VanDelaySports.com > MAC Football > 2007 MAC Football Pigskin Preview > Bowling Green Falcons

2007 Bowling Green Football Preview

Bowling Green Falcons

2007 BGSU Overview

After averaging 37 points per game over the previous five seasons, BG took a huge step backwards last year averaging just 19-points per contest. Most of that drop off came with a large dip in the passing game as the Falcons fell nearly 120-yards per contest (passing offense) from 2005 to 2006. There seems to be no clear cut favorite again at QB this season with Anthony Turner and Tyler Sheehan battling for the starting role. Freddie Barnes is a multi-talent who will line up as a QB, RB or WR and can become a game-changing playmaker. Chris Bullock, Dan Macon and Eric Ransom are solid runners and will continue BG’s recent trend to build the running game. Last year the Falcons were 18 th nationally in rushing offense. Corey Partridge has some of the best hands in the league and will contend for all-conference honors this fall. BG has a very good offensive line led by Kory Lichtensteiger who is a solid NFL prospect. Defensively there must be a serious upgrade in production if Bowling Green expects to contend for a divisional title. While the Falcons ranked 37 th nationally in total defense they ranked 98 th in scoring defense giving up 28-points per game in ’06. With the graduation of Devin Parks, this unit lost their best pass rusher. Of note, Scott O’Drobinak moved from TE to DT. BG has some excellent LBs who can make plays all over the field. Erique Dozier will contend for all conference honors while sophomore PJ Mahone excels at a hybrid SS/OLB position. Jahmal Brown leads a defensive back unit that was predominately freshmen and sophomores last season. That year of 'trial by fire' should make them stronger this fall. The Falcons need much better play from their kicking specialists who were abysmal last season. A JUCO PK and punter were added to address this immediate need. This ’07 Falcon football team has the talent to win the east but will need much better play from their QBs and kickers. However, a very difficult schedule, especially early in the season may become BG’s downfall. Look for Bowling Green to be in the middle of a muddled pack of five east division contenders.

Mark it Down!
The Falcons will beat Toledo this year after losing three straight in the series. Coach Gregg Brandon has not faired well against the school’s biggest rival and is under pressure to change this recent Rocket run. Look for BG to win a high scoring affair against Toledo on November 23.

BG 2007 Schedule Analysis
Not kind. BGSU travels to Minnesota, Michigan State and Boston College while hosting Sun Belt transitional member Western Kentucky. The Falcons do catch a huge break hosting both Ohio and Akron but must travel to Miami and Kent St. Cross over games are Eastern Michigan and arch-rival Toledo.

Most Important Game
Hosting Temple on September 22 – The Falcons bombed the Owls in the 2004 and 2005 seasons scoring 70-points per contest. However, last season Temple picked up their lone win of the year against BG. This fall the game means something since it is a divisional contest. Five of Bowling Green’s first seven games are on the road so the Falcons must beat Temple in week #3.

2007 Bowling Green Prediction - 5-7 Overall, 4-4 MAC, 3-3 MAC East

published 07.09.2007