Kent State

[MarkL]

Currently up 17-3 on Illinois. Yes I wanted their current HC when Babers left.

[gmartin]

They are looking good.

[MarkL]

Illinois has come back to take a lead but regardless Kent looks better than they have in years.
And Ohio is getting shellacked by Howard. Howard! My prediction that Ohio has 12-0 potential is in trouble right now ...

[Class of 61]

OU reading press notices too much?

[kdog27]

Howard, really

[gmartin]

Sean Lewis has Kent prepared. Kent had ball at 5 yard line for tying score with just under 3 min to play. He won't be at Kent for more than a few years.

[MarkL]

So Kent State.
Clearly a case of first-year-coach-itis. Where some things are working but it is not all coming together yet.
The QB is a decent passer and runner. As of I think game 7, they had more passing yards than all of last year. And they are running better than last year and are on pace to beat last year's rushing total around game 11. And they are doing better on rush defense. The one glaring dropoff from last year is pass defense, allowing around 100 more yards per game.
So with all this improvement, why only 1 win? There's a few reasons.
The offense can move the ball but they don't get into the red zone enough (also an improvement over last year), and when they do, they don't score enough TDs.
The team has been in a bunch of close games and keeps losing.
Most importantly, the style of play is way different. Where last year they tried to slow the game down and win with defense and field position, this year they try some havoc. And that changes the whole game.
Kent will eventually be a force. But not for a little while. Things are pointed the right direction. Give them time.
For now, I just want a win. We've beat them 5 straight times. It would be nice to extend that and give Pelini his first win.

[Falconwriter]

So Kent State.
Clearly a case of first-year-coach-itis. Where some things are working but it is not all coming together yet.
The QB is a decent passer and runner. As of I think game 7, they had more passing yards than all of last year. And they are running better than last year and are on pace to beat last year's rushing total around game 11. And they are doing better on rush defense. The one glaring dropoff from last year is pass defense, allowing around 100 more yards per game.
So with all this improvement, why only 1 win? There's a few reasons.
The offense can move the ball but they don't get into the red zone enough (also an improvement over last year), and when they do, they don't score enough TDs.
The team has been in a bunch of close games and keeps losing.
Most importantly, the style of play is way different. Where last year they tried to slow the game down and win with defense and field position, this year they try some havoc. And that changes the whole game.
Kent will eventually be a force. But not for a little while. Things are pointed the right direction. Give them time.
For now, I just want a win. We've beat them 5 straight times. It would be nice to extend that and give Pelini his first win.

Well, it's certainly a winnable game. But we've said that about other opponents -- and been greatly disappointed. I take nothing for granted where this team is concerned. They likely are quite discouraged right now, and Pelini would have to be a miracle worker to overcome all the deficiencies this team has -- in such a short time.

The one stat that greatly favors BG is that the strength of the Falcons is the Achilles' heel of the Flashes: passing. If weather conditions don't impact things, I'd say this might be a game where BG can outscore Kent, and win in a shootout. Physically, I think a win is very possible, maybe even likely. It's the mental aspects that are concerning...and Pelini's biggest challenge as an interim coach.

[Flipper]

This is a game we could win...it ought to be a game we should win, but we really don't have any of those on the schedule right now.

[footballguy51]

Who all is going? I plan to be there with the wife, but she may decide to stay home. I'm not really feeling like being the only fan in the stands.

[gmartin]

Who all is going? I plan to be there with the wife, but she may decide to stay home. I'm not really feeling like being the only fan in the stands.

The band will be there with you

[mbenecke]

I'm planning to be there for at least the first half. Depends on the weather and the score.

[Falconfreak90]

I'll be there. Taking a half day off work and then Wed off as well. Getting a cheapo room across the street so I can drink this miserable season away. lol. Going to this game is still way more important than wasting time at work.

At least the weather should be mild!

This game can go either way.

[jpfalcon09]

Watching on TV. Have to work the next morning.

[Class of 61]

Mike, we’ll probably see you there. Going to tailgate at Mileti Ctr. With one of Joyce’s friends who’s bringing her son and two other kids interested in BG. Van Wright is gonna host them so we’ll see how things go. That tailgate is only $5 so should be fun INSIDE.