Guest Blogger: Falconblog

BC is not the only school off to a better than expected start. Our upcoming opponent Bowling Green has bounced back from a down 2006 to start 3-1. The early highlight was upsetting Minnesota on the road in the season opener. Given how the past two weeks have been, I expect another tough game for BC. To get a better perspective on the Falcons, I've asked BJ from FalconBlog to answer a few questions about his team.


1. Bowling Green was the birthplace of Urban Meyer's spread option and you are still running a version of it. What are the major differences between what BC fans have seen the Gators run vs what you guys do?

Falconblog: Well, the primary difference between the spread offense that Meyer ran here at BG and the offense we run today is that the Meyer spread utilizes a lot more running. Not only did Meyer spread the field out and throw it around, but he also used QB runs along with a lot of option looks to move the ball. With Josh Harris--or Tim Tebow--under center, its just a devastating look. The current coach--who was Meyer's offensive coordinator here at BG--uses a version of the spread that relies a lot more on the passing game. Coach Brandon has said we are a passing team. Consequently, if you look at our stats, our RBs have carries on only about 20% of our offensive plays.


2. The Defense is allowing a lot of points and yardage for a 3-1 team. Two struggling teams (Temple and Minnesota) have put up points on the Falcons. What are the problems?

Falconblog: Hmm. Well, to avoid the premise of your question just a little, let me say what's right about the defense, and that is turnovers. We are +8 in margin so far this year, and play a predatory D. We also have gotten good pressure on the QBs. Temple had a couple garbage TDs late, and Minnesota is bigger and stronger than we are and wore us down. For the purposes of our game with Boston College, I would say the problems are size and inexperience. The two-deep for our last game showed only TWO seniors and one of those is a converted TE. For our general purposes, we often tackle poorly in space, especially against elusive quarterbacks. We are susceptible to a team that establishes the running going over the top for a home run.


3. LB Erique Dozier and QB Tyler Sheehan get a lot of the attention when people talk about Bowling Green. Who are some of the lessor known players who will make an impact against BC?

FalconBlog: Here are the top six players to watch for an impact Saturday:

1. Kory Lichtensteiger--Probably our best player, the C is ranked #2 on Kiper's draft list. He's been all-conference three times.
2. Corey Partridge--Our best receiver, he has been hampered by injuries. When healthy, no team (including in the BCS) has had an answer for him.
3. Diryal Briggs--Our defensive end, Briggs is a junior and an absolute beast. Strong off the corner and hard to block. 3.5 sacks so far.
4. PJ Mahone--A predator out of the safety position, he has three INTs so far this year. A tremendous athlete.
5. Jahmal Brown--our other safety, has forced two fumbles this year. Aggressive ball hawk.
6. Freddie Barnes--A converted QB, Freddie is turning into a quality receiver who leads the team in receptions. A winner and playmaker.


4. What is your prediction for the game?

FalconBlog: I'll probably be harassed in the Falcon Nation, but BC is the best team we are playing this year. I don't think we'll get blown out, but BC is not Minnesota or MSU. Eagles 31, Falcons 20.

For more on Bowling Green, be sure to check out Falconblog.