Someone with an insider subscription please let us know what they said.
ESPN is ridiculous now...they should almost put a symbol by the stuff that is free because the insider stuff now appears more often than not
Falcon Crest - BG on Espn.com now!!
-
Redwingtom
- Peregrine
- Posts: 5251
- Joined: Thu Jul 22, 2004 11:16 pm
Falcon Crest - BG on Espn.com now!!
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/index
Someone with an insider subscription please let us know what they said.
ESPN is ridiculous now...they should almost put a symbol by the stuff that is free because the insider stuff now appears more often than not
Someone with an insider subscription please let us know what they said.
ESPN is ridiculous now...they should almost put a symbol by the stuff that is free because the insider stuff now appears more often than not
Redwingtom
Have fun reading...4 pages worth on ESPN!
Team preview: Bowling Green
After two successful seasons at Bowling Green, Urban Meyer was considered a young coach on the rise and split for a bigger program in Utah. Gregg Brandon has done even better than his predecessor over the same span with two winning seasons and two bowl victories. Last year, the Falcons capped off the season with an impressive 52-35 victory over Memphis in the GMAC Bowl.
So if Meyer was able to move on after his success, you might wonder why Brandon is back with the Falcons this season.
It's because he doesn't want to go anywhere else.
"People compare me to Urban, but he was on the fast track," said Brandon, who joined BGSU five years ago with Meyer as the team's offensive coordinator. "I'm happy to stay at Bowling Green as long as they'll have me."
If the Falcons continue down the same winning path they have been on, Brandon won't be going anywhere.
After being kicked around the MAC just a few years back, BGSU is now one of the league's elite programs. The Falcons have won eight or more games for a school-record four straight seasons, been ranked in the Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN polls the last three and have the best record in the MAC since 2001 at 37-12.
"Bowling Green is a good place," he said. "People target Bowling Green now -- we're one of the top two or three programs [in the MAC]."
The Falcons also have a West division title during their run, but this year they will return to the East after a three-year absence.
Brandon doesn't expect things to be any different -- expect maybe now the Falcons will get to face rival Toledo twice in a season instead of only once. "We have a good team coming back and I don't think a change in division will affect us," he said. "It's still the MAC."
And the Falcons still have the Conference Player of the Year in quarterback Omar Jacobs, a junior who only led the nation with 41 touchdowns passes and finished second with 4,0002 yards in his first season.
Oh yeah, and he did all this while throwing only four interceptions. "If Omar can put up similar numbers, we'll be in the hunt," Brandon said. In addition to Jacobs, the Falcons have five other offensive starters and six defensive players back from last year's nine-win campaign.
On offense, All-MAC left tackle Rob Warren and 1,000-yard rusher P.J. Pope are both back for their senior seasons to lead a balanced offense that averaged 44.3 points per game and 506.3 yards per game.
The defensive unit includes a veteran front four led by senior nose guard Mike Thaler and junior end Devon Parks, who combined for 64 tackles and 61/2 sacks last season. Senior linebacker Teddy Piepkow finished second on the team in tackles with 81 and has 21 career starts.
While the offensive staff remains the same, the Falcons' defense will have a new leader after coordinator and assistant head coach Tim Beckham left for Ohio State in the spring.
Succeeding Beckham will be John Lovett, a 16-year veteran who most recently was on the staff at Louisiana Tech. Beckham has also been the coordinator at Clemson, Auburn and Cincinnati
"John's experience will be a tremendous boost to our program," Brandon said. "Not only has he coached at the highest level in college football, but he also brings experience in coaching in Ohio and that is a huge plus."
The Falcons also added former defensive end D.J. Durkin to the staff as defensive ends coach. Durkin spent the last two seasons at Notre Dame. With the loss of Vance Joseph in the secondary, John Bowers will coach the defensive backs by himself this season and give up his special teams title. Instead of one coach, a committee of coaches will now run the special teams unit.
Also, offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Greg Studrawa added the title of assistant coach as well with Beckham's departure.
QUARTERBACKS
If there were any doubts about Jacobs (6-4, 224) being able to handle the starting job, they were quickly erased when he took the field in Norman, Okla. against the No. 2 team in the nation in the season opener a year ago.
Jacobs threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns while completing 24-of-41 passes in a duel against Heisman Trophy winner Jason White (238 yards, three touchdowns, 1 interception). More importantly, Jacobs didn't turn the ball over. In fact, in 12 games last season, he had only five turnovers with four picks and one fumble.
"He's a pretty cool customer," Brandon said. "He doesn't get rattled, he's poised and he's a very accurate passer."
Jacobs, who was the GMAC Bowl MVP, completed 67 percent of his passes (309-of-462) and had a 167.2 passing efficiency rating during the season, which ranked third in the nation. He was second in the country in total offense (358.8 ypg), passing yards per game (333.5 ypg) and fourth in completions (25.6 pg).
While the MAC is normally not considered a location for potential Heisman Trophy candidates, it might be hard not to mention Jacobs' name if he repeats those numbers this year.
It also could be hard to keep him at Bowling Green for another season, but Brandon doesn't think off-the-field distractions will be a problem for Jacobs. He already discussed both issues with his quarterback during spring practices.
"I'm only worried if something bad happens," the coach said. "If Omar has success on the field, we'll have success.
"He's a pretty grounded kid, and he knows he's got to handle it."
The Falcons are inexperienced in the backup quarterback department, but red-shirt freshman Anthony Turner (6-2, 218) appears to have a lock on the job with junior Van Johnson (6-1, 197) moving to cornerback.
Turner, who has drawn comparisons to former BGSU and current Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Josh Harris, sat out last season. He threw for 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns at Chaminade-Julienne High his senior season, and led the team to a state title as a junior.
Freshman Fred Barnes (6-2, 185) from Homewood in Chicago Heights, Ill. will run the scout team.
RUNNING BACKS
BGSU uses a one-back set on offense and it has one of the best in the MAC returning in senior P.J. Pope (5-9, 216), who was a second-team all-conference pick as a junior.
The third-year starter is only the second back in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. But Pope can do more than just carry the ball. He rushed for 1,131 yards and 13 touchdowns, plus caught 50 passes for 490 yards and six touchdowns. Pope can also block.
"He's one of the best all-around backs," Brandon said, "and I expect him to get even better this year."
Senior B.J. Lane (5-10, 191) gives BGSU another offensive weapon in the backfield, and the Falcons have experimented with using both tailbacks at the same time this spring.
While Pope is more of a physical runner, Lane can hurt you with his slashing ability. Last year he rolled up 375 yards and two touchdowns backing up Pope.
With both seniors around, junior Dan Macon (6-1, 208) is expected to red-shirt before taking over the starting job next year. Freshman Chris Bullock (5-11, 220) from Destrehan High (La.) also appears headed in that direction after rushing for 1,440 yards and 18 touchdowns his senior season.
Other backup candidates include sophomore Melvin Cole (5-10, 198) and red-shirt freshman Martell Mallett (5-11, 197).
Bobby Thomas (5-9, 200) from Warrensville (Ohio) rushed for 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns to earn the Lake Erie League MVP as a senior, but could end up in the Falcons' secondary instead.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Opposing teams might be happy to finally see Cole Magner move on, but the Falcons have plenty of other targets back for Jacobs in the four-receiver offense.
With teams focusing on Magner, senior Charles Sharon (6-1, 178) had a huge season at X-receiver with 1,070 yards and a school-record 15 touchdowns. Sharon owns the school record for career touchdowns with 28 and has made 158 receptions for 2,422 yards in 37 starts.
"It's their time," Brandon said.
Partridge forced himself into the receiving mix with a huge spring game (140 yards and three touchdowns on six catches).
"[Partridge said after the game] 'it's phenomenal playing with Omar, he knows where everyone is,'" Brandon said.
Sophomores Greg Hutcherson (6-3, 199), Matt Emas (6-2, 186) and Benjy Kennedy (6-1, 190), and senior Derrick Lett (6-0, 181) add some depth to the position.
The Falcons have three freshmen receivers coming in, including Magner's younger brother, Rhett Magner (6-0, 170), who played quarterback at Colony High in Alaska.
Freshman Luke Alexander (6-0, 170) from in-state South High might see some time in his first season. Alexander caught 56 passes for 1,193 yards a year ago.
Armwood (Fla.) graduate Aaron Davis (6-2, 182) is also part of the recruiting class. Davis was part of back-to-back 15-0 state champion teams his final two years of high school.
The tight end position is in good shape with sophomore Sean O'Drobinak (6-4, 249) trying to hold off junior college transfer Ruben Ruiz (6-4, 245), who arrives from Arizona Western.
"[Ruiz] tore it up in the spring, he's pushing Sean," Brandon said. "We have two viable players there."
Red-shirt freshman Andre Boomer (6-1, 234) is also on the roster along with freshman Jimmy Scheidler (6-4, 240) from Bishop Chatard in Indianapolis.
At split end, senior Steve Sanders is also coming off a big year with 55 receptions for 984 yards and eight touchdowns.
The other two jobs were open heading into the fall, but there are plenty of players looking to step in. Junior Brandon Jones (6-0, 167) and red-shirt freshman Corey Partridge (5-11, 180) are vying for one spot, while junior Ken Brantley III (5-11, 196) and red-shirt freshman Marques Parks (5-11, 180).
OFFENSIVE LINE
The one question mark on the Falcons' offense heading into the season is on the line, where three 2004 starters are gone.
BGSU shouldn't have trouble replacing right guard Andy Grubb and tackle Andrew Hart, but four-year starter Scott Mruczkowski, who moved from guard to center during his stay, might be a bit tougher.
Junior John Lanning (6-4, 294) and senior Jonathan Culp (6-6, 288) both worked with the first team in the spring and are expected to continue their battle into the summer. Lanning likely will end up with the job because Culp is a good utility guy who can fill in at guard and tackle.
"It's a pretty close race," said Brandon, who would turn to starting left guard Kory Lichtensteiger (6-3, 300) if neither pans out. "We might have to grease Kory up and put him in there."
Joining the junior Lichtensteiger on the left side is senior Rob Warren (6-6, 296), who has 25 career starts, including 11 last season.
The right guard job will fall to either junior Derrick Markray (6-5, 341) or sophomore Patrick Watson (6-5, 293). Markray's physical play gives him the inside edge.
At right tackle, sophomore Drew Nystrom (6-5, 304) won the job in the spring from red-shirt freshman Jeff Fink (6-5, 278).
Fink will serve as a backup along with sophomore Edmond Massey (6-3, 289), who can play guard and tackle, and sophomore guard Andrew Stanford (6-3, 301). Red-shirt freshman Aaron Kent (6-6, 265) also adds depth on the line.
The Falcons did a good job of assembling their future offensive line with six recruits. Among them are four in-state players: Jarrett Buckosh (6-7, 254) from Clearview High, Kevin Mahoney (6-6, 295) from North High, Phillip Pollard (6-3, 270) from Westerville South and Richard Solak (6-4, 280) from Cardinal Mooney.
All four are expected to red-shirt along with Mohomet-Seymour (Ill.) graduate Guy Williamson (6-4, 300) and Riverview (Pa.) product Shane Steffy (6-3, 290).
KICKERS
Senior Joe Timchenko (6-4, 221) locked up the kicking job in the spring by beating out sophomore Gregg Coreno.
Timchenko will replace Shaun Suisham, who finished his career as the NCAA leader in extra points made (226) and extra point attempts (232). He is the all-time leading scorer at BGSU with 361 points.
"He's good on his field goals and extra points, but he needs to work on his kickoffs," Brandon said.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The front four has been one of the strengths of the BGSU defense the last couple years, and this year is not different despite the loss of defensive end Mitch Crossley, a second-team All-MAC selection who started 30 games in his career.
Parks (6-3, 239) is a two-year starter at defensive end and finished tied for the team-high in sacks last year with four. He's started 26 straight games and has been a key member up front.
Junior Brad Williams (6-3, 259) will replace Crossley at the other end after starting last season at defensive tackle. Williams recorded 37 tackles inside and had 3.5 stops for losses.
The Falcons have a third starter back in Thaler (6-1, 281), who started all 12 games last season and collected 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
The fourth starting member on the line is senior tackle Monte Cooley (6-2, 276), who was part of the rotation on the line last year as a reserve.
"We are pretty good again across the front," Brandon said.
The backups are also solid with sophomore Brandon Mack (6-3, 245) and red-shirt freshman Joe Schaeffer (6-4, 250) on the ends, while red-shirt freshmen Brandon Curtis (6-2, 280) and Nicholas Davis (6-3, 280) figure to be part of the inside rotation.
Juniors Thomas Smith (6-0, 269) and Ricky Walston (5-9, 235) along with red-shirt freshmen Josh Waldman (6-1, 270) and Don Sprenkel (6-2, 230) add some insurance on the line.
The freshmen class includes five linemen, led by South Carolina product Thomas James (6-2, 255) from Goose Creek High. James was an all-state lineman as a senior and the 4A Defensive Player of the Year.
In-state players Brady Minturn (6-4, 250) from Loveland and Michael Ream (6-3, 235) from Bluffton figure to red-shirt their first season. The same goes for Ocean Lakes (Va.) grad Jacob Hardwick (6-3, 260) and Quincy Notre Dame (Ill.) product Trevor Frericks (6-1, 255).
LINEBACKERS
The Falcons have to replace two linebackers, but senior Teddy Piepkow (6-0, 228), who had 81 tackles and two interceptions last season, returns. Piepkow played on the weak side last year, but moves inside to take over at middle linebacker.
One of the outside linebackers will be Terrel White (5-10, 232), who excelled on special teams last year and also backed up Daniel Sayles. Senior Jamien Johnson (6-1, 232), who sat out spring practice after having knee surgery, will be the other starter.
Depth comes from senior Lavelle Sharpe (5-11, 220), red-shirt freshmen John Haneline (6-2, 230) and explosive Diyral Briggs (6-4, 220), and sophomore Pete Winovich (6-3, 230). The latter is a former high school quarterback who has successfully made the switch to defense.
Three freshmen linebackers join the mix: Bay City Western (Mich.) grad Cody Basler (6-3, 225), Brighton (Mich.) product Nick Lawrence (6-3, 220) and in-state recruit Cordelle Thompson (6-1, 205) from Middletown.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The secondary figures to be a mix-and-match unit with two returning corners paired up with two newcomers at safety.
"The secondary might be our weakest area," Brandon said.
Senior Jelani Jordan (5-10, 177) and Terill Mayberry (5-11, 169) started almost the entire 2004 season at corner. Jordan played in 11 games and had a MAC-high 15 pass break-ups to go with a team-high 38 solo tackles. Mayberry played all 12 games and finished with 51 tackles and six pass break-ups.
The backups are inexperienced with Johnson, making the move from quarterback, joining senior John Nicholson (5-9, 190) and red-shirt freshman Edwin Hood (5-10, 185).
At safety, senior Mike Crumpler (5-11, 191) enters the season as the starting free safety, while red-shirt freshman Erique Dozier (6-1, 195) earned the strong safety job in the spring.
Junior Will Myles (5-11, 200), senior Tim Arnold (5-9, 200) and Nate Waldron (5-11, 195) are the backups at safety.
Sophomore Deaudre Perry (6-1, 195) would have been a starter in the secondary but is academically ineligible.
Four freshmen enter the mix in Thomas, cornerbacks Chris Wright (5-10, 175) from Middletown (Ohio) and Antonio Smith (5-10, 175) from Miami Central (Fla.), and Calvin Wiley (5-11, 185) from Notre Dame (Mich.).
PUNTERS
Senior Nate Fry (5-10, 211) averaged 38.2 yards per punt last season and dropped 12 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
Brandon would like to see that average improve and has issued a challenge to the incumbent punter.
"He needs to be more than adequate," Brandon said. "He needs to push himself."
Timchenko was recruited as a punter, but Brandon wants him to focus on his other kicking jobs.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Sharon and Lane will make life easier for the special teams committee -- both are experienced returning kicks.
Sharon averaged 11.8 yards per return last year on 24 punts, including a 79-yard touchdown against Southeast Missouri.
Lane ran back 20 kickoffs, including a 93-yard touchdown return against Ball State. Jones also has some experience returning kicks and could see some time here.
Team preview: Bowling Green
After two successful seasons at Bowling Green, Urban Meyer was considered a young coach on the rise and split for a bigger program in Utah. Gregg Brandon has done even better than his predecessor over the same span with two winning seasons and two bowl victories. Last year, the Falcons capped off the season with an impressive 52-35 victory over Memphis in the GMAC Bowl.
So if Meyer was able to move on after his success, you might wonder why Brandon is back with the Falcons this season.
It's because he doesn't want to go anywhere else.
"People compare me to Urban, but he was on the fast track," said Brandon, who joined BGSU five years ago with Meyer as the team's offensive coordinator. "I'm happy to stay at Bowling Green as long as they'll have me."
If the Falcons continue down the same winning path they have been on, Brandon won't be going anywhere.
After being kicked around the MAC just a few years back, BGSU is now one of the league's elite programs. The Falcons have won eight or more games for a school-record four straight seasons, been ranked in the Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN polls the last three and have the best record in the MAC since 2001 at 37-12.
"Bowling Green is a good place," he said. "People target Bowling Green now -- we're one of the top two or three programs [in the MAC]."
The Falcons also have a West division title during their run, but this year they will return to the East after a three-year absence.
Brandon doesn't expect things to be any different -- expect maybe now the Falcons will get to face rival Toledo twice in a season instead of only once. "We have a good team coming back and I don't think a change in division will affect us," he said. "It's still the MAC."
And the Falcons still have the Conference Player of the Year in quarterback Omar Jacobs, a junior who only led the nation with 41 touchdowns passes and finished second with 4,0002 yards in his first season.
Oh yeah, and he did all this while throwing only four interceptions. "If Omar can put up similar numbers, we'll be in the hunt," Brandon said. In addition to Jacobs, the Falcons have five other offensive starters and six defensive players back from last year's nine-win campaign.
On offense, All-MAC left tackle Rob Warren and 1,000-yard rusher P.J. Pope are both back for their senior seasons to lead a balanced offense that averaged 44.3 points per game and 506.3 yards per game.
The defensive unit includes a veteran front four led by senior nose guard Mike Thaler and junior end Devon Parks, who combined for 64 tackles and 61/2 sacks last season. Senior linebacker Teddy Piepkow finished second on the team in tackles with 81 and has 21 career starts.
While the offensive staff remains the same, the Falcons' defense will have a new leader after coordinator and assistant head coach Tim Beckham left for Ohio State in the spring.
Succeeding Beckham will be John Lovett, a 16-year veteran who most recently was on the staff at Louisiana Tech. Beckham has also been the coordinator at Clemson, Auburn and Cincinnati
"John's experience will be a tremendous boost to our program," Brandon said. "Not only has he coached at the highest level in college football, but he also brings experience in coaching in Ohio and that is a huge plus."
The Falcons also added former defensive end D.J. Durkin to the staff as defensive ends coach. Durkin spent the last two seasons at Notre Dame. With the loss of Vance Joseph in the secondary, John Bowers will coach the defensive backs by himself this season and give up his special teams title. Instead of one coach, a committee of coaches will now run the special teams unit.
Also, offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Greg Studrawa added the title of assistant coach as well with Beckham's departure.
QUARTERBACKS
If there were any doubts about Jacobs (6-4, 224) being able to handle the starting job, they were quickly erased when he took the field in Norman, Okla. against the No. 2 team in the nation in the season opener a year ago.
Jacobs threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns while completing 24-of-41 passes in a duel against Heisman Trophy winner Jason White (238 yards, three touchdowns, 1 interception). More importantly, Jacobs didn't turn the ball over. In fact, in 12 games last season, he had only five turnovers with four picks and one fumble.
"He's a pretty cool customer," Brandon said. "He doesn't get rattled, he's poised and he's a very accurate passer."
Jacobs, who was the GMAC Bowl MVP, completed 67 percent of his passes (309-of-462) and had a 167.2 passing efficiency rating during the season, which ranked third in the nation. He was second in the country in total offense (358.8 ypg), passing yards per game (333.5 ypg) and fourth in completions (25.6 pg).
While the MAC is normally not considered a location for potential Heisman Trophy candidates, it might be hard not to mention Jacobs' name if he repeats those numbers this year.
It also could be hard to keep him at Bowling Green for another season, but Brandon doesn't think off-the-field distractions will be a problem for Jacobs. He already discussed both issues with his quarterback during spring practices.
"I'm only worried if something bad happens," the coach said. "If Omar has success on the field, we'll have success.
"He's a pretty grounded kid, and he knows he's got to handle it."
The Falcons are inexperienced in the backup quarterback department, but red-shirt freshman Anthony Turner (6-2, 218) appears to have a lock on the job with junior Van Johnson (6-1, 197) moving to cornerback.
Turner, who has drawn comparisons to former BGSU and current Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Josh Harris, sat out last season. He threw for 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns at Chaminade-Julienne High his senior season, and led the team to a state title as a junior.
Freshman Fred Barnes (6-2, 185) from Homewood in Chicago Heights, Ill. will run the scout team.
RUNNING BACKS
BGSU uses a one-back set on offense and it has one of the best in the MAC returning in senior P.J. Pope (5-9, 216), who was a second-team all-conference pick as a junior.
The third-year starter is only the second back in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. But Pope can do more than just carry the ball. He rushed for 1,131 yards and 13 touchdowns, plus caught 50 passes for 490 yards and six touchdowns. Pope can also block.
"He's one of the best all-around backs," Brandon said, "and I expect him to get even better this year."
Senior B.J. Lane (5-10, 191) gives BGSU another offensive weapon in the backfield, and the Falcons have experimented with using both tailbacks at the same time this spring.
While Pope is more of a physical runner, Lane can hurt you with his slashing ability. Last year he rolled up 375 yards and two touchdowns backing up Pope.
With both seniors around, junior Dan Macon (6-1, 208) is expected to red-shirt before taking over the starting job next year. Freshman Chris Bullock (5-11, 220) from Destrehan High (La.) also appears headed in that direction after rushing for 1,440 yards and 18 touchdowns his senior season.
Other backup candidates include sophomore Melvin Cole (5-10, 198) and red-shirt freshman Martell Mallett (5-11, 197).
Bobby Thomas (5-9, 200) from Warrensville (Ohio) rushed for 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns to earn the Lake Erie League MVP as a senior, but could end up in the Falcons' secondary instead.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Opposing teams might be happy to finally see Cole Magner move on, but the Falcons have plenty of other targets back for Jacobs in the four-receiver offense.
With teams focusing on Magner, senior Charles Sharon (6-1, 178) had a huge season at X-receiver with 1,070 yards and a school-record 15 touchdowns. Sharon owns the school record for career touchdowns with 28 and has made 158 receptions for 2,422 yards in 37 starts.
"It's their time," Brandon said.
Partridge forced himself into the receiving mix with a huge spring game (140 yards and three touchdowns on six catches).
"[Partridge said after the game] 'it's phenomenal playing with Omar, he knows where everyone is,'" Brandon said.
Sophomores Greg Hutcherson (6-3, 199), Matt Emas (6-2, 186) and Benjy Kennedy (6-1, 190), and senior Derrick Lett (6-0, 181) add some depth to the position.
The Falcons have three freshmen receivers coming in, including Magner's younger brother, Rhett Magner (6-0, 170), who played quarterback at Colony High in Alaska.
Freshman Luke Alexander (6-0, 170) from in-state South High might see some time in his first season. Alexander caught 56 passes for 1,193 yards a year ago.
Armwood (Fla.) graduate Aaron Davis (6-2, 182) is also part of the recruiting class. Davis was part of back-to-back 15-0 state champion teams his final two years of high school.
The tight end position is in good shape with sophomore Sean O'Drobinak (6-4, 249) trying to hold off junior college transfer Ruben Ruiz (6-4, 245), who arrives from Arizona Western.
"[Ruiz] tore it up in the spring, he's pushing Sean," Brandon said. "We have two viable players there."
Red-shirt freshman Andre Boomer (6-1, 234) is also on the roster along with freshman Jimmy Scheidler (6-4, 240) from Bishop Chatard in Indianapolis.
At split end, senior Steve Sanders is also coming off a big year with 55 receptions for 984 yards and eight touchdowns.
The other two jobs were open heading into the fall, but there are plenty of players looking to step in. Junior Brandon Jones (6-0, 167) and red-shirt freshman Corey Partridge (5-11, 180) are vying for one spot, while junior Ken Brantley III (5-11, 196) and red-shirt freshman Marques Parks (5-11, 180).
OFFENSIVE LINE
The one question mark on the Falcons' offense heading into the season is on the line, where three 2004 starters are gone.
BGSU shouldn't have trouble replacing right guard Andy Grubb and tackle Andrew Hart, but four-year starter Scott Mruczkowski, who moved from guard to center during his stay, might be a bit tougher.
Junior John Lanning (6-4, 294) and senior Jonathan Culp (6-6, 288) both worked with the first team in the spring and are expected to continue their battle into the summer. Lanning likely will end up with the job because Culp is a good utility guy who can fill in at guard and tackle.
"It's a pretty close race," said Brandon, who would turn to starting left guard Kory Lichtensteiger (6-3, 300) if neither pans out. "We might have to grease Kory up and put him in there."
Joining the junior Lichtensteiger on the left side is senior Rob Warren (6-6, 296), who has 25 career starts, including 11 last season.
The right guard job will fall to either junior Derrick Markray (6-5, 341) or sophomore Patrick Watson (6-5, 293). Markray's physical play gives him the inside edge.
At right tackle, sophomore Drew Nystrom (6-5, 304) won the job in the spring from red-shirt freshman Jeff Fink (6-5, 278).
Fink will serve as a backup along with sophomore Edmond Massey (6-3, 289), who can play guard and tackle, and sophomore guard Andrew Stanford (6-3, 301). Red-shirt freshman Aaron Kent (6-6, 265) also adds depth on the line.
The Falcons did a good job of assembling their future offensive line with six recruits. Among them are four in-state players: Jarrett Buckosh (6-7, 254) from Clearview High, Kevin Mahoney (6-6, 295) from North High, Phillip Pollard (6-3, 270) from Westerville South and Richard Solak (6-4, 280) from Cardinal Mooney.
All four are expected to red-shirt along with Mohomet-Seymour (Ill.) graduate Guy Williamson (6-4, 300) and Riverview (Pa.) product Shane Steffy (6-3, 290).
KICKERS
Senior Joe Timchenko (6-4, 221) locked up the kicking job in the spring by beating out sophomore Gregg Coreno.
Timchenko will replace Shaun Suisham, who finished his career as the NCAA leader in extra points made (226) and extra point attempts (232). He is the all-time leading scorer at BGSU with 361 points.
"He's good on his field goals and extra points, but he needs to work on his kickoffs," Brandon said.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The front four has been one of the strengths of the BGSU defense the last couple years, and this year is not different despite the loss of defensive end Mitch Crossley, a second-team All-MAC selection who started 30 games in his career.
Parks (6-3, 239) is a two-year starter at defensive end and finished tied for the team-high in sacks last year with four. He's started 26 straight games and has been a key member up front.
Junior Brad Williams (6-3, 259) will replace Crossley at the other end after starting last season at defensive tackle. Williams recorded 37 tackles inside and had 3.5 stops for losses.
The Falcons have a third starter back in Thaler (6-1, 281), who started all 12 games last season and collected 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
The fourth starting member on the line is senior tackle Monte Cooley (6-2, 276), who was part of the rotation on the line last year as a reserve.
"We are pretty good again across the front," Brandon said.
The backups are also solid with sophomore Brandon Mack (6-3, 245) and red-shirt freshman Joe Schaeffer (6-4, 250) on the ends, while red-shirt freshmen Brandon Curtis (6-2, 280) and Nicholas Davis (6-3, 280) figure to be part of the inside rotation.
Juniors Thomas Smith (6-0, 269) and Ricky Walston (5-9, 235) along with red-shirt freshmen Josh Waldman (6-1, 270) and Don Sprenkel (6-2, 230) add some insurance on the line.
The freshmen class includes five linemen, led by South Carolina product Thomas James (6-2, 255) from Goose Creek High. James was an all-state lineman as a senior and the 4A Defensive Player of the Year.
In-state players Brady Minturn (6-4, 250) from Loveland and Michael Ream (6-3, 235) from Bluffton figure to red-shirt their first season. The same goes for Ocean Lakes (Va.) grad Jacob Hardwick (6-3, 260) and Quincy Notre Dame (Ill.) product Trevor Frericks (6-1, 255).
LINEBACKERS
The Falcons have to replace two linebackers, but senior Teddy Piepkow (6-0, 228), who had 81 tackles and two interceptions last season, returns. Piepkow played on the weak side last year, but moves inside to take over at middle linebacker.
One of the outside linebackers will be Terrel White (5-10, 232), who excelled on special teams last year and also backed up Daniel Sayles. Senior Jamien Johnson (6-1, 232), who sat out spring practice after having knee surgery, will be the other starter.
Depth comes from senior Lavelle Sharpe (5-11, 220), red-shirt freshmen John Haneline (6-2, 230) and explosive Diyral Briggs (6-4, 220), and sophomore Pete Winovich (6-3, 230). The latter is a former high school quarterback who has successfully made the switch to defense.
Three freshmen linebackers join the mix: Bay City Western (Mich.) grad Cody Basler (6-3, 225), Brighton (Mich.) product Nick Lawrence (6-3, 220) and in-state recruit Cordelle Thompson (6-1, 205) from Middletown.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The secondary figures to be a mix-and-match unit with two returning corners paired up with two newcomers at safety.
"The secondary might be our weakest area," Brandon said.
Senior Jelani Jordan (5-10, 177) and Terill Mayberry (5-11, 169) started almost the entire 2004 season at corner. Jordan played in 11 games and had a MAC-high 15 pass break-ups to go with a team-high 38 solo tackles. Mayberry played all 12 games and finished with 51 tackles and six pass break-ups.
The backups are inexperienced with Johnson, making the move from quarterback, joining senior John Nicholson (5-9, 190) and red-shirt freshman Edwin Hood (5-10, 185).
At safety, senior Mike Crumpler (5-11, 191) enters the season as the starting free safety, while red-shirt freshman Erique Dozier (6-1, 195) earned the strong safety job in the spring.
Junior Will Myles (5-11, 200), senior Tim Arnold (5-9, 200) and Nate Waldron (5-11, 195) are the backups at safety.
Sophomore Deaudre Perry (6-1, 195) would have been a starter in the secondary but is academically ineligible.
Four freshmen enter the mix in Thomas, cornerbacks Chris Wright (5-10, 175) from Middletown (Ohio) and Antonio Smith (5-10, 175) from Miami Central (Fla.), and Calvin Wiley (5-11, 185) from Notre Dame (Mich.).
PUNTERS
Senior Nate Fry (5-10, 211) averaged 38.2 yards per punt last season and dropped 12 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
Brandon would like to see that average improve and has issued a challenge to the incumbent punter.
"He needs to be more than adequate," Brandon said. "He needs to push himself."
Timchenko was recruited as a punter, but Brandon wants him to focus on his other kicking jobs.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Sharon and Lane will make life easier for the special teams committee -- both are experienced returning kicks.
Sharon averaged 11.8 yards per return last year on 24 punts, including a 79-yard touchdown against Southeast Missouri.
Lane ran back 20 kickoffs, including a 93-yard touchdown return against Ball State. Jones also has some experience returning kicks and could see some time here.
"To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty. To the project manager, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be."
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UK Peregrine
- Transcendent Illuminati
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I love this quote from GB and it's quite pertinent to the "Operation: Keep Brandon" thread.
"People compare me to Urban, but he was on the fast track," said Brandon, who joined BGSU five years ago with Meyer as the team's offensive coordinator. "I'm happy to stay at Bowling Green as long as they'll have me."
"People compare me to Urban, but he was on the fast track," said Brandon, who joined BGSU five years ago with Meyer as the team's offensive coordinator. "I'm happy to stay at Bowling Green as long as they'll have me."
UK:
I was going to quote that exact phrase. So happy to see Brandon say that!
Did anyone notice this?
I was going to quote that exact phrase. So happy to see Brandon say that!
Did anyone notice this?
There had been some discussion here about Macon, with most folks saying they didn't think they redshirt him as a junior. Wonder if this is ESPN speculating or Brandon tipping his hand. It would be nice to have Macon around for two seasons after Lane & Pope exit.With both seniors around, junior Dan Macon (6-1, 208) is expected to red-shirt before taking over the starting job next year.
I just wish "Tim Beckham" the best in his future coaching endeavors. 
Other than that, a good indepth read. It was nice to have a player by player preview of the team, rather than the usual "Omar good, BG win game" copy that has been around most sites this offseason. (Not that it gets tiring reading that, mind you...
)
So is Perry ineligible or not? I thought we had figured out that he straightened his grades out...
Other than that, a good indepth read. It was nice to have a player by player preview of the team, rather than the usual "Omar good, BG win game" copy that has been around most sites this offseason. (Not that it gets tiring reading that, mind you...
)So is Perry ineligible or not? I thought we had figured out that he straightened his grades out...
"I don't believe I can name a coach, anywhere, anytime, anyhow, who did it better than Doyt Perry."
-1955 BG Assistant Bo Schembechler
BGSUsports.com - Where ESPN.com goes for BG history.
-1955 BG Assistant Bo Schembechler
BGSUsports.com - Where ESPN.com goes for BG history.
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UK Peregrine
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Thanks Metz. You're my hero!
'87, I love the idea of red-shirting Macon, like most of us here. He has demonstrated so many flashes of brilliance that I'm ecstatic we will have the opportunity to watch him play for two seasons after Pope and Lane graduate.
Also of interest was that "Erique Dozier (6-1, 195) earned the strong safety job in the spring," beatng out Tim Arnold. Dozier could end up being really really good. I like him getting the opportunity to start.
'87, I love the idea of red-shirting Macon, like most of us here. He has demonstrated so many flashes of brilliance that I'm ecstatic we will have the opportunity to watch him play for two seasons after Pope and Lane graduate.
Also of interest was that "Erique Dozier (6-1, 195) earned the strong safety job in the spring," beatng out Tim Arnold. Dozier could end up being really really good. I like him getting the opportunity to start.
i noticed it...hope he honors his word. that's encouraging for bg and the mac.1987alum wrote:UK:
I was going to quote that exact phrase. So happy to see Brandon say that!
Did anyone notice this?
There had been some discussion here about Macon, with most folks saying they didn't think they redshirt him as a junior. Wonder if this is ESPN speculating or Brandon tipping his hand. It would be nice to have Macon around for two seasons after Lane & Pope exit.With both seniors around, junior Dan Macon (6-1, 208) is expected to red-shirt before taking over the starting job next year.
Miami University: 2009-10 CCHA Regular Season Champions
I had the same reaction. I hope this is true, there is no reason to have all three of these guys rotating.1987alum wrote:
There had been some discussion here about Macon, with most folks saying they didn't think they redshirt him as a junior. Wonder if this is ESPN speculating or Brandon tipping his hand. It would be nice to have Macon around for two seasons after Lane & Pope exit.
Re: Falcon Crest - BG on Espn.com now!!
Totally agree. I pretty much do not even go to espn.com anymore for that reason. The only thing I eve do there any more is find stats or old scores.Redwingtom wrote:ESPN is ridiculous now...they should almost put a symbol by the stuff that is free because the insider stuff now appears more often than not
Dozier is one of the guys who I definitely would like to see more of this year. He's one of the talented young DBs who I would have liked to see last year, as opposed to being redshirted. Still since he got to keep that year of eligibility let's hope he turns out as advertised! Winning the starting job over an upperclassman is certainly a good sign of things to comeUK Peregrine wrote: Also of interest was that "Erique Dozier (6-1, 195) earned the strong safety job in the spring," beatng out Tim Arnold. Dozier could end up being really really good. I like him getting the opportunity to start.
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Redwingtom
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Not to mention that he was a de-commit from Terdledo...that would make the missile fans nice and happyhammb wrote:Dozier is one of the guys who I definitely would like to see more of this year. He's one of the talented young DBs who I would have liked to see last year, as opposed to being redshirted. Still since he got to keep that year of eligibility let's hope he turns out as advertised! Winning the starting job over an upperclassman is certainly a good sign of things to comeUK Peregrine wrote: Also of interest was that "Erique Dozier (6-1, 195) earned the strong safety job in the spring," beatng out Tim Arnold. Dozier could end up being really really good. I like him getting the opportunity to start.
Redwingtom
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Redwingtom
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