Bowling Green State University Athletics
Saturday, September 19
Huntington, WV
7:00 p.m.
Bowling Green State University
at
Marshall
Falcons Look To Rebound With Trip To Huntington
September 15, 2009 | Football
COMPLETE RELEASE IN PDF FORMAT (29 pages)
Scouting the Falcons
The Falcons are led by first year head coach Dave Clawson, who comes to BGSU after a successful career at Fordham and Richmond. In his short time at BGSU he has already captured his first win as a Falcon (Troy) and helped the Orange and Brown to nearly pull off the upset over No. 25 Missouri last weekend.
The Falcon offense is led by third-year signal caller, Tyler Sheehan, who will be making his 28th consecutive start on Saturday. Through his first 27 games as a Falcon he has thrown for 6,611 yards and 46 touchdowns. Through two games in 2009 the senior ranks fourth in the MAC with 272.5 yards/game through the air.
Sheehan's main offensive weapon is fellow classmate Freddie Barnes, who after two games this season, has already amassed 25 receptions, including a school-record 15 versus Troy and 10 last week at Missouri.
In the backfield, Willie Geter has emerged as an every down back, having rushed for 148 yards on 29 carries (5.1 avg.) through the first two games of 2009.
Defensively the Falcons had to break in eight new starters, but that has not shown. Through two games the Falcons are allowing just 328.5 yards per game despite facing Troy and Missouri, two spread teams that know how to put points on the board.
Scouting Marshall
Marshall, a former member of the Mid-American Conference, brings a 1-1 record to the contest on Saturday after opening the year with a win over Southern Illinois (31-28) and a loss to No. 14 Virginia Tech (52-10).
Offensively the Herd are led by quarterback Brian Anderson, who has completed 63 percent of his passes, while throwing for 432 yards and three scores.
Marshall features a pair of solid receivers in Cody Slate and Chuck Walker, both recording 12 catches in 2009.
Defensively, Marshall is allowing 40.0 points and 458.0 yards per game. Last weekend Virginia Tech rolled up 605 yards, including 444 on the ground versus the Herd.
Falcons Fall 27-20 to No. 25 Missouri
Most doubted what BGSU could do in 2009. In fact, BGSU was picked to finish fifth in the East Division alone. Following a near upset of the No. 25 team in the country many are beginning to rethink that decision.
BGSU roared out to a 13-0 lead behind a steady offense and terrific defense, but the Tigers managed two late field goals before the half. With the Falcons leading 13-6 as the came out of the locker room the Orange and Brown marched right down the field on an 11-play, 72 yard drive to take a 20-6 lead.
Maintaining that same lead midway through the third quarter the Falcons had a chance to put the game out of reach as they were nearing MU territory, but a chop block turned a third-and-1 into a second-and-16, a series the Falcons would eventually be forced to punt. Following the BGSU punt, the Tigers rolled off 21 points to secure a 27-20 win.
Take Me to Your Leader
While the offense did not run as smoothly as it did against Troy, the Falcon air attack still had some firepower, led by Freddie Barnes. Barnes finished the day with 10 catches for 70 yards for his second consecutive double-digit catch performance. Barnes now has 25 receptions on the year after reeling in a school record 15 balls in the season opener versus Troy.
Barnes' 25 catches not only lead the Mid-American Conference, but actually leads every pass catcher in the nation. In fact, Barnes is the only receiver to have at least 20 catches through two games in 2009.
Phillips Named POW
Jerry Phillips was named Mid-American Conference East Division Special Teams Player of the Week following his efforts versus Missouri. The league office made the announcement on Monday (Sept. 14).
The freshman from Green Springs, Ohio, connected on field goals of 37 and 32 yards, while making both of his extra point attempts in a near upset of No. 25 Missouri.
Phillips has yet to miss in 2009, connecting on all field goals (3-3) and extra points (6-6) and leads the team in scoring with 15 points.
Getting Their Claws Into You
Despite facing two spread offenses that are used to lighting up the scoreboard, the Falcon defense has been one of the biggest surprises through two games this season. BGSU entered the year with just three returning starters and many more questions than answers, but things seem to be changing. The Falcon defense ranks fifth in the conference in points allowed (20.5) and sixth in total defense (328.5).
Pushing All The Right Buttons
As stated before the Falcon defense has played stellar in 2009, but until you compare what their competition has done in the past, you won't understand how well they have played. Troy averaged 32.8 points and 414.3 yards per game in 2008, but the Falcon defense held them to just 17 points and 304 yards. Last week versus Missouri BGSU gave up 27 points and 353 yards, but when you compare that to what the Tigers did versus Illinois the week prior (37 points, 442 yards), that does not look too shabby.
Percentage Leader
Senior quarterback Tyler Sheehan, the career leader in BGSU history in completion percentage at 64.8 percent, is currently edging out Omar Jacobs (64.4 percent). Sheehan leads by .4 percent. Sheehan completed 66.8 percent of his passes last season, which is second all-time for completion percentage for a season, trailing just Jacobs, who completed 66.9 percent of his passes in 2004. Through two games in 2009 Sheehan has completed 67.8 percent of his passes, which would smash the current school record.
Sheehan Career Tidbits
• Has completed 64.8 percent of his passes in his career (654 of 1,009), while throwing for 6,611 yards and 46 touchdowns, while rushing for 10 more. His completion percentage is first all-time in school history.
• Has three career receiving touchdowns.
• Has been responsible for 59 touchdowns in his last 27 games (46 passing, 10 rushing, 3 receiving)
• Has been named MAC East Offensive Player of the Week five times.
• His 1,009 career passes are fourth all-time in BGSU history.
• His 654 career completions rank second all-time.
• Averages a touchdown pass every 21.9 passes and an interception every 40.4 passes.
Sheehan on Manning Watch List
The Manning Award, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, announced its 2009 preseason Watch List, with Bowling Green's Tyler Sheehan finding his way onto that list, which included 38 of the top quarterbacks in the nation heading into the 2009 season. The winner will be announced after the bowls in January and will be honored at a February banquet in New Orleans.
The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that takes into consideration the candidates' bowl performances.
He May Catch More Than Just TD's in 2009
Senior tight end Jimmy Scheidler had just 17 receptions in 2008, but led the team with seven touchdown receptions, including two versus Pittsburgh to begin 2008. Despite not catching a pass versus Missouri, Scheidler looks to be a major force in 2009 on the playing field. In the win versus Troy, Scheidler had four receptions for 72 yards, matching his career-high in catches and blowing away his previous best for yards in the game.
Moving On Up
When marching up a record book like Freddie Barnes is doing, 25 catches in two games will help out in a hurry. The senior, who began 2009 with 142 career receptions climbed from 11th all-time all the way to seventh with his 167 career catches.
1. Charles Sharon (2002-05) 232
2. Cole Magner (2001-04) 215
3. Robert Redd (1998-02) 211
4. Mark Szlachcic (1989-92) 182
5. Corey Partridge (2005-08) 182
6. Stan Hunter (1982-85) 176
7. Freddie Barnes (2005-PR) 167
8. Reggie Thornton (1986-89) 158
9. Steve Sanders (2002-05) 156
10. Kurt Gerling (1998-01) 152
Simply The Best
Roger Williams became the all-time leader for kick return yards in a career following the Troy contest. He is also just one return away from etching his name atop another school record (kick returns). Williams, who suffered a broken finger early in 2008 was limited as a return man, but made a name for himself in 2007 when he set school records in returns (39) and yards (954), while also returning a kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown in the GMAC Bowl, the first-ever in that bowl's history.
Career Kickoff Returns
1. Reggie Thornton (1986-89) 65
2. Roger Williams (2006-pr) 64
3. Joe Alls (1999-02) 55
4. Darryl Story (1983-86) 51
5. Terry Wilson (1988-92) 49
Career Kickoff Return Yards
1. Roger Williams (2006-pr) 1,412
2. Reggie Thornton (1986-89) 1,222
3. Joe Alls (1999-02) 1,147
Bowling Green Falcons (1-1) vs. Marshall Thundering Herd (1-1)
Huntington, W. Va. (Joan C. Edwards Stadium) • 7 p.m.
TV
WSAZ-TV • Keith Morehouse (Play-by-Play) and Mike Bartrum (Analyst)
Radio
BGSU Radio Network (99.1 FM) • Todd Walker (Play-by-Play) and John Gibson (Analyst)
WBGU (88.1 FM) • Anthony Bellino (Play-by-Play) and Brian Fisher (Analyst)
On The Internet
Huntington, W. Va. (Joan C. Edwards Stadium) • 7 p.m.
TV
WSAZ-TV • Keith Morehouse (Play-by-Play) and Mike Bartrum (Analyst)
Radio
BGSU Radio Network (99.1 FM) • Todd Walker (Play-by-Play) and John Gibson (Analyst)
WBGU (88.1 FM) • Anthony Bellino (Play-by-Play) and Brian Fisher (Analyst)
On The Internet
Following a 27-20 heart-breaking loss to Missouri last weekend, the Falcons will look to get back to its winning ways this weekend as the Bowling Green State University football team travels to Huntington, W. Va., for a showdown with the Marshall Thundering Herd. Opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Scouting the Falcons
The Falcons are led by first year head coach Dave Clawson, who comes to BGSU after a successful career at Fordham and Richmond. In his short time at BGSU he has already captured his first win as a Falcon (Troy) and helped the Orange and Brown to nearly pull off the upset over No. 25 Missouri last weekend.
The Falcon offense is led by third-year signal caller, Tyler Sheehan, who will be making his 28th consecutive start on Saturday. Through his first 27 games as a Falcon he has thrown for 6,611 yards and 46 touchdowns. Through two games in 2009 the senior ranks fourth in the MAC with 272.5 yards/game through the air.
Sheehan's main offensive weapon is fellow classmate Freddie Barnes, who after two games this season, has already amassed 25 receptions, including a school-record 15 versus Troy and 10 last week at Missouri.
In the backfield, Willie Geter has emerged as an every down back, having rushed for 148 yards on 29 carries (5.1 avg.) through the first two games of 2009.
Defensively the Falcons had to break in eight new starters, but that has not shown. Through two games the Falcons are allowing just 328.5 yards per game despite facing Troy and Missouri, two spread teams that know how to put points on the board.
Scouting Marshall
Marshall, a former member of the Mid-American Conference, brings a 1-1 record to the contest on Saturday after opening the year with a win over Southern Illinois (31-28) and a loss to No. 14 Virginia Tech (52-10).
Offensively the Herd are led by quarterback Brian Anderson, who has completed 63 percent of his passes, while throwing for 432 yards and three scores.
Marshall features a pair of solid receivers in Cody Slate and Chuck Walker, both recording 12 catches in 2009.
Defensively, Marshall is allowing 40.0 points and 458.0 yards per game. Last weekend Virginia Tech rolled up 605 yards, including 444 on the ground versus the Herd.
Falcons Fall 27-20 to No. 25 Missouri
Most doubted what BGSU could do in 2009. In fact, BGSU was picked to finish fifth in the East Division alone. Following a near upset of the No. 25 team in the country many are beginning to rethink that decision.
BGSU roared out to a 13-0 lead behind a steady offense and terrific defense, but the Tigers managed two late field goals before the half. With the Falcons leading 13-6 as the came out of the locker room the Orange and Brown marched right down the field on an 11-play, 72 yard drive to take a 20-6 lead.
Maintaining that same lead midway through the third quarter the Falcons had a chance to put the game out of reach as they were nearing MU territory, but a chop block turned a third-and-1 into a second-and-16, a series the Falcons would eventually be forced to punt. Following the BGSU punt, the Tigers rolled off 21 points to secure a 27-20 win.
Take Me to Your Leader
While the offense did not run as smoothly as it did against Troy, the Falcon air attack still had some firepower, led by Freddie Barnes. Barnes finished the day with 10 catches for 70 yards for his second consecutive double-digit catch performance. Barnes now has 25 receptions on the year after reeling in a school record 15 balls in the season opener versus Troy.
Barnes' 25 catches not only lead the Mid-American Conference, but actually leads every pass catcher in the nation. In fact, Barnes is the only receiver to have at least 20 catches through two games in 2009.
Phillips Named POW
Jerry Phillips was named Mid-American Conference East Division Special Teams Player of the Week following his efforts versus Missouri. The league office made the announcement on Monday (Sept. 14).
The freshman from Green Springs, Ohio, connected on field goals of 37 and 32 yards, while making both of his extra point attempts in a near upset of No. 25 Missouri.
Phillips has yet to miss in 2009, connecting on all field goals (3-3) and extra points (6-6) and leads the team in scoring with 15 points.
Getting Their Claws Into You
Despite facing two spread offenses that are used to lighting up the scoreboard, the Falcon defense has been one of the biggest surprises through two games this season. BGSU entered the year with just three returning starters and many more questions than answers, but things seem to be changing. The Falcon defense ranks fifth in the conference in points allowed (20.5) and sixth in total defense (328.5).
Pushing All The Right Buttons
As stated before the Falcon defense has played stellar in 2009, but until you compare what their competition has done in the past, you won't understand how well they have played. Troy averaged 32.8 points and 414.3 yards per game in 2008, but the Falcon defense held them to just 17 points and 304 yards. Last week versus Missouri BGSU gave up 27 points and 353 yards, but when you compare that to what the Tigers did versus Illinois the week prior (37 points, 442 yards), that does not look too shabby.
Percentage Leader
Senior quarterback Tyler Sheehan, the career leader in BGSU history in completion percentage at 64.8 percent, is currently edging out Omar Jacobs (64.4 percent). Sheehan leads by .4 percent. Sheehan completed 66.8 percent of his passes last season, which is second all-time for completion percentage for a season, trailing just Jacobs, who completed 66.9 percent of his passes in 2004. Through two games in 2009 Sheehan has completed 67.8 percent of his passes, which would smash the current school record.
Sheehan Career Tidbits
• Has completed 64.8 percent of his passes in his career (654 of 1,009), while throwing for 6,611 yards and 46 touchdowns, while rushing for 10 more. His completion percentage is first all-time in school history.
• Has three career receiving touchdowns.
• Has been responsible for 59 touchdowns in his last 27 games (46 passing, 10 rushing, 3 receiving)
• Has been named MAC East Offensive Player of the Week five times.
• His 1,009 career passes are fourth all-time in BGSU history.
• His 654 career completions rank second all-time.
• Averages a touchdown pass every 21.9 passes and an interception every 40.4 passes.
Sheehan on Manning Watch List
The Manning Award, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, announced its 2009 preseason Watch List, with Bowling Green's Tyler Sheehan finding his way onto that list, which included 38 of the top quarterbacks in the nation heading into the 2009 season. The winner will be announced after the bowls in January and will be honored at a February banquet in New Orleans.
The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that takes into consideration the candidates' bowl performances.
He May Catch More Than Just TD's in 2009
Senior tight end Jimmy Scheidler had just 17 receptions in 2008, but led the team with seven touchdown receptions, including two versus Pittsburgh to begin 2008. Despite not catching a pass versus Missouri, Scheidler looks to be a major force in 2009 on the playing field. In the win versus Troy, Scheidler had four receptions for 72 yards, matching his career-high in catches and blowing away his previous best for yards in the game.
Moving On Up
When marching up a record book like Freddie Barnes is doing, 25 catches in two games will help out in a hurry. The senior, who began 2009 with 142 career receptions climbed from 11th all-time all the way to seventh with his 167 career catches.
1. Charles Sharon (2002-05) 232
2. Cole Magner (2001-04) 215
3. Robert Redd (1998-02) 211
4. Mark Szlachcic (1989-92) 182
5. Corey Partridge (2005-08) 182
6. Stan Hunter (1982-85) 176
7. Freddie Barnes (2005-PR) 167
8. Reggie Thornton (1986-89) 158
9. Steve Sanders (2002-05) 156
10. Kurt Gerling (1998-01) 152
Simply The Best
Roger Williams became the all-time leader for kick return yards in a career following the Troy contest. He is also just one return away from etching his name atop another school record (kick returns). Williams, who suffered a broken finger early in 2008 was limited as a return man, but made a name for himself in 2007 when he set school records in returns (39) and yards (954), while also returning a kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown in the GMAC Bowl, the first-ever in that bowl's history.
Career Kickoff Returns
1. Reggie Thornton (1986-89) 65
2. Roger Williams (2006-pr) 64
3. Joe Alls (1999-02) 55
4. Darryl Story (1983-86) 51
5. Terry Wilson (1988-92) 49
Career Kickoff Return Yards
1. Roger Williams (2006-pr) 1,412
2. Reggie Thornton (1986-89) 1,222
3. Joe Alls (1999-02) 1,147
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Saturday, October 18