Bowling Green State University Athletics
Kupke Helps Falcon Line Succeed
October 14, 2002 | Football
Oct. 14, 2002
By JACK CARLE, Sentinel Sports Editor - After making a mistake, players dread coming to the bench.
That's because they know they're going to hear about it from a member of the coaching staff.
With the success of Bowling Green's offense so far this fall, 24 touchdowns in four games on the way to a 4-0 record, it's getting so the Falcons have to watch themselves even after doing something right.
Especially if you're an offensive lineman like Greg Kupke and your position coach is Greg Studrawa.
"There are times on the sidelines when he just comes after you," Kupke said about Studrawa. "You have to run away from him or he'll beat the heck out of you because he is so excited.
"There isn't much glory in our position," Kupke continued. "The biggest gratification for me is coming off the field and seeing my coach give you that nod or that slap on the head ... They are the ones that know."
The Falcons lead the nation in scoring and are second in total offense heading into Saturday's contest at Central Michigan. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. for CMU's Homecoming.
"I think we have a great scheme," said Kupke, a fifth-year senior. "I think we have great players who execute the scheme, along with the coaching staff which does a great job of getting us prepared week in and week out."
An 18-game starter for the Falcons in his career, Kupke has been a main cog in the offensive line this season from his right guard spot.
"I love the kid to death," said Studrawa, himself a former offensive lineman for the Falcons, who is in his second year on BG's coaching staff. "He wants it so bad ... He has the desire and he wants to go out a winner."
Studrawa said Kupke was at his best last Saturday against Ohio in BG's 72-21 victory.
"OU threw just about every blitz known to man to stop our running game," Studrawa said. "Those guys picked it up and 'Kup' was a major part in picking it up.
"It was the best game he's played for me in the last two years. He had 17 knockdowns."
Kupke prefers to think of himself as part of a unit, not wanting any individual credit.
"I think we play collectively on the offensive line as opposed to having individuals," Kupke said. "When you flip on the film, we are just playing on all cylinders and executing, which is the most important thing."
Eighteen months ago, there were questions as to how effective Kupke would be on the field, even if he got a chance to play again.
In April, 2001, Kupke underwent surgery to repair damage in his right knee.
He worked with former teammate Kurt Gerling, who was also coming off knee surgery, to get back for the first game of the 2001 season.
"I came back in four months and that was to help the team to have success because I believe so firmly in what Coach (Urban) Meyer was conveying to the team," Kupke said. "I did help contribute and that was the most important thing to me ... The injury held me back a little, but it was my own pride that I wanted to be in there every snap."
While not fully recovered at any time last season, Kupke played in all 11 games, earning five starts.
"I couldn't get him off the field at the end of the year ... he was playing so well," Studrawa said. "That's just a tribute to the kind of kid he is."
Kupke says he's at 100 percent this season.
"I feel really comfortable," he said. "I think being able to rehab for another year and get myself physically right as well as mentally has made a huge difference."
For Kupke and fellow fifth-year seniors Jon Mazur (center) and Dennis Wendel (left tackle), time is running out on their college career.
"Jon and I were talking about where we are right now. It's what we had dreamed of when we initially came here," Kupke said.
"Obviously we're not satisfied. This is our last crack at anything.
"We really want to leave here with a bang; it's important for us."
The Falcons face a stiff test Saturday at Central Michigan, 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the Mid-American Conference.
"He's a Michigan guy and his final decision really came down to Bowling Green or Central Michigan," Studrawa said. "A lot of his family and friends go there."
"We can't underestimate any of our opponents," Kupke said. "They (CMU) want to make their mark by beating us. I don't want this to end and I'm going to play like that."
Even to the point of taking a hit from Studrawa when he reaches the sidelines.
