Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcon Football Enjoys A Week Off
October 22, 2001 | Football
Oct. 22, 2001
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A NEW ERA
First-year Bowling Green State University football coach Urban Meyer is the 15th person to lead the Falcon football program. An Ohio native, he brings 15 years of experience as a Division I assistant and has coached in seven bowl games. He most recently was the receivers coach at Notre Dame after serving on staffs at Ohio State, Illinois State and Colorado State. Meyer was recently tabbed as the MAC's Midseason Coach of the Year by ESPN.com
AGAINST THE RUSH
The Falcons have held all seven opponents this season, and 13 of the last 17 foes, to under 100 yards rushing. Since 1999, BGSU is 11-6 in those games and 1-11 when an opponent rushes for more than 100 yards.
SECOND HALF COMEBACK
The Falcons overcame a deficit (9-7) in the second-half for the second time this season on the road during the win at Akron. Earlier this season, BGSU came back from a 13-7 deficit at Missouri.
THE URBAN MEYER IMPACT
The Falcons have more than doubled their win total from the 2000 season with five victories and tripled their East Division wins with three.
BGSU is averaging 4,800 more fans per game at home.
The MAC's worst offense in 2000, BGSU is averaging 85.4 more yards per game. The Falcons 196 points in seven games betters the mark of 174 scored all of last season.
The Falcons have allowed just 2.0 sacks per game after allowing a MAC-worst 4.6 per game last season.
BGSU has nearly doubled its points per game, averaging 28 points per game after averaging 15.8 last season.
The Falcon defense is allowing a touchdown less per game lowering their points allowed total to 18.3 from 26.8 last season.
The Falcons rushing yardage has improved from 98.4 yards per game to 157 yards per game.
Falcon quarterbacks are completing 61.4 percent of their passes compared to 48.4 percent a year ago.
The Falcon defense is allowing 294.9 yards per game as opposed to 352 yards per game a year ago. The Falcon defense is allowing 62 yards per game rushing after allowing 132.4 a year ago.
BGSU has forced the same number of fumbles (10) as it did last season. Eight different players have interceptions for the Falcons this season.
RECENT TEAM TRENDS
The Falcons posted back-to-back efforts of 400+ yards of total offense with 414 yards against Kent State and 419 against Western Michigan.
The Falcons set a school-record with 100 plays on offense against Kent State.
DEFENSE AMONG NATION'S BEST
The Falcons held Akron to 18 yards rushing in the second half on 15 carries and 85 yards on 35 carries for the game, marking the seventh straight game that BGSU has held its opponent under 100 yards rushing. Since 1999, BGSU is 11-6 when it accomplishes that feat and 1-11 when an opponent rushes for more than 100 yards as a team. BGSU entered the game ranked 5th in the country in rushing defense, while Akron averaged 175 yards a game on the ground.
This is the fourth time in 15 games (2000-Kent State, Eastern Michigan, 2001-Buffalo, Akron) that BGSU's defense has not allowed a touchdown.
Brandon Hicks had the team's first safety since Joe O'Neill recorded one in 1996 against Ball State.
The Falcons tied a season-best with three interceptions.
Freshman cornerback Keon Newson started his first game and led the team with nine tackles. He recorded his first career interception and made a game-saving tackle at the two-yard line on fourth down to keep the Zips from tying the game.
Sophomore Janssen Patton, who is on the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, intercepted his fourth pass of the season and eighth of his career.
Senior free safety Sergio Lund picked off his first career pass.
As a unit, the Falcon defense boasts six players who have 20 or more career starts. BGSU leads the MAC and is fifth in the country against the run in large part to the veteran line play of second-team All-MAC choice Hicks (31 tackles, 10 TFL, 5 sacks) and defensive end Ryan Wingrove (27 tackles, 8 TFL's). Both are returning starters.
Senior strong safety Chad Long leads the team with 45 tackles, while senior linebacker Khary Campbell leads the MAC with four fumble recoveries, including one for a TD.
Campbell is not the only defender who has found the end zone this year. Long had a 30-yard fumble recovery for a TD against Temple and Hicks added a 31-yard interception return in that game. Sophomore cornerback Janssen Patton (4 iNT's, 12 PBU's) returned an onside kick 42-yards for score giving BGSU four non-offensive TD's this season.
Senior defensive end Chris Glantzis (33 tackles, 11 for a loss), junior defensive tackle Alex Glantzis (19 tackles), and junior middle linebacker Chris Haneline (35 tackles, 5 TFL's) are first year starters who have played a big role in the Falcons success.
Senior free safety Sergio Lund (27 tackles, 2 forced fumbles) and senior outside linebacker Garry Fisher (25 tackles) are two unheralded players who are both having outstanding years.
OFFENSE CATCHING UP
With a team-best eight catches for 70 yards, junior Robert Redd has caught 36 passes for 447 yards and four TD's in the last four games.
Freshman Cole Magner saw his most extensive action of the season at quarterback and rushed for 86 yards, including a 38-yard TD.
Junior left tackle Dennis Wendel, redshirt freshman left guard Scott Mruczkowski, junior center Jon Mazur and senior right guard Mike Bodnar are first-time, full-time starters at their respective positions. Mazur started last season seven times at left guard. Senior right tackle Malcolm Robinson (18 consecutive starts) was the only returning starter and junior right guard Greg Kupke (10 career starts) is coming off major knee surgery.
SOMETHING SPECIAL
Junior punter Pat Fleming has nailed 12 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Redshirt freshman kicker Shaun Suisham has made 26 of 27 PAT's, including 25 in a row.
INJURY REPORT
Redshirt freshman guard Andrew Hart (ACL) and sophomore tight end Jason Van Dam (concussion) are out. Sophomore quarterback Josh Harris (ankle) did not play against Akron.
FRESHMEN GETTING A CHANCE TO MAKE AN IMPACT
Coach Meyer has been impressed with the play of several true freshmen so far.
Cole Magner is coming off his most extensive time at QB after starting training camp as the #4 quarterback. He also plays wide receiver and had a 51-yard kickoff return against Western Michigan.
James Hawkins has caught seven passes for 84 yards and has returned a team-high 11 kickoffs. He leads the team in yards per catch (12.4).
Cornerback Keon Newson led the Falcons with nine tackles and added his first interception against Akron in his first career start.
Defensive back T.J. Carswell is making contributions on special teams and in situational opportunities.
Linebacker Daniel Sayles also has been a special teams contributor.
