Defense Holds Strong Despite Nearly Perfect Day From Doege

Photo by: BGSU Marketing and Communications

April 14, 2018 | Football

By: by Jason Knavel, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications

Bowling Green, Ohio – The Bowling Green State University defense flashed its potential despite a strong showing from sophomore quarterback Jarret Doege Saturday during the BGSU Football team's annual Spring Game. The contest was moved indoors to Perry Field House due to inclement weather.

The game was played with four 10-minute running clock quarters and the defense forced three-and-outs or turnovers on seven of the 10 offensive series. BGSU's offense scored touchdowns on the other three possessions.

The offense turned the ball over just one time as senior Ben Hale forced a fourth quarter fumble and redshirt freshman Caylon May recovered the loose ball. Despite a nearly-perfect day from Doege, the defense held strong through most of the second half.

Doege played just two series but engineered two touchdown drives. On the opening drive of the game, he was a perfect 4-for-4 for 51 yards, connecting with senior wide receiver Scott Miller twice. The latter was a 13-yard strike for a touchdown.

After the defense forced a three-and-out, Doege returned and again led the team to a touchdown. He found redshirt sophomore Bryson Denley streaking down the sideline for a 35-yard score.

Doege gave way to redshirt sophomore Grant Loy and freshman Bryce Veasley, but the defense stiffened, forcing three-and-outs or a turnover on six of the next seven possessions. Loy did lead the offense to an early third quarter touchdown drive in which he completed a long third-down pass to redshirt freshman Calvin Clater. Eventually, Loy scored on a quarterback sneak from one-yard out.

"Jarret's had a good spring," BGSU Head Coach Mike Jinks said. "He's really taken ownership of this football team and he's earned the trust of his coaches and his teammates. From an offensive standpoint, we are looking at the little things. Defensively, we've added some speed and that's showed up in the last couple of scrimmages. We've seen those guys make some open-field 1-on-1 tackles. We've increased our athleticism on defense and they are flying around and playing fast."

BGSU Football opens the 2018 season Sept. 1 at Oregon before hosting Maryland Sept. 8 for the home opener. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online by visiting BGSUFalcons.com, by phone at 877-BGSU-TICKET or by visiting the Stroh Center ticket office.