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Can we even begin to discuss how big our next game is with Northern Illinois?! The last three BG/NIU games (including this one) have been HUGE! I can't think of a bigger game for us this early before. This is going to be a very important next two week of preparation for the Falcons. I see us having a bye week and NIU playing as a 50-50 as to what is better to have. For each plus, there is a minus. The one thing I know NIU does have is home field advantage and there's no overcoming that.

The reason why this game is so crucial is, when you are in divisional play (like we are), the games are so very important because the team that suffers a loss, essential loses twice to the team that beat them. Because in the event of a tie, the losing team needs the team that beat them to lose at once more than it did in the conference, which means you need help from other MAC schools. I never like having to hope for help, it usually never happens. Also, with divisional play, the crossover conference games do not always carry the same weight. In our case, BG plays Marshall and Ohio and NIU plays Akron and UCF. I think BG's got the tougher crossover games.

I don't care that NIU almost lost to SIU, a I-AA team. The last time BG went to NIU, the Huskies did lose to a I-AA team a few games before that and we were undefeated in the Top-25 and got beat by NIU. They will be ready to play on the 24th, no doubt about it. It will be the MAC opener for both schools, on national TV, in Dekalb, and we all know what happened last season. A win for BG and it puts us in the drivers seat. I don't event want to discuss the other side.

All I know is, the next two weeks of having to wait for this game are going to be agonizing!

One plus this year is we can go in to dekalb expecting it to be loud and if it isn't, great. We had no idea they were going to introduce thundersticks to the student body when we were there two years ago. They played a huge part in that game and were they ever loud.

Yeah, this game has really got me nervous because it means so much for both teams. I feel good about our chances, but it's going to be a huge game for both teams. In 2002, we walked right into a trap. I have never been one for listening to teams talk about "wake-up calls" and "we weren't really focused going into the game," especially at this level. Those may have applied somewhat to the team two years ago, but I view those explanations as just excuses. How does a team practice all week (or two when you have a bye) for a game/team and come out to play not be ready or focused? It drives me nuts when I see that. It's like, what was going on all week?

I do think we'll be more prepared this time around, I think coach Brandon will have us ready to go. But it's games like this that senior leadership is so very important. Remember, only our upperclassman were there at NIU in 2002. They need to convey the message to all the younger guys who are now here who weren't on the team then what they have to do to prepare for this game. Walking in there unprepared or unfocused will only send you home with a loss. We've got two weeks to get ready for this game and I hope like heck we are.

BG will go into DeKalb and come out with a victory. I know NIU has the home field advantage but I don't see BG losing. After the OK game, I was convinced this team can win any game, any place this year.

My early prediction? BG 37, NIU 28.

As always, I hope you are right 'Freak. I'm going to wait until the week leading up to the game to make my prediction. But I don't care if it's 3-0 or 60-0, as long as we come out on top and healthy, I'll take it.

That game out there in 2002 has left a scar and winning this year in Dekalb could help erase it.

kdog27 wrote:One plus this year is we can go in to dekalb expecting it to be loud and if it isn't, great. We had no idea they were going to introduce thundersticks to the student body when we were there two years ago. They played a huge part in that game and were they ever loud.

kdog,
I see you're in Austintown now! I worked in Ytown rock radio for 6 years at the old CD 106, The Wolf. It used to be right off Rt 46 back in the woods off Webb Rd.

We should hook up when the men's hoops team travels to YSU this winter.

That's a huge game in DeKalb. I think the scheduling favors us. NIU comes off Iowa State, and its a Friday game, leaving a short week. Meanwhile, we have full time to prepare. Of course, they're at home.

How healthy will everybody be? A bunch of things will play in. But the winner is in the clear driver's seat for the West, especially until/if UT shows anything.

BGSU33 wrote:As always, I hope you are right 'Freak. I'm going to wait until the week leading up to the game to make my prediction. But I don't care if it's 3-0 or 60-0, as long as we come out on top and healthy, I'll take it.

That game out there in 2002 has left a scar and winning this year in Dekalb could help erase it.

33,

Yep, we ran into a hornets nest over there 2 years ago...I think we've learned from that. Like you said, 3-0 or 60-0, just win baby!

Falconfreak90 wrote:

kdog27 wrote:One plus this year is we can go in to dekalb expecting it to be loud and if it isn't, great. We had no idea they were going to introduce thundersticks to the student body when we were there two years ago. They played a huge part in that game and were they ever loud.

kdog,
I see you're in Austintown now! I worked in Ytown rock radio for 6 years at the old CD 106, The Wolf. It used to be right off Rt 46 back in the woods off Webb Rd.

We should hook up when the men's hoops team travels to YSU this winter.

FF90,
Yeah actually I live right off of 46. About a quarter of a mile South of Mahoning Ave (eighteen). My brother and I are planning on going to that game, I think it it is in mid december. It would be cool to see you there

kdog27 wrote:

Falconfreak90 wrote:

kdog27 wrote:One plus this year is we can go in to dekalb expecting it to be loud and if it isn't, great. We had no idea they were going to introduce thundersticks to the student body when we were there two years ago. They played a huge part in that game and were they ever loud.

kdog,
I see you're in Austintown now! I worked in Ytown rock radio for 6 years at the old CD 106, The Wolf. It used to be right off Rt 46 back in the woods off Webb Rd.

We should hook up when the men's hoops team travels to YSU this winter.

FF90,
Yeah actually I live right off of 46. About a quarter of a mile South of Mahoning Ave (eighteen). My brother and I are planning on going to that game, I think it it is in mid december. It would be cool to see you there

3 words for you..."The Sandwich Factory". Great stuff there! Are you gonna make it to a BG home game for football?

These are the games I plan on attending: At temple, Ball St. at Ohio, EMU, Marshall. And maybe I can sneak something else in there. Very busy right now though, it was much easier when I lived in BG, though I must say I did drive three hours just so I could be guaranteed a place to see our 1st game. I'll have to try out these sandwiches

In 2002 we were a little banged up when we got to Dekalb. We also hadn't been exposed to a truly noisy, hostile crowd prior to that game. NIU also had an off week prior to the game.

This year we opened in front of the Sooner nation. I think that crowd can bring it far more hardcore than the pups at NIU. We have the off week to prepare and heal our thankfully light injuries. NIU has a short week and they're likely to be missing their starting QB.

I think we will win this game

Flipper wrote:In 2002 we were a little banged up when we got to Dekalb. We also hadn't been exposed to a truly noisy, hostile crowd prior to that game. NIU also had an off week prior to the game.

This year we opened in front of the Sooner nation. I think that crowd can bring it far more hardcore than the pups at NIU. We have the off week to prepare and heal our thankfully light injuries. NIU has a short week and they're likely to be missing their starting QB.

I think we will win this game

I'll take a crowd of ravenous, gritty, nasty MAC fans in a mid-major stadium over any other place in the country, save for perhaps the shoe and big house. Places like Northern two years ago and the Doyt last year affected the game more than other schools can dream about. The folks in DeKalb have had a pretty good taste the last two years. I expect them to be just as nuts and even worse than things were two years ago -- which was absolutely berserk. I was there. They're going to bring it.

But Bowling Green will win. The Falcons are the better team and have every advantage save for the field.

Regardless, it is the absolute most important game of this young season. And we're going to take it.

rollalongFF0304 wrote:

Flipper wrote:In 2002 we were a little banged up when we got to Dekalb. We also hadn't been exposed to a truly noisy, hostile crowd prior to that game. NIU also had an off week prior to the game.

This year we opened in front of the Sooner nation. I think that crowd can bring it far more hardcore than the pups at NIU. We have the off week to prepare and heal our thankfully light injuries. NIU has a short week and they're likely to be missing their starting QB.

I think we will win this game

I'll take a crowd of ravenous, gritty, nasty MAC fans in a mid-major stadium over any other place in the country, save for perhaps the shoe and big house. Places like Northern two years ago and the Doyt last year affected the game more than other schools can dream about. The folks in DeKalb have had a pretty good taste the last two years. I expect them to be just as nuts and even worse than things were two years ago -- which was absolutely berserk. I was there. They're going to bring it.

But Bowling Green will win. The Falcons are the better team and have every advantage save for the field.

Regardless, it is the absolute most important game of this young season. And we're going to take it.

I agree I will take some crazy MAC fans anyday. It's not how many people you got in there, it's what they are doing and the way the stadium is set up. I have to disagree with you about the Big house. I never thought 111k people could be so dull