Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcon Season Opener is Less Than Three Weeks Away
August 09, 2002 | Football
Aug. 9, 2002
FALCON TRADITION
The Falcons, who enter their 51st season as a Mid-American Conference member, rank second in MAC history in both conference wins (206) and championships (10). The Falcons' .607 winning percentage ranks third all-time. Miami, which is in its 54th season in the MAC, leads in wins (224), championships (13) and winning pct. (.661).
BGSU has finished either first or second in the conference standings in 22 of their previous 50 seasons in the league.
MEYER ERA OFF TO GOOD START
The Falcons showed the best improvement in Division I-A football with six more wins (2-9 to 8-3) from the 2000 to 2001 season. BGSU was one of just 27 programs to post eight IA wins or more.
With its 4-2 record and second-place finish in the MAC East, the Falcons have finished first or second in the league in 22 of their 50 seasons in the conference.
The Falcons were the first team in MAC regular season history to post three victories over BCS conference members having defeated Missouri (Big 12), Temple (Big East) and Northwestern (Big Ten).
The Falcons defeated two teams that were nationally ranked at one point last season (Northwestern, 14th) and Toledo (23rd).
The Falcons doubled their home attendance from 8,464 per game in 2000 to 17,812 in 2001.
The Falcons were 4-1 at home and 4-2 on the road.
The Falcons reduced their sacks against total from 51 to 23.
MORE MAC LEADERS
The Falcons led the conference in time of possession (33:16) and kickoff coverage (14.7).
The Falcons finished second in the conference in fewest first downs allowed (180), opponent third down conversion (35.7), and punt returns (10.3 yards per return).
Joe Alls led the league in kickoff returns (26.0), while Robert Redd was second in punt returns (11.0).
THE MAC'S TOP DEFENSE
BGSU led the MAC in total defense (319.5), rush defense (86.3), turnover margin (1.55), fumbles recovered (17) and interceptions (18).
Nationally, BGSU was fourth in the country against the rush and third in turnover margin. The Falcons finished second in the country in rushing TDs allowed with five.
EXACTING REVENGE
The Falcons had six wins against teams which defeated them in their most recent meeting prior to the 2001 season.
Missouri (L, 37-0, '98) W, 20-13 Buffalo (L, 20-17, '00) W, 35-0 Temple (L, 31-14, '00) W, 42-23 Akron (L, 27-21, '00) W, 16-11 Ohio (L, 23-21, '00) W, 17-0 Toledo (L, 51-17, '00) W, 56-21
LONGEST CONTINUING RIVALS
Kent State 56 (1946) Toledo 54 (1948) Miami 52 (1950) Ohio 51 (1951)
NCAA FIRST
Sophomore quarterback Josh Harris was the only NCAA IA player last season to pass for, receive and rush for a touchdown in a single game.
FIRST-YEAR HEAD COACHES
Urban Meyer was 4-0 against head coaches who were in the first year with their program. Meyer defeated Missouri's Gary Pinkel, 20-13, Jim Hofher of Buffalo, 35-0, Brian Knorr of Ohio, 17-0, and Tom Amstutz of Toledo, 56-21.
END OF AN ERA (A SHORT ONE)
The game against Ohio marked the Falcons final divisional game as a member of the MAC's East Division. In 2002, BGSU will move to the West, while Central Florida will join the East and become the 14th football-playing school in the conference.
THE CROWD WAS BETTER
The 26,483 fans to watch the Falcons play Toledo was the fifth largest crowd in Perry Stadium history. The 22,828 fans to watch BGSU take on Miami was the 16th largest crowd to watch a Falcon football game at Doyt L. Perry Stadium.
NIGHT GAMES AT PERRY STADIUM
The Falcons were 3-0 at home under the newly installed permanent lights lights. BGSU is 7-2 in night games at home, since the first night game in 1989.
1989-Akron 38, BGSU 24 1990-BGSU 20, Eastern Michigan 15 1992-BGSU 29, Western Michigan 19 1995-Louisiana Tech 28, BGSU 21 1999-BGSU 34, Toledo 23 2000-BGSU 20, Eastern Michigan 6 2001-BGSU 35, Buffalo 0 2001-BGSU 42, Temple 23 2001-BGSU 56, Toledo 21
