Three things BG is going to need to beat OU
Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2012 12:16 pm
1. The passing game must get something going. It looked good in the opener against Florida and we moved the ball well through the air against a damn good defense, but it has sputtered mightily in other games against far inferior competition. While we have developed a very solid running game that has been great to see unfold, teams know we’re going to try and run the ball and we’re going to need to make some plays through the air in this one. Ohio is going to make us have to pass the ball to beat them.
2. We’re going to need to make a big field goal. We’ve dodged this one pretty much all season long so far, but I think this could be the exact kind of game where we’re going to need to make one to either keep us in it, or win it, with a field goal. BG is just 5-11 on the season but Tate has seemed to have stepped up into maybe being our answer and has looked good on his last few attempts. But we all know this phase of the game is still questionable and has us holding our breath any time we attempt a field goal. On the flip side, OU’s Weller is 18-25 this season including 5-6 from 40-49 and is a huge, four-year proven All-Conference kicker.
3. The BG defense must weather the storm against OU. I know - what the hell am I talking about - our defense has been playing lights out, we’re #1 in the MAC, etc. Yes, I know. But turn back the clock to almost exactly one year ago to the day and this year’s BG defense is looking a lot like that “Big Bad” Temple defense that was so dominating last year. That same Temple team (that also relied on running the ball) held Penn State to 14, Maryland to 7, posted back-to-back shutouts over Ball State and Buffalo and allowed just 13 points in its last three games combined before heading to Athens - then was torched by OU for 35 points and was shredded for 521 yards. That Temple defense was smothering teams just as BG has been, but it was torn apart by OU in that matchup. I think this is going to be our toughest test of the season because of OU’s balance and ability to not only run but throw the ball. Tettleton is arguably the MAC’s toughest QB to prepare for because he can hurt you with his arm and his legs and as Clawson said this week, BG just hasn’t been able to bring him down.
The bottom line is this. Clawson is 0-3 against OU and the Bobcats have pretty much owned us in recent years winning 4 of the last 5 including 3 consecutive. I’ve watched BG play in every game this year, and I’ve sipped on the orange Kool Aid, but the proof is in the pudding. This is 100% going to be a “Show Me” game for BG. For me, for the fans and for the rest of the MAC. It’s been awhile since we’ve been in this position to realistically challenge for the MAC East title. Ohio has played in the MAC Championship in 3 of the last 6 games and has by far been the best team from the East during that stretch. The old saying goes – in order to be the best, you must beat the best. Well here you go Falcons. This one is also being served up on the road and on national TV. So no matter what all we have to say about this team, come Wednesday night, we’re going to find out exactly if we are finally contenders, or still pretenders. I hope it’s the former.
GO BG!!!
2. We’re going to need to make a big field goal. We’ve dodged this one pretty much all season long so far, but I think this could be the exact kind of game where we’re going to need to make one to either keep us in it, or win it, with a field goal. BG is just 5-11 on the season but Tate has seemed to have stepped up into maybe being our answer and has looked good on his last few attempts. But we all know this phase of the game is still questionable and has us holding our breath any time we attempt a field goal. On the flip side, OU’s Weller is 18-25 this season including 5-6 from 40-49 and is a huge, four-year proven All-Conference kicker.
3. The BG defense must weather the storm against OU. I know - what the hell am I talking about - our defense has been playing lights out, we’re #1 in the MAC, etc. Yes, I know. But turn back the clock to almost exactly one year ago to the day and this year’s BG defense is looking a lot like that “Big Bad” Temple defense that was so dominating last year. That same Temple team (that also relied on running the ball) held Penn State to 14, Maryland to 7, posted back-to-back shutouts over Ball State and Buffalo and allowed just 13 points in its last three games combined before heading to Athens - then was torched by OU for 35 points and was shredded for 521 yards. That Temple defense was smothering teams just as BG has been, but it was torn apart by OU in that matchup. I think this is going to be our toughest test of the season because of OU’s balance and ability to not only run but throw the ball. Tettleton is arguably the MAC’s toughest QB to prepare for because he can hurt you with his arm and his legs and as Clawson said this week, BG just hasn’t been able to bring him down.
The bottom line is this. Clawson is 0-3 against OU and the Bobcats have pretty much owned us in recent years winning 4 of the last 5 including 3 consecutive. I’ve watched BG play in every game this year, and I’ve sipped on the orange Kool Aid, but the proof is in the pudding. This is 100% going to be a “Show Me” game for BG. For me, for the fans and for the rest of the MAC. It’s been awhile since we’ve been in this position to realistically challenge for the MAC East title. Ohio has played in the MAC Championship in 3 of the last 6 games and has by far been the best team from the East during that stretch. The old saying goes – in order to be the best, you must beat the best. Well here you go Falcons. This one is also being served up on the road and on national TV. So no matter what all we have to say about this team, come Wednesday night, we’re going to find out exactly if we are finally contenders, or still pretenders. I hope it’s the former.
GO BG!!!
