Who should we look for against Bowling Green?

[Hemi Man]

What are your strength and weaknesses? What players should we look out for?

As for Troy the defense is very fast. Both defensive ends are projected early round draft choices. The noseguard is the JC defensive player of the year last year and the DT is transfer from Nebraska. Secondary is all new starters, but very talented.

Offense, Senior QB Levi Brown stepped in last year for the injured Jamie Hampton. In 8 starts he threw for 2030 yard with 15 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Dujuan Harris we carry the load at running back, but true freshman Shawn Southward has been impressive in the camp. Jerrel Jernigan at reciever is the burner, but watch for Tebarius Gil, Zack Marcum, Andrew Davis, and Josh Jarboe. There will be some rotating in of receivers. The offense is fast paced, with and even faster pace called nascar. You will know it when you see it. Replaced both tackles so that could have some problems early. They have looked pretty good in camp though.

Lookng forward to making the trip up there.

[Falconfreak90]

Hemi Man,

Glad to hear you'll be at the game. Make sure you stop by our tailgate area right by I 75 and the golf course hill. If you want, I'll PM my cell # so you can call.

I know Troy is a very good team...you don't lead LSU 31-3 last year if you aren't. Same with the OSU game...I was pullin' for ya'll. You guys had a very good season and seem to have the bulk of your talent back.

BG's strengths? QB Tyler Sheehan...he's a 3rd year starter back with most of the skill players. We lost a couple very good WR's from last year. The O line should be solid...Ben Bojicic is only a RS Soph but already a very good center. We return Shane Steffy and Brady Minturn on the line and both are SR's. So with the O, We should be pretty good and we have excellent depth there.

Defensively, we are green. 3 starters return and not a whole lot of depth at certain positions... that is a concern. However, we have a lot of guys that have played extensive minutes and will need to contribute. Guys to look for on D are DB's PJ Mahone and Jahmal Brown,our best tacklers, IMO. Mahone is getting looks from the NFL. LB Cody Basler, I think, is going to roll his SR year. He dropped about 10 lbs to 236 and is much leaner and quicker than the past. Jerrett Sanderson has played a lot over the years and returns at LB. Another guy to keep an eye on...Roger Williams. RW missed most of the year last season with injuries and is on a mission in the secondary and returning kicksoffs.

Our punter is Nick Iovinelli, a third team All MAC selection last season, and he's had a great summer camp. We do break in a new but talented Freshman kicker in Jerry Phillips so we'll have to keep an eye on that.

We have a new coaching staff that has restored responsibility and discipline to the team and the players attitudes are much more positive. There's an electric feeling around the players that I didn't see the last couple years. I think we're in for a very good matchup and BG will have to play excellent ball to win.

Safe travels...

GO FALCONS

[MarkL]

BG is tough to call this year, especially given the new coaching staff, so I'll try to do my best with what we know.

Strengths:
-The offense should be explosive as it returns nearly intact. There's about a half an offensive line to rebuild, though the backups last year were highly touted by the coaches, two extremely talented receivers to replace and one TB to replace. Other than that, everybody is back, including a QB with two years starting under his belt.
-There will be more of an emphasis on the ground game than normal. Two great backs return - Chris Bullock, the thunder back, and Willie Geter, the lightning back. Both have shown flashes of excellence.
-Even though we are replacing two very talented receivers in Marques Parks and Corey Partridge, we have a lot of depth at receiver, maybe more than last year at this time.
-Safeties P.J. Mahone and Jamal Brown have started a ton of games. Mahone is the ball hawk specialist and Brown is more of an enforcer. Both are incredible.

Weaknesses:
-The rest of the defense is very young. One full-time starter in the front seven, linebacker Jarret Sanderson, returns. That being said, other players such as DL Alvorado, Torresso, Tipton, and Johnson and LB Basler all have played quite a bit before. The defense will not be as young or inexperienced as they are written off to be. Two new corners must replace Antonio Smith and Kenny Lewis, who seemed to have started every game in their careers.
-New kicker in Jerry Phillips, who is replacing a very under-rated Sinisa Vrvillo. Phillips has a huge leg and has signs of a promising career, but we haven't seen him on the field yet. Not as much a weakness as a note.
-The team has been very inconsistent and hasn't shown signs of being able to get it done week-to-week or finish a complete season. Hopefully that will change with the new coach, but it has been a glaring weakness in the past, especially last year. They were 19 points from being 8-0 in the MAC, a second half meltdown from beating Minnesota, and a couple of turnovers in the red zone from beating Boise State. Instead of a potential 12-0 season, they finished 6-6, 4-4.

Players to note:
-QB Tyler Sheehan. He has proven to be an effective leader of the offense and has some terrific wins under his belt - 07 at Minnesota, 07 vs Temple, 07 at Buffalo, 07 vs Toledo, 08 at Pitt, 08 at Akron, 08 at Ohio, and 08 at Toledo to name a few. He still can develop further. I would like to see him pass downfield more instead of side-to-side. I'm not sure how much of this tendency from the past has been Sheehan and how much has been the coaches. He also ran a lot last year, and again same thing, not sure how much of that was coaching, but I know Clawson does not want him running as much this year.
-RB/KR Willie Geter. This kid is flat out fast and has possibly the quickest first step I've ever seen. He's almost always the smallest player on the field and can be difficult to tackle. He was famous in HS for bulldozing LB twice his size, but we haven't seen it yet.
-WR Freddie Barnes. He started his career at QB, though he just wasn't effective there, and has played everywhere on the offense. He is an excellent playmaker and we just want the ball to be in his hands as much as often. He became a bit of a passing threat last year, going 3/3 with 2 TD - no telling if that will be repeated or not.
-TE Jimmy Scheidler. He came out of nowhere last year to be an incredible threat in the red zone. He's not huge for a tight end, but he's got great hands and is much faster than most TE.
-C Ben Bojicic. BG centers have quite a reputation and its saying something when he was the biggest recruit out of high school of our recent starting centers. He was only a freshman last season and did exceptionally well, including a pancake that got attention in the Pitt game on a Tyler Sheehan TD run.
-DE Darius Smith. Note - this is sort of a darkhorse player - not much known about him ... yet. He's stepping in to replace one of the best in the business in Briggs, who now is a 49er. Smith has apparently been doing quite well and could be a surprise star in the making on defense.
-LB Cody Basler. First year starting, and elected a team captain. He started two games last year - win over Wyoming where he was MAC East defensive POW, and a win over Toledo, and in both he played great games. Expect little to no drop-off from how Dozier played the last three years.
-FS P.J. Mahone. QB's figured it out after 07 - don't throw his way. He didn't have as many picks in 08, largely because QB's became very afraid, for good reason, of having to make a tackle if they did.

Hope this helps. GO FALCONS!

[Father Brown]

What to look for? BG fans leaving end of 3Q as Troy leaves no doubt about the best program on the field. The main benefit we receive is an assessment of just how bad our coaching staff will be.

[TG1996]

What to look for? BG fans leaving end of 3Q as Troy leaves no doubt about the best program on the field. The main benefit we receive is an assessment of just how bad our coaching staff will be.

Unbelievable.

[MarkL]

What to look for? BG fans leaving end of 3Q as Troy leaves no doubt about the best program on the field. The main benefit we receive is an assessment of just how bad our coaching staff will be.

Dude, if you don't anything productive to post, don't post it. Ridiculous. I should start calling you and Cowboy names like Tek or PCBGSU. Of course, that still may be a compliment to them.

[Bleeding Orange]

What to look for? BG fans leaving end of 3Q as Troy leaves no doubt about the best program on the field. The main benefit we receive is an assessment of just how bad our coaching staff will be.

I would like you to list exactly what you do like about Bowling Green. Since you started posting here a couple of weeks ago, it is clear that in your opinion the athletic director is a piece of crap human being, our marketing department is populated by a bunch of morons, and that our coaching staff will never be able to hold the jock of a coach who lost total control of his program.

This board doesn't ban people, and we've never done it before, but I would be totally behind people around here shaming you out of ever posting here again. People like you contribute absolutely nothing to the discourse that takes place here. You are worse than tekekininini, and that is saying something.

[jpfalcon09]

What to look for? BG fans leaving end of 3Q as Troy leaves no doubt about the best program on the field. The main benefit we receive is an assessment of just how bad our coaching staff will be.

I would like you to list exactly what you do like about Bowling Green. Since you started posting here a couple of weeks ago, it is clear that in your opinion the athletic director is a piece of crap human being, our marketing department is populated by a bunch of morons, and that our coaching staff will never be able to hold the jock of a coach who lost total control of his program.

This board doesn't ban people, and we've never done it before, but I would be totally behind people around here shaming you out of ever posting here again. People like you contribute absolutely nothing to the discourse that takes place here. You are worse than tekekininini, and that is saying something.

BO, he's your typical sports fan who is always negative and thinks he can do a better job. It's morons like him who expect a team to go 12-0 and win the national championship, and anything less is a wasted season. Just ignore him because chances are if things don't start off well this season for the Falcons, he'll be poking his nose around here more with his "I told ya so's!"

As for the original post, most of it has been touched on...a strong offense with a young defense that should mature as the season progresses. I, and most of us here don't know what to expect since a new coaching staff is here. We're excited that things have changed in terms of attitude, but until we see what the Falcons are made of on the field in certain situations, who knows.

Players to watch:
QB Tyler Sheehan
RB Willie Geter
WR Freddie Barnes
WR Chris Wright (he proved a lot last year, IMO)
LB Cody Basler
FS P.J. Mahone
SS Jahmal Brown

We lost a good DT in Michael Ream who got kicked off for disciplinary reasons. Thin up front and on the corners. I still question whether or not Sheehan can consistently throw an accurate deep ball, since we ran too much dink and dunk last year.

I'm impressed with Troy's program and the teams they play every year. Much like BG, you guys schedule tough games and come out very competitive. We look forward to seeing you guys next Thursday!

[Flipper]

hemi man...if you see a reaallllly seedy looking old guy with a huge beer gut, a long scraggly beard, a cowboy hat with a snake's head on it and a very distinctive drunken gait...that is not Santa on a bender. That's the Snakeman...or as others call him "Blue" (after that old guy in that Will Ferrel movie....you know, the one where Will plays a really strange guy who likes to yell and do really over the top physical humor...oh wait, that's every Will Ferrel movie). If you see this man, do NOT allow him near your tailgate...he will not leave...ever...you may find him passed out on your roof after the game....

Oh...yeah...father Brown is a bit of a douche....

[Father Brown]

What to look for? BG fans leaving end of 3Q as Troy leaves no doubt about the best program on the field. The main benefit we receive is an assessment of just how bad our coaching staff will be.

I would like you to list exactly what you do like about Bowling Green. Since you started posting here a couple of weeks ago, it is clear that in your opinion the athletic director is a piece of crap human being, our marketing department is populated by a bunch of morons, and that our coaching staff will never be able to hold the jock of a coach who lost total control of his program.

This board doesn't ban people, and we've never done it before, but I would be totally behind people around here shaming you out of ever posting here again. People like you contribute absolutely nothing to the discourse that takes place here. You are worse than tekekininini, and that is saying something.

No need to ban. I wouldnt give you the pleasure.

[Father Brown]

hemi man...if you see a reaallllly seedy looking old guy with a huge beer gut, a long scraggly beard, a cowboy hat with a snake's head on it and a very distinctive drunken gait...that is not Santa on a bender. That's the Snakeman...or as others call him "Blue" (after that old guy in that Will Ferrel movie....you know, the one where Will plays a really strange guy who likes to yell and do really over the top physical humor...oh wait, that's every Will Ferrel movie). If you see this man, do NOT allow him near your tailgate...he will not leave...ever...you may find him passed out on your roof after the game....

Oh...yeah...father Brown is a bit of a douche....

Flipper, its unfortunate that alternative views cant be presented here. But you clearly are a poor representative of a democratic opinion process. Very classy post here by the way, glad to see BG has alum like you.

[Flipper]

Alternative views? You aren't presenting an alternative view, you're simply criticizing for the sake of criticizing. How can you possibly pass judgment on Clawson as a head coach here when he hasn't even coached his first game? I'm not sure if you're simply a troll or one of those jackasses that equates cynicism and negativity with sophistication and intelligence...frankly, I don't think I care.

[Bleeding Orange]

What to look for? BG fans leaving end of 3Q as Troy leaves no doubt about the best program on the field. The main benefit we receive is an assessment of just how bad our coaching staff will be.

I would like you to list exactly what you do like about Bowling Green. Since you started posting here a couple of weeks ago, it is clear that in your opinion the athletic director is a piece of crap human being, our marketing department is populated by a bunch of morons, and that our coaching staff will never be able to hold the jock of a coach who lost total control of his program.

This board doesn't ban people, and we've never done it before, but I would be totally behind people around here shaming you out of ever posting here again. People like you contribute absolutely nothing to the discourse that takes place here. You are worse than tekekininini, and that is saying something.

BO, he's your typical sports fan who is always negative and thinks he can do a better job. It's morons like him who expect a team to go 12-0 and win the national championship, and anything less is a wasted season. Just ignore him because chances are if things don't start off well this season for the Falcons, he'll be poking his nose around here more with his "I told ya so's!"

You're probably right, but I'm not inclined to apologize. People like that would absolutely ruin sports for me if I allowed them to. Especially at the collegiate level, I just don't understand the nature of such blatant and overt douchebaggery.

As for the original intent of this thread, I am most excited to see Willie Geter this year. In the few instances that I/we have had to see him, I have been of the opinion that he can be a complete game changer. He is so strong and fast that, if he can avoid injury, he can absolutely dominate the MAC, and probably run all over most OOC opponents. I'm also very excited to see the our Blocks of Granite continue to develop in front of Tyler. We have had some impressive recruits along the O-line over the past couple of years, and if they can come together as a unit, I think we may see Tyler have the time he needs to read his down-field routes effectively this year.

Defense is the big question for me, as it is for everyone else. We have talented people all over that side of the field, just lacking in experience. Based on all of the reports that I have heard out of camp, though, I am excited about the energy and determination that the D is said to be playing. In years past, the defense has always seemed to look lethargic and under-practiced in camp. I'm hoping that we are all pleasantly surprised, but I wouldn't be shocked or disheartened if we struggled on D this year.

[Pete Segaard]

What to look for? BG fans leaving end of 3Q as Troy leaves no doubt about the best program on the field. The main benefit we receive is an assessment of just how bad our coaching staff will be.

Dude, if you don't anything productive to post, don't post it. Ridiculous. I should start calling you and Cowboy names like Tek or PCBGSU. Of course, that still may be a compliment to them.

Father Brown = Cowboy Joe

[Falconfreak90]

hemi man...if you see a reaallllly seedy looking old guy with a huge beer gut, a long scraggly beard, a cowboy hat with a snake's head on it and a very distinctive drunken gait...that is not Santa on a bender. That's the Snakeman...or as others call him "Blue" (after that old guy in that Will Ferrel movie....you know, the one where Will plays a really strange guy who likes to yell and do really over the top physical humor...oh wait, that's every Will Ferrel movie). If you see this man, do NOT allow him near your tailgate...he will not leave...ever...you may find him passed out on your roof after the game....

Hemi,

Flipper makes a very good point about Snakeman. He is like Medusa...one look and you're dead. He'll make a beeline for your cooler and want a beer.