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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Bowling Green Football Game Notes
October 21, 2002 | Football
Oct. 21, 2002
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Ball State (3-4, 1-2) at # 22/24 Bowling Green (6-0, 3-0)
Saturday, October 26, 4 p.m., Perry Stadium (30,599)
Series Record: BGSU leads 15-8-1
Last Meeting: at Bowling Green 35, Ball State 14 (11/13/99)
Radio: WBVI-FM (96.7) Internet: www.bgsufalcons.com / wbvi.com
TV: Time Warner Cable of Western Ohio. 10 p.m. (Delayed)
FALCONS RANKED IN BOTH POLLS
For the first time in school history, BGSU is ranked in both of the two major polls for a second consecutive week. The Falcons are rated 22nd in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll and 24th by the Associated Press. The last time BGSU appeared in a major national poll was in December, 1985, when the Falcons were ranked 20th in the AP poll.
FALCONS AND THE CARDINALS
The Falcons hold a 15-8-1 lead in a series which began in 1942. BGSU is 9-5 in Perry Stadium against Ball State.
STREAKING
The win over Western Michigan gives the Falcons a nine-game winning streak dating back to last year. That is the longest for BGSU since the 1994 season when it won nine in a row. The Falcons have the second longest active winning streak in the country.
AMONG THE NATION'S BEST
The Falcons lead the nation in scoring offense, averaging 49.3 points per game. Junior quarterback Josh Harris maintained his hold as the nation's top scorer at 15.3 points per game with three rushing TDs. He also leads the nation in points responsible for per game at 25.7. Harris also is eighth in total offense (299.2). The Falcons have the nation's most balanced offense and are the only team in NCAA IA to average more than 240 yards rushing (250.2) and 240 yards passing (249.2).
The Falcons also are third in the nation in total offense (499.3), ninth in rushing (250.2) and 21st in punting (37.4). Individually, sophomore kicker Shaun Suisham is 18th in the nation in scoring (9.8) and 22nd in field goals (1.3). Senior wide receiver Robert Redd is 24th in receiving yards (88.3) and 17th in receptions (6.2).
TEN-GAME WINNING STREAKS
The Falcons will be looking to post the fourth 10-game or better winning streak in the history of the program.
1958-60 18 games 1984-85 14 games 1991-92 11 games
A SPECIAL TEAM
The win over Western Michigan was a collective team effort, with three big plays on special teams allowing the Falcons to rally from four 14-point deficits. Junior Mitch Hewitt had a 35-yard rush on a fake punt, redshirt freshman Derrick Lett blocked a punt which allowed BGSU to tie the score at 35-35, and senior Alex Glantzis blocked a potential game-winning 39-yard field goal at the end of regulation. Glantzis was named MAC West Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts.
ALL-AMERICAN CANDIDATE-JOSH HARRIS
Junior quarterback Josh Harris has elevated himself into one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Harris was named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts against WMU. College Football News.com lists Harris as one of the top-10 players in the country this season and CNNSI.com recognized him as a mid-season All-American. Here is a look at his numbers since becoming the Falcons' #1 QB nine games ago.
THE FALCONS
9-0 record 501.2 yards per game of total offense 46.0 points per game Average margin of victory is 21.9 points Wins over Ohio (twice), Northwestern, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Toledo, Missouri and Kansas
HARRIS IN THOSE NINE GAMES 853 yards rushing, 17 TDs 2,129 yards passing, 18 TDs, 6 INT 57.5 completion percentage (153/266) 3 receptions, 62 yards, 3 TDS Three-time MAC Divisional Player of the Week Three-time MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week NCAA I-A Player of the Week (at Northwestern)
AGAINST WESTERN MICHIGAN Rushed for 96 yards and 2 TDs, had 18 rushing yards in overtime... also completed 20 of 39 passes for 254 yards and a 3TDs.
THIS YEAR 492 yards rushing, 13 TDs 93/171, 1,303 yards passing, 10 TDs 299.0 yards of total offense per game Ranked 1st in the country in scoring (15.3) Ranked 1st in the country in pts. resp. for (25.7) Ranked 8th in the country in total offense (299.2)
