VanDelaySports.com > MAC Football > 2009MAC Football Pigskin Preview > Bowling Green Falcons

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2009 Bowling Green Football Preview

Bowling Green Offense:

QB Tyler Sheehan completed 67 percent of his passes a season ago for 2,610 yards, 20 TDs and nine INTs. Chris Bullock is the power runner while Willie Geter is the speedster, both combined for 700-yards rushing last season. More is expected of them this fall. Sheehan’s top receiver, Corey Partridge, graduated leaving Freddie Barnes as the go-to man in 2009. He recorded 40 catches for 355 yards last season, but no TDs. The offensive line is relatively young but two solid seniors anchor one side in Shane Steffy and Brady Minturn. While there are only five returning starters offensively, don’t be surprised if this unit doesn’t average more than 27.7 points per game in ’09.

BG's Defense:

The line was decimated by injuries in 2008 as the Falcons play a traditional 4-3 defense. With only three returning defensive starters, the D-line will need guys like NT Nick Torresso to really step up since there is not much experience or size there. The linebackers have three seniors and are led by Jerett Sanderson who had 68 tackles and two interceptions a season ago. The secondary is led by led by P.J. Mahone who led BG in tackles last season (95) and had three picks. FS Jahmal Brown added 83 total tackles last fall. BGSU’s defense ranked 49 nationally in scoring defense and that ranking may go backwards in 2009.

BGSU's Intangibles:

P Nick Ivonelli averaged 40.4 yds per kick, returns but the Falcons will be looking for a new place kicker. Look for freshman Jerry Phillips to get the start when camp opens. BG will be under the guidance of Dave Clawson who was the offensive coordinator a year ago at Tennessee. He has previous head coaching experience at Fordham and Richmond and was responsible for recruiting the Spider team that won the 2008 FCS National Title. An ambitious non-conference schedule awaits the new coaching staff as BG begins the season with Troy, Missouri, Marshall and Boise State. Ouch.

Outlook for the 2009 Falcons:

If the transition to the new coaching staff is rocky in September, the Falcons could slip back to the bottom of the east division. Considering BG lost their four MAC contests last season by a total of 19 points, which includes the 4 th quarter melt-down and OT loss to Buffalo, the Falcons have the talent to win the very competitive east since there is no dominate team. Having the defense develop early and beating Ohio and Kent State to begin MAC play in October will go a long way in determining the ultimate success of their season.

The Big Game for BGSU:

November 3rd at Buffalo. The Falcons led UB last year 27-7 in the 4th quarter before the wheels fell off and they lost in OT. That collapse will not soon be forgotten by the BGSU program.

Team Article by Evan Meyer of Sports Vault - Especially for VanDelaySports.com
Predictions, Stats, Key Game & Outlook by Nick Gerogosian of VanDelaySports.com

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