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My wife and I moved to Birmingham, AL back in 1992 shortly after we both graduated from BGSU. The Falcons are coming back to our state in about a month. I've attended each time BGSU has played in this state against Alabama in 1996, and one great GMAC Bowl and one a choose to forget.

I usually attend one game a year, typically a major road game like Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. This year will be the Troy game. I have no expectations of this year's BG sqaud since we are so young and inexperienced on both sides of the ball. But I believe we are building our program back up and this year will be exciting none the less.

As you know, this state is all about college football. Troy Univ. takes the game very seriously. It is known for taking the some of Auburn and Alabama kids who become academically inelligible or get in trouble. That means they usually have more talent than the normally should have.

Five of us will make the short drive from Birmingham (100 miles or so) to attend the game on Sept. 4th. If this heat wave continues, the game time temperature will be in the high 90's with 100+ heat index. I hope BG is preparing for that.

Any other southern BGSU grads or fans planning to make the trip to Troy? Anyone from up in Ohio coming down? We have great golf courses (http://www.rtjgolf.com) to explore.

Go Falcons.

Bama_Falcon

Bama_falcon,
I also now live in the Birmingham area and I intend on being at this game. I tentatively have that Saturday off so I hope that holds.

bama_falcon wrote:Troy Univ. takes the game very seriously. It is known for taking the some of Auburn and Alabama kids who become academically inelligible or get in trouble.

Unfortunately in Ohio, OSU keeps all their players who become academically ineligible or get in trouble.

Welcome to the board. Hope you stick around, even after you catch that BG win down in 'Bama! ROLL ALONG!

BG doesn't need anyone else's troublemakers. It appears Clawson has gotten the BG program cleaned out. Let's keep it that way.

manager wrote:BG doesn't need anyone else's troublemakers. It appears Clawson has gotten the BG program cleaned out. Let's keep it that way.

I agree. Clawson has gained my respect and has blown me away in terms of how he runs the program so cleanly. It seems he views success in the long term as the way to win instead of picking up short term talent, such as trouble kids who may not make it more than two years.

I'm going to take my jokes and go home.

Bama Falcon it appears that you have been 'caught' in the same delusional trap that many Alabama and Auburn fans set regarding Troy and it's athletic programs. While we may recruit the same players, we rarely take an Alabama or Auburn signee, much less one that is academically ineligible at these institutions. If a player is ineligible at U of A or AU, then they would be ineligible at Troy. Troy has given players (who may have previously signed with other universities) an opportunity AFTER they have met their eligibility requirements and the "previous school" no longer has a scholarship for them or needs them or wants them, but it doesn't have ONE THING to do with academic eligibility. It simply isn't true!! It does, however, allow Alabama and Auburn fans 'rationalize' how a small school like Troy has so much success. However, unlike Ohio State, they will NEVER, EVER play Troy in football (they play in all ohter sports) because of THEIR FEAR IN LOSING TO US! While it may be unlikely, it is still very possible, and the cowards that run those two institutions simply stay clear of scheduling Troy!!

We have been successful in recruiting talent that the other "BIG TWO" missed. A perfect example is Demarcus Ware, a 190 pound DE/TE out of Auburn HS, Alabama. Neither of the "BIG TWO" wanted him. Coach Blakeney and staff saw the potential, offered him a chance, worked with him and made him a #1 draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys. The same can be said for Leodis McKelvin. Another 1st round pick (Buffalo Bills) that no one wanted.

We seem to get a 'bad rap' from those in Alabama regarding our players academic ability which simply isn't true. Do we take a chance on some kids that may have made some mistakes? ABSOLUTELY, but NOT BEFORE the situation has been completely researched, previous coaches interviewed, kids family interviewed, and lastly the kid is interviewed and explained that this is what the rules are. Break them, and you are gone!! Period!

Lastly, if you and any of your BGSU fans would like to join us and tailgate with us, please do not hesitate. We are at the Alumni House (right across from the stadium on the visitor's side) and we will feed you (and yours) and be glad to talk Troy football (and BGSU ) with you until game time. Come join us, we are a very hospitable crowd. Kids welcome, lots of yard to play in and across the street from the fan zone, where the youngsters can go play and enjoy the day. Email me at [email protected] and I will get you the info/directions if you are interested.