rockets on Friday, but their defense, fresh off a strong showing last week in Buffalo, may be able to slow Toledo if a passing game becomes ineffective. The key to Friday’s showdown is which defense can make the most stops.

Normally, Rocket fans feel comfortable heading into the rivalry. Winning eight of its past eleven contests, it has seemed one-sided for the Midnight Blue and Gold. But, truth be told, Bowling Green is the better team in 2007. Their pass offense can be explosive under the helm of sophomore QB Tyler Sheehan with wideout Freddy Barnes as the go-to guy. This is a team needing a win not just for bragging rights, but more importantly a berth in post-season play. Certainly, the Rockets can win this game, but the deck stacked against them may be too difficult to overcome.