Looking back and moving on.....

1987alum · Post by **1987alum** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 11:16 am

Schadenfreude: Can you elaborate on this thought?

"For as many MAC titles as Bowling Green has won, Bowling Green has even more second place finishes. This is sort of a usual place for us -- and I wonder if analogies can be drawn to the Nehlen era."

Schadenfreude · Post by **Schadenfreude** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 11:39 am

1987alum wrote:Schadenfreude: Can you elaborate on this thought?

"For as many MAC titles as Bowling Green has won, Bowling Green has even more second place finishes. This is sort of a usual place for us -- and I wonder if analogies can be drawn to the Nehlen era."

I don't have the media guide handy. But, for years, it contained a graphic showing the all-time standings. it showed we were only behind Miami in titles. It also listed second place finishes -- and we've had more of those than first place finishes over the years.

As far as Nehlen. I wasn't here, but my understanding is that he turned in a bunch of good-but-not-great finishes, always managing to lose to Miami. Eventually, people began to think he didn't have what it took to lead Bowling Green to the promised land. Between that and one particular bonehead coaching decision on his part (the likes of which we haven't seen from Brandon) the decision was made not to renew his contract.

I bring up Nehlen because he is an example of a coach who frustrated a lot of fans here -- and, yet, is one of the best we've ever had. A certain Hall of Famer, if he isn't already in.

Falconfreak90 · Post by **Falconfreak90** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 12:33 pm

I simply don't agree with the notion that BG is a "finished product". No way. There is much more we can all do to make BG Football the best in the MAC. BG, UT, NIU and Miami are all on the same level. Those are 4 very evenly matched teams. 3 of them have been MAC powers for years and have the most titles (14 Miami, 10 BG, UT 9). UT has been able to win at NIU....they own NIU. They can't beat us on our turf. NIU hasn't been able to win at BG or UT. Miami won at our house and beat UT at the GB 2 years ago. All this means is all 4 teams are very close.

I want an undefeated season. 11-3, 9-3 and a pair of 8-3's have been a fantastic run...it can be better. The recruits, the SAC and the fan base growing will help propel us to the top. Sure we needs more fans at the Doyt...we'll see what happens in 2005 and our home sked. All I can do is continue to spread the word and get folks interested in a damn good football program.

Yes, BG has finished 2nd a ton of times....we ran into the 35 game winning streak of UT in 69-71, Miami on a 32-1-1 tear in 73-75. Nehlan was a great coach but it was frustrating for sure.

GO BG!~

NWLB · Post by **NWLB** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 12:40 pm

[quote="Schadenfreude]I bring up Nehlen because he is an example of a coach who frustrated a lot of fans here -- and, yet, is one of the best we've ever had. A certain Hall of Famer, if he isn't already in.[/quote]

He's in.

1987alum · Post by **1987alum** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:04 pm

Schadenfreude: Thanks for the clarification. Good point and good parallel.

I agree with Freak. We're on a path, not at a destination. It's been stated here that we have a very good team, but not a very good program. I think that's the case. A four-year run of winning seasons does not make a great program.

Now before I get flamed for saying that, let me say we are on the brink of establishing a very good program. A few more seasons like we've seen and we can safely say we've arrived.

I think we're all going to look back at these last few seasons in a decade or so and say that we witnessed the start of a Golden Era of BG football.

TJRocket · Post by **TJRocket** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:27 pm

BG, UT, NIU and Miami are all on the same level. Those are 4 very evenly matched teams. 3 of them have been MAC powers for years and have the most titles (14 Miami, 10 BG, UT 9). UT has been able to win at NIU....they own NIU. They can't beat us on our turf. NIU hasn't been able to win at BG or UT. Miami won at our house and beat UT at the GB 2 years ago. All this means is all 4 teams are very close.[/quote]

I gotta disagree Freak, I do think that all 4 teams are VERY close in terms of their level of play, but Miami and Toledo have both won huge MAC games on the road. Thats a goal that the Falcons and the Huskies(I think) have yet to accomplish. I believe that alone puts UT and Miami a level above BG and NIU.

Falconfreak90 · Post by **Falconfreak90** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:40 pm

Fair enough TJ....We haven't been able to win at NIU the last 2 times and I'm not gonna bring up our record at the GB the last 5 X.

BG needs that big road MAC win in their hat...