BG vs IU thread

[BGSU33]

My how the excitement and anticipation of the 2014 season has stalled. On the eve of hosting a Big 10 opponent, this board is as quiet as the men's basketball forum has been in the last several years. I admit, my enthusiasm has also been leveled. Let me rephrase that, it's been flattened. That said, I still am excited about tomorrow's game as well as the rest of the season.

There's no doubt that expectations were very high heading into this year. We won our first MAC championship in over 20 years, we returned much of our offense and half of our defense and were primed - on paper - for a huge year. But after getting punched in the mouth in week one and then being dealt the huge blow of losing Johnson, it's safe to say expectations have gone out the window.

There used to be a time not long ago where BG used to feast on upending Power 5 teams (BCS foes), but that feasting has ended and has turned into our Achilles' heel. With all that has happened to this team already, I'm essentially looking at our next two games against Big 10 opponents as very demanding preseason games in a way. Don't get me wrong, I want to win no matter who we play, but the bigger picture in all of this is the MAC season. There's a very good chance we are going to enter MAC play with a record of 1-3. But that will have no impact on whether we return to Detroit or not and that is the bigger picture in all of this.

If this game against Indiana was our season opener and we could turn back the clock, I would be looking at a prediction of BG 31, IU 28. But after losing our starting quarterback, and seeing our defense get severely shredded through the air the first two weeks, I just don't see us winning this game or keeping up. I'm calling for IU 45, BG 24.

It looks like the weather will be dry come kickoff and I hope for a good crowd. I will now be able to sit back and enjoy this game without feeling like our season is riding on it, because quite frankly, it just isn't. We have three weeks and two more games to get ready for what will determine our "real" season, and that begins with our conference opener at UMass. GO BG!!!

[kdog27]

I'm still excited for this game. 2 weeks ago I felt like we would be killed, but I don't know for some reason I feel like something is going to come together for us tomorrow.

Unfortunately I'm getting called into work early tomorrow so I'll have to hit the record button and shut my phone off til I catch up real time.

GO FALCONS

[ZuluWarrior]

IU 52
BG 24

Hope I'm wrong

[Bassdrummin]

Defense playing well so far, some pretty scary throws though..

[daspollak]

These ESPN announcers are terrible.

[daspollak]

Thank goodness I took IU laying 7.

[60yearsofsicsic]

Here we go playing ten yards back w no rush ...IU about to pick us apart

[jpfalcon09]

This offense is pretty boring to watch when you do nothing but run 3 yard routes.

[ilive4fri]

These ESPN announcers are terrible.

I can't believe one commentator referred to a player as a "tall drink of water". Obviously he is not from the south and doesn't know what he said. If he did know what he was saying that's a bit Brent Musburger/Katherine Webb-ish. Creepy to say about a player during a commentary.

[jpfalcon09]

Well, hanging around at half is I guess a win. Need to start scoring some touchdowns.

[Cork]

IU getting questionable calls and a very favorable spot on that 3rd down. Even the Football Gods wouldn't let IU get the first down.

Overall, I see BG continuing to improve and this game is good step forward. Not sure why we keep using Green up the middle and our WR's need another year of conditioning, but we definitely have an interesting season ahead.

[Falconfreak90]

Thoughts so far...

D looks much better tackling...gave up a couple BiG plays but overall, I am pleased. I hate seeing us play off the receivers 10 yards and we need to quit doing that.

Offense gets a C...some good, some not. Knapke seems smart with his decisions and has a cannon for an arm. Too many dropped passes today by the receivers.

Tyler Tate is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

We definitely can win this game.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!

[Falconfreak90]

IU 52
BG 24

Hope I'm wrong

So far, you are...and I'm glad about that. I was worried about our D as well but they are playing better today.

[bgdodgeball4]

I'm actually pretty pleased with that first half. We're moving the ball and we look much better defensively. This IU team lost some weapons from last year's team, but they're a solid opponent.

I don't like the cushions either, but I'm starting to see why we utilize them. On more than one occasion, Indiana receivers have flat out burnt our corners. In particular on the two big plays that led to touchdowns. Sutton misplayed that fake screen something brutal and Hunter got burnt on the long reception right before they scored their first touchdown.

Long story short, Hunter and Barimah are not as talented as Truss and Foster from last year. I don't believe we can just leave them on an island.

[Falconfreak90]

D holds and IU misses the FG attempt! Now, SCORE SEVEN.

Thank you very much! Knakpe can throw the ball, man....