Matt Johnson and Other Thoughts

[Rollo83]

Kudos to Matt Johnson for infusing some excitement into the offense tonight and making a few plays with his legs. He did things Schiltz can't do.

Having said that, I am not exactly excited about his ability to lead us to a championship. He has to wind up so much to deliver the football its unbelievable. His arm is worefully weak past 20 yeards. That gives d-backs an extra beat or two to react. Plus, his size makes it harder for him to find lanes to throw in.

I am certainly not advocating going back to Schiltz, but worry that teams will gameplan for Johnson and make him throw from the pocket, which certainly isn't his strong point.

Defense looks great again. They put pressure on the offense and they are good tacklers. Something I don't think I would ever say about a BG team.

When I heard Houston was a 265 pound running back, I had my doubts. But he can be a force. He certainly didn't look like a sloppy 265 pounds. He looks like he can carry that weight and still be effective. He will be a real weapon for us this year in short yardage and at the goal line.

Greene looked pretty quick and shifty but not sure he's Samuel's equal yet. Samuel was a homerun hitter who could take it the distance at any time. Maybe Greene will get there but he has to develop more than his spin move. Loved that Coppet got some carries. Love that we are turning to younger players in the backfield.

Moore looked like the real deal. We haven't had that kind of speed at BG since...maybe never? It will be interesting to see how Clawson gets him the ball going forward.

On to Kent State. Defense is very good but offense will need to develop if we are to really be a contender in the East.

[FortWayneFalcon]

I respect the call to go to Johnson so soon in the game; he displayed the intensity that has been missing on offense. I think his pass game will improve as the run game gains confidence. Can't wait to see them again at IU!

[Globetrotter]

Didn't show much loyalty naming your qb the starter then pulling him two series in. Will have to hear the explanation but it seems odd. Combining that with the rb debacle and that's two mishandlings at the two biggest positions on a college football team.

I think Johnson should start but yanking schilz that early was bad. I'm not at all concerned with Johnson's release or arm strength. He brings so much more to the table he has to plat

[jpfalcon09]

Didn't show much loyalty naming your qb the starter then pulling him two series in. Will have to hear the explanation but it seems odd. Combining that with the rb debacle and that's two mishandlings at the two biggest positions on a college football team.

I think Johnson should start but yanking schilz that early was bad. I'm not at all concerned with Johnson's release or arm strength. He brings so much more to the table he has to plat

Was the same old Schilz. Happy feet, poor decision making and bad throws. I thought Johnson should have been the starter all along and obviously so did Clawson, he just let his senior have a chance to show what he could do. Johnson will improve with more practice with the first team.

[BGSUFanatic7]

What running back debacle?

[Globetrotter]

Didn't show much loyalty naming your qb the starter then pulling him two series in. Will have to hear the explanation but it seems odd. Combining that with the rb debacle and that's two mishandlings at the two biggest positions on a college football team.

I think Johnson should start but yanking schilz that early was bad. I'm not at all concerned with Johnson's release or arm strength. He brings so much more to the table he has to plat

Was the same old Schilz. Happy feet, poor decision making and bad throws. I thought Johnson should have been the starter all along and obviously so did Clawson, he just let his senior have a chance to show what he could do. Johnson will improve with more practice with the first team.

I guess that's a more positive way to look at it. I just remember how crappy it was to give Todd boekmon the job at Osu a few years ago when they knew tp was going to play. Seemed unloyal.

[Globetrotter]

What running back debacle?

Not leaving the door wide open for they our best player to come back

[jpfalcon09]

What running back debacle?

Not leaving the door wide open for they our best player to come back

A RB by committee that gained 233 yards on the ground made me forget about Anthon tonight. He'll be missed but Greene/Coppet/Houston will more than make up his production.

[ZuluWarrior]

Shocked at how quick Schilz was disposed of. You have to think you give your starter the first half of the first game at the very least. We've seen the last of Schilz and I felt bad for him. Johnson can run, but they have to be able to throw deep and saw nothing to make me think that he can. I'm just not sure Johnson is a guy that can lead us to a championship this season. I'm not saying he can't, but last night left the question too wide open for my liking.

[Flipper]

Maybe the wrong things were said on the sidelines?

[trooperden]

The best player should be on the field, winning is the name of the game

[Flipper]

So...this obsession with Anthon Samuel is going to be the football equivalent of James Erger?

[Warthog]

So...this obsession with Anthon Samuel is going to be the football equivalent of James Erger?

Actually, Samuel probably is a better basketball player than Erger.

[slashba33]

Went to the game last night, and I hate to be in the minority that said I told you so, but I think it was going to happen sooner rather than later that Clawson pulled the Schilz 4.0 plug. Right or wrong, he gave him the starting job, the headlines, etc. but knew it was the same song different verse. Johnson played like a guy off the bench...someone that looked hungry to have the starting position. Our vertical passing game is still in question and have to take chances down field for long-term MAC success.

[Falconfreak90]

I feel badly for Schilz as well...I really thought he was prepared to take the next step. And he may still be. I was shocked how quickly he was pulled. Johnson did well with his feet but his passing does need work, as others have said. I don't think we've seen the last of Schilz...we WILL need him this year and when he gets another opportunity, I hope he makes the most of it. That said, whoever the guy is to lead us to the MAC title is the guy that needs to play.