OFFENSE

The Falcons are determined to put some more spark and firepower in their attack, based on the hope that sophomore quarterback Matt Schilz will quickly evolve into a big-time thrower. He started 10 games last season and threw for 2,223 yards and eight touchdowns, with seven games of 200-plus yards. Redshirt freshman Trent Hurley gives Bowling Green a very capable backup.

The running game loses ultra-productive Willie Geter. Sophomore Jordan Hopgood has the edge to take the lead role after scoring six touchdowns in 2010. Erique Geiger and John Pettigrew have some experience and could share the carries, while redshirt freshman Jamel Martin shows promise.

The targets for Schilz are numerous, led by first-team All-MAC pick Kamar Jorden, who had 1,109 yards and four touchdown grabs last season. If seniors Eugene Cooper and Adrian Hodges improve on their modest numbers and sophomore Shaun Joplin fulfills the promise he showed in the spring, this group could be a strength. Justus Jones and Steven Dunlap are all pushing for roles in what should be a prolific air attack.

After a season of chaos brought on by injuries, things look very stable up front, where four starters return to familiar positions. Senior center Ben Bojicic is a two-time Rimington Award nominee and the anchor this offense needs in the middle. Chip Robinson, Jordon Roussos and Dominic Flewellyn also return as starters, while Scott Lewis, Kyle Bryant, Darion Delaney and Isaiah Byler are solidly in the rotation.
 

DEFENSE

Bowling Green plans to maximize its strengths to shore up the uncertain areas, and one of those strong areas is at tackle, where four top performers are back. By moving senior Kevin Moore to end, the Falcons address one need. Veteran Chris Jones is at one tackle, with Jairus Campbell and Ted Ouellet taking the other slot. Bryan Thomas and Charlie Walker are battling for the starting job at the other end.

Middle linebacker goes to second-team All-MAC pick Dwayne Woods, while Paul Swan likely starts next to Woods, with D.J. Lynch, Gabe Martin, Jason Rice and Eric Jordan all involved.

Returning starter Cameron Truss and DeVon McKoy are the corners, backed up by Adrien Spencer and Aunre’ Davis. Boo Boo Gates could possibly challenge Keith Morgan for the start at Rover. Jovan Leacock returns at one safety, with Aaron Foster at the other. Ryland Ward and Austin Collier are pushing for playing time at safety as well.
 

SPECIALISTS

Competition prevails in the kicking game, where Kyle Burkhardt has the edge over Tyler Tate and Stephen Stein to handle the placekicking. The punting duties likely go to transfer Brian Schmiedebusch or to junior Jerry Phillips. Joplin should put some bang in the return game.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Coach Dave Clawson finally has his stamp on the program in his third season. It’s still a very young group, but there are enough strengths in the right places that the Falcons should be able to make a jump after suffering through a 2–10 season a year ago. The Falcons have 38 lettermen and 13 starters back, and there is continuity on the coaching staff.

Clawson built powerhouse programs at Richmond and Fordham and was named the D-I-AA Coach of the Year twice, once at each stop. He has a lot more work to do in order to contend for similar honors at Bowling Green.