68 Ventures Bowl vs. Arkansas State (12/26)

[mbenecke]

On Thursday, December 26, our Falcons (7-5) will be playing the Arkansas State Red Wolves (7-5) in The Granddaddy of Them All, the 68 Ventures Bowl! Game will kick off at 9:00pm EST and be broadcast on ESPN.

Obvious disclaimer, this bowl becomes a lot less interesting if we have a flurry of guys hit the portal or guys with NFL dreams (Fannin, Harold) rightfully deciding to sit this one out. But for now, I’m treating it like a serious matchup.

Stats Comparison:

Arkansas State
Total O - 66th
Passing O - 68th
Rushing O - 73rd
Scoring O - 93rd
Total D - 128th
Passing D - 95th
Rushing D - 130th
Scoring D - 11th

Bowling Green
Total O - 87th
Passing O - 70th
Rushing O - 83rd
Scoring O - 74th
Total D - 29th
Passing D - 21st
Rushing D - 67th
Scoring D - 22nd

From looking at this numbers, it looks like this game is there to be won on the defensive side of the ball for us. Our defense is the best unit in this matchup, followed by their offense and our offense being roughly equal, and then their defense is pretty bad. If we can figure out how to move the ball consistently against a bad defense, we should be able to win this one. Like I said above, the mission is much easier if the team is mostly still intact, but that remains to be seen.

Go get that elusive bowl win (first since 2014) and tally #8 on the year, BG!

[jpfalcon09]

Given last year, wouldn't be surprised if some of the guys in the portal end up playing. Still an opportunity to audition for potential suitors.

Let's hope this isn't a repeat of the 2007 GMAC Bowl...

[mbenecke]

Loeffler said today that Harold Fannin WILL play in this game.

[bg1984]

Not that it means much, but I think it’s always interesting to check out the opposing teams message board. The Early comments, at least are not very optimistic from their fan base. Here are just a few:

“I really don’t like this matchup. When they lost they lost close. Remember seeing them against penn st earlier in the season and played them tough. I just have a gut feeling that it’ll be ugly. Hope it’s just something I ate.”

“We haven't beaten a team with a winning record yet this year. You have good reason to have reservations about this match up.”

“ They hung with A&M and Penn State and have the best TE in the country. I hope he opts out.” (so much for that hope with Fannin playing!)

“They are a good football team, and not surprised they are favored.”

“ Wonder how many yards rushing they'll have against us? Does anyone have any faith whatsoever in our coaches to win this game? I know I sure don't”

“ I really thought it would between 14-18 point line. We absolutely no answer for their big TE.”

“BG seems to play up and down to the competition. They just ended a 5 game winning streak by getting smashed by MIami (Oh) who in turn just got popped by Ohio in the MAC Championship. On paper, these teams are similarly talented.

Their TE will be the difference maker. We do not have defensive speed to account for the mismatches he will create, and our offense does not have the firepower to match score for score.” (He sure is right about playing down/up to competition”

[Flipper]

Tough to handicap these games when you aren't sure who will play

(On edit)

Just saw the post that Fannin will play....so yeah...we're gonna kill them

[BillyLP]

Not that it means much, but I think it’s always interesting to check out the opposing teams message board. The Early comments, at least are not very optimistic from their fan base. Here are just a few:

“I really don’t like this matchup. When they lost they lost close. Remember seeing them against penn st earlier in the season and played them tough. I just have a gut feeling that it’ll be ugly. Hope it’s just something I ate.”

“We haven't beaten a team with a winning record yet this year. You have good reason to have reservations about this match up.”

“ They hung with A&M and Penn State and have the best TE in the country. I hope he opts out.” (so much for that hope with Fannin playing!)

“They are a good football team, and not surprised they are favored.”

“ Wonder how many yards rushing they'll have against us? Does anyone have any faith whatsoever in our coaches to win this game? I know I sure don't”

“ I really thought it would between 14-18 point line. We absolutely no answer for their big TE.”

“BG seems to play up and down to the competition. They just ended a 5 game winning streak by getting smashed by MIami (Oh) who in turn just got popped by Ohio in the MAC Championship. On paper, these teams are similarly talented.

Their TE will be the difference maker. We do not have defensive speed to account for the mismatches he will create, and our offense does not have the firepower to match score for score.” (He sure is right about playing down/up to competition”

Weirdly comforting that other fanbases have the same kind of bowl anxiety we do!

[Ayziggy01]

Sipp will also be playing in this game, per his twitter. If bazelak plays then I would expect BG to win this one comfortably. Should be a good time to get the youngsters reps.

[mbenecke]

Terion Stewart is also playing in the bowl game. Credit to Loeffler for a culture of guys sticking with it through the end of the season and WANTING to play with their brothers one last time.

[Hammer]

Hats off to our guys for sticking around to finish the season together. I understand they want to transfer for better opportunities but it’s great they want to finish what they started here. Classy move

[TerrenceJesus8]

I saw Arkansas State play Michigan earlier this year. The game was close on paper but Arkansas State scored almost all of their points in garbage time. Gave up 28 points to what turned out to be a pretty terrible Michigan offense. I think BG will be able to score some points here

[mbenecke]

24 hours til kickoff.

Hoping everyone had a great Christmas. Let’s finish this season the right way.

[JCFalcon08]

We’re on our way to Mobile. Go Falcons!

[Falconfreak90]

If we play to our ability, we should win. Hard to believe we've not won a bowl game since 2014. I am a bit surprised so many guys stuck it out and will play tonight. I hate that portal with a passion.

GO FALCONS!!!

[kdog27]

If we play to our ability, we should win. Hard to believe we've not won a bowl game since 2014. I am a bit surprised so many guys stuck it out and will play tonight. I hate that portal with a passion.

GO FALCONS!!!

I was one of the few falcons at that bowl win. Can’t make it down there this time unfortunately but hope they can end this bowl losing streak!

[mbenecke]

Quick update: Rutgers vs. Kansas State is a close one late, and it has run over, so our game will kick at 9:10pm and if this game isn't over yet, it will begin on ESPN2.