Biggest concern heading into the Buffalo game

[BGSU33]

BG is playing its best football of the year, and this is exactly the time of the year you want to be doing it. The last three games leading up to the MAC East title game vs Buffalo have been extremely impressive watching them unfold. I can honestly say I can't remember feeling this confident in a BG team in about a decade. The guys are playing with confidence and you can see it across the board on the field and I LOVE it! That said, my concern about the Buffalo game is, how are we going too respond when Buffalo punches us in the mouth?

What I mean by that is, the last three games were blowouts. The ones against Miami and EMU could have been expected, but I didn't see it coming against Ohio. But OU was a decent team and we destroyed them. My concern is that things have been going so well over the last several weeks, that I wonder how this team will respond in an actual battle with a team that won't be a pushover. When you look at BG and UB, both teams sort of mirror one another this season. We both have identical records, we both have done about the exact same things against the same opponents both teams faced, and even the styles of play are pretty similar (good running teams, balance passing, solid defense and special teams).

We all know our track record in close games and it's not good (this year alone we've lost both games decided by one score). We also all know what has happened in trying to win the MAC East Championship in recent years (blew a 27-7 fourth-quarter lead at home to Buffalo and lost 40-34 in OT in 2008, and lost 31-24 to Kent State last year). I do feel this year's team is different and can finally get over the hump. I actually do feel BG is he better team here as well. But the question remains to be answered, can this BG team finally close the deal? Is it in fact different, or will history continue to repeat itself? We'll find out Friday? GO BG!!!

[Rollo83]

I think we're due to win a game like this.

[BGSU33]

I think we're due to win a game like this.

No doubt about it.

[Flipper]

It's interesting...win the East and go bowling and I think most of us...like 95%...would be happy with Clawson and we'd want him to stay. That scenario probably sees him landing a better gig. Lose to Buffalo...maybe not get a bowl and he stays. And a large % of fans would want him gone.

It would seem that there's a lot riding on this one...

[thewebboy]

Keys to victory...

Score early
Get the ball to our playmakers... Greene & Moore (control the clock)
Limit sacks (Contain Mack)
Stop the run (Oliver)

If we can do this I like our chances.

[falconfan1]

flip, lose THIS game and a "large percentage" would want the head coach gone? By large percentage do you mean 50 plus percent of fans or just a couple very large fans? Better hope you can do better w another coach if somebody believe that. Based on wins, progress, character, recruiting, graduation rates, overcoming about a zillion injuries (this year), I would rate this staff very very highly. Lose a road game against a good opponent? Don't think we will, but things do happen. We lost three games this year w two coming down to the last play. Literally.

Go Falcons!

[Flipper]

I think if you spend any time here...at all...you'd see that "large percentage" is pretty self explanantory.

Yes..we lost two games on the last play...we always do...that's the problem. But, that's negative thinking. We're going to win this one

[falconfan1]

Don't spend much time on here that's for sure. I guess the large percentage would be people who frequent the site and post- not the majority of Falcon fans. I understand. I'm too busy trying to figure out who we can hire to change the results on those two snaps Gee whiz, we would be 10-1! But as you say, let's go. Beat the Bulls!

Go Falcons!

[kdog27]

I don't want him gone if we lose but it would be very disappointing. Win this game and he can silence his critics.

I finally like what I see on both sides of the ball.

[MarkL]

My biggest concern is the health of the LB. Those guys have been hit hard with injuries this year. If those guys are healthy and playing hard and we get another fast start, I think we roll to a win. And don't underestimate Khalil Mack. He might be the single best player we've seen all year long on either side of the ball.

[Beaker]

Does anyone know the injury status for Jude or Heath Jackson?

[MarkL]

I believe Jackson will be in. I hope our depth LBs are in, some of those guys missed EMU.

[FalconRA]

According to what Clawson said last week Heath Jackson could have played in an emergency bu tthey wanted to wait another week. So I think he should be playing. Not sure about Jude.

[BGSU33]

Does anyone know the injury status for Jude or Heath Jackson?

Clawson said both could have played in an emergency situation against EMU if needed, so I would expect them to play. I still haven't heard anything on Ford though.

[Beaker]

Thanks guys, that's good news. We'll need all hands on deck for this one.