Countdown ~ Rockets Welcome Falcons to the Glass Bowl

For football fans in Northwest Ohio, the back-to-back mid-week EPSN2 games were hard to watch. Nature played a role in the viewers’ difficulties. On Tuesday, it was the nature of the play of the Rockets that was hard to watch.

On Wednesday, the fog made it hard to even see the players.

Those games are over and it’s time to focus on the annual Battle of I-75, a game with a long history and one which is a target contest for both teams beginning in spring practice. I’m sure Coach Clawson would like nothing better than to knock off the Rockets in the Glass Bowl to provide some spark to an otherwise disappointing campaign. Coach Beckman knows full well the historical importance of this game having coached on both sides now (queue Joni Mitchell.) Beyond history, this game portends more for the Rockets immediate future, securing a winning record and an almost certain bowl bid. While the goal this year was getting to the MAC championship game, these alternative accomplishments would be very noteworthy in Coach Beckman’s second year.

The Falcons on Offense:

Injuries along the offensive line has made every point scored by the Brown and Orange, a most cherished event, topping 20 points only once in the last three games. And its’ no wonder with their rushing offense ranked at the bottom of NCAA current statistics with a 2.03 yard per carry average. The Falcon air game is significantly better garnering nearly 234 yard per game via the pass. One key example is in the last three games, a different center has started for the Falcons.

Senior RB Willie Jeter (5’8”, 176#) has more than half of BG’s rushes with a 3.5 ypc average. Freshman RB Jordan Hopgood (6’0”, 200#), while averaging less than two yards per tote, is used in short yardage situations. Hopgood has crossed the goal line six times, the same as Jeter.

Freshman QB Matt Schilz (6’2”, 212#) has been the Falcon starter from game one, missing two games with a shoulder injury. Ranked as the fifth best QB recruit of non-BCS schools, Schliz has performed admirably. While completing 60.4% of his passes, Schilz ranks 12^th nationally in passes completed per game at 23+. His 9 INTs to 5 TD passes stat is noteworthy putting his passing efficiency at the bottom of the statistical heap. A large percentage of the BG aerial attack is via the screen pass to running backs, tight ends and wide outs. One reason is to offset the number of QB sacks, 27 and counting, taken by BG QBs.

JC transfer WR Kamar Jorden (6’3”, 196#)) has nearly 37% of all Falcon receptions averaging 8 grabs per game and more than 92 yards per game putting him in the top five receivers in the nation in total catches. By way of comparison, Eric page is averaging 7.3 catches per game accounting for nearly 43% of Rocket receptions. WRs Tyrone Pronty, Calvin Wiley, and RB Jeter have collectively tallied 75 grabs.

The Falcons on Defense:

The secondary has taken some hits this year with a starter losing his position and then regaining it; a starting CB going out in the Kent State game with an ankle injury and yet to return; a starting FS out with a should injury followed by a concussion; and another CB (team leader in passes defended) being dismissed from the team. Despite this turmoil, the Falcon pass defense is allowing some 20 yards per game fewer than the Rockets. The major problem for Coach Clawson’s defensive unit is stopping the run where they rank just above the bottom 10 of the nation.

The BG D is led by LBs Dwayne Woods (tops in total tackles with 111 to go with two forced fumbles and eight passes defended) and Eugene Fells (tops with 8.5 TFL). Upfront, DT Chris Jones is the sack leader with 6.0 and has 7.5 TFL while DT Darius Smith has accounted for three of the team’s eight QB hurries. The secondary is led by S Jovan Leacock with a second best 83 tackles with S Keith Morgan leading the Falcons in picks with three.

The switching of defensive personnel has been an issue in the last couple games or so with injuries and that suspension. Still, the Falcons find a way to stay in most of their games and hang in ‘til the end.

The Falcons Special Teams:

The field goal duties have been shifted from Bryan Wright (4 for 9, missing every kick 30 yards and beyond) to Kyle Burkhardt (1 for 2, missing from 43 yards against Miami.)

Wright also handles the punting with the coverage team allowing 9.4 yards per return; less than half his punts have been returned. PR Eugene Cooper, back from an ankle tweak, does a good job returning punts and has taken one the distance for six points. Wright handles the kickoffs with more than one in five kickoffs resulting in a touchback. Kickoff coverage for the Falcons has been good holding opponents to about 20 yards per return. Tyrone Pronty and Boo Boo Gates share kickoff returns, both averaging between 20 and 25 yards per return. Gates has gone to the house on a season long 75 yard return.

What to look for:

• Tight end screen when freshman Alex Bayer comes into the game
• Wide open play calling - what else would you expect from a BG v UT game?
• Jordan Hopgood running out of the wildcat formation
• Lots of screen pass plays from BG
• BG to test the Rockets’ flanks with sweeps and sideline passes
• Rockets to return their running game in fine fashion in the Glass Bowl
• Too many penalties on both teams
• Turnovers to favor the Rockets by two or more
• Rockets will have more sacks than they allow
• The game will be close into the fourth quarter

This is always more than a game for both teams. While some Rocket players may have not been aware that they were playing in a homecoming game against Wyoming, there will be no such misunderstanding the importance of THE RIVALRY in Northwestern Ohio. A rivalry both teams and their fans get to share with the nation on ESPN2.

I've looked at life from both sides now,
From win and lose, and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall.
I really don't know life at all. “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell

GO ROCKETS!

Media Coverage

Televised on ESPN2 HD College Football Primetime at 8:00 pm (ET)

Live Internet audio coverage is available via RocketVision and WSPD.com Audio also available on the Rocket Sports Network (WJMO-AM 1300 Cleveland and WDTW-AM 1310 Detroit). For a Bird’s eye perspective tune into WFAL.

Kickoff at 8:07 pm (ET)

Weather Forecast:

Chilly, high of 49° (feels like 43°), low of 37° (feels like 25°) with occasional evening rain

and drizzle, SWS winds of 16 mph with gusts to 24 mph. 

Bundle up with spirit. The country will be watching!