In recognition of the 100th anniversary of Bowling Green State University Football, the BGSU Department of Athletics will be taking a look back at the history of the program throughout the summer. Bowling Green will officially celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first game in program history when the Falcons host rival Toledo Oct. 12.

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THE ZIGGYCAST
Todd Walker Interviews Denny Stolz, Moe Ankney, Mark Miller, Brian McClure, Chip Otten, Martin Bayless and Ken Schriner

TURN BACK THE CLOCK SERIES
1919-1929
1930-1939
1940-1949
1950-1959
1960-1969
1970-1979

The 1980s

Overall Record: 60-50-2 (.544)

Although the Falcons struggled in the latter part of the decade, the early 1980s featured some of the most impressive offensive accomplishments in BGSU and college history. In 1981, the Falcons began the season 0-4-1 before winning five consecutive games. One of these wins was a 38-0 thrashing of Toledo, BGSU's first home win of the year. In 1982, BGSU relied on freshman quarterback Brian McClure and a strong defense to win their first MAC title in over 15 years. Taking over in the third game of the year, McClure threw for 1,391 yards to become the first freshman to earn first team All-MAC honors. BGSU's first defensive All-American, nose guard Andre Young, helped the Falcons hold opponents to 17 points per game. The Falcons lost the 1982 California Bowl to Fresno State in heartbreaking fashion, surrendering the winning score with just 11 seconds remaining. After taking a 28-7 lead into the fourth quarter, BGSU was unable to keep the Bulldogs off the scoreboard, resulting in a 29-28 loss.

The 1983 team began the season against a familiar opponent: the Fresno State Bulldogs. Looking to avenge their bowl game loss, BGSU took down the Bulldogs 35-27. McClure and defensive back Martin Bayless helped the Falcons to an 8-3 record, their best since 1975. McClure threw for 3,264 yards and 16 touchdowns, earning MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. Bayless intercepted 10 passes, the highest total in the country. He earned third-team AP All-American honors, the second consecutive year a BGSU defender was selected All-American.

In 1984, the Falcons replicated their 8-3 record, with McClure once again being named MAC Offensive Player of the Year. The Falcons scored a program-record 327 points while holding opponents to 198 points. McClure was among five offensive All-MAC selections that season, including two-time honorees Mark Dowdell and Bernard White, and three-time selection Stan Hunter. The 1985 season was one of the best in program history, with the Orange and Brown winning every regular season game. Despite a loss in the California Bowl, the Falcons were able to break the previous season record of 327 points with 355 points. For the third year in a row, the MAC Offensive Player of the Year was Brian McClure. McClure threw for 2,674 yards, bringing his career total to 10,280. He became just the second player in Division I history to throw for over 10,000 yards in his career.

The Falcons' offensive star power departed after the 1985 season, as did head coach Denny Stolz. Moe Ankney, a former BGSU quarterback, took over and led the team from 1986-1990. In 1986 and 1987, the Falcons tied for second place in the MAC. Quarterback Rich Dackin was a bright spot for the Falcons, earning All-MAC honors twice. The 1980s began the era of the BGSU passing game, with legendary quarterback Brian McClure paving the way for future Falcon stars.

LONGEST WIN STREAK
Entering the final month of the season with a 5-3 record, the 1984 Falcons won their final three games by a combined score of 93-30. With star quarterback Brian McClure returning for his senior season, the 1985 squad looked to continue the program's winning ways. After a 25-point win over Ball State, BGSU traveled to Kentucky and shocked the Wildcats with a 30-26 victory, scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 23 seconds remaining. McClure threw for 309 yards, becoming the eighth player in Division I-A history to throw for over 8,000 yards. The victory in Lexington also marked the 100^th career coaching win for Denny Stolz.

Two close wins at home, including a thrilling comeback over Miami, brought the Falcons' winning streak to seven. Behind McClure, Bernard White, and Stan Hunter, the BGSU offense continued to dominate, winning the next seven games. The defense put on a strong showing in the final home game, shutting out Toledo 21-0. In the regular season finale, the Orange and Brown beat Ohio 38-17. McClure threw for a program-record 479 yards, with Hunter and Joe Boxley combining for 326 yards on 18 receptions. This win brought the winning streak to 14, including an 11-game streak in the 1985 season. BGSU lost the California Bowl to Fresno State, but the 1985 season marks the last time the Falcons won every regular season game.

NOTABLE WINS
October 24, 1981: BGSU 38, Toledo 0
For the eighth time in ten seasons, BGSU defeated Toledo. Handing the Rockets their only conference loss of the year, the Falcons dominated 38-0. This was the first time BGSU held an opponent scoreless since 1975 and the first time they shut out the Rockets since 1957. Running back Bryant Jones led the way for the Orange and Brown, running for 123 yards on 27 carries. He would finish the season with 1,051 yards, the first 1,000-yard rusher at BGSU since Dan Saleet in 1975.

September 21, 1985: BGSU 28, Miami 24
One of the most thrilling comebacks in school history occurred during the historic 1985 season. After star quarterback Brian McClure went down with a knee injury before halftime, the Falcons turned to senior Rick Neiman. Neiman, who had just two career completions, was tasked with leading the Orange and Brown back from a ten-point deficit in the final three minutes. He capped a 10-play, 75-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to running back Bernard White with 1:24 remaining. Trailing by three, the Falcons attempted and recovered an onside kick. Neiman completed a 40-yard pass to Greg Meehan, then scored on a seven-yard run to take the lead with a minute to go. The defense held strong, clinching a thrilling comeback win in BGSU's home opener. This matchup ultimately determined the MAC champion, with the Falcons finishing a game ahead of Miami in the standings.

November 23, 1985: BGSU 38, Ohio 17
In the regular season finale, BGSU traveled to Athens needing a win to secure an undefeated regular season and the eighth MAC championship in program history. Brian McClure was dominant once again, going 31 for 49 for a career-high and program record 479 yards. Receivers Stan Hunter and Joe Boxley also dominated, combining for 326 yards on 18 receptions. This concluded a historic regular season for the Falcons that included a program-record 11 wins and 348 points. The 11-0 regular season record was the best in program history, and it remains the last time BGSU won every regular season game.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCE
In an early November matchup against Ball State, freshman running back Darryl Story led the 1983 Falcons to a 45-30 victory. Story carried the ball 37 times, and he finished with a program record 225 rushing yards. This was the sixth win of the year for BGSU, and they would end the season on a high note with two wins after that. Story gained 724 rushing yards that season, with 364 yards coming in a two-week span.

NOTABLE COACH
In a nine-year span, Denny Stolz recorded 56 victories, the fourth-highest total in school history. After spending a decade at the high school level, Stolz began his collegiate coaching career at Alma, where he played in college. After collecting 34 wins, including undefeated seasons in 1967 and 1968, Stolz moved to Lansing to become the defensive coordinator at Michigan State. He was promoted to head coach prior to the 1973 season. In 1974, he led the Spartans to a 7-3-1 record and the number 12 AP ranking. He was named Big Ten Coach of the Year, beating out legendary coaches like Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes.

Amidst allegations of a recruiting scandal, Stolz resigned from Michigan State in 1976. In 1977, he was hired to replace Don Nehlen at BGSU. Stolz struggled to find wins his first five seasons, compiling a losing record in four consecutive seasons. After a 5-5-1 campaign in 1981, Stolz relied on freshman quarterback Brian McClure to turn the Falcons around. From 1982-1985, Stolz and McClure led the Falcons to a 34-12 record, winning two MAC titles. In those four seasons, the Orange and Brown had a 19-1 record at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. Stolz's total of 46 wins in the MAC is the highest in BGSU history.

Following the 1985 season, Stolz took the head coaching position at San Diego State. He led the Aztecs to eight wins, a conference title, and a bowl appearance in his first season. Stolz coached two more seasons in California before retiring, concluding his coaching career with 125 wins. In his final season, Stolz mentored assistant coach Sean Payton. Payton currently coaches the New Orleans Saints, leading them to a Super Bowl win in 2009.

NOTABLE PLAYERS
Martin Bayless (DB): Four-time All-MAC selection Martin Bayless finished his career with 27 interceptions, the second-highest total in NCAA Division I history. As a senior, he was named Team MVP, team captain, and third team All-American. Bayless compiled 264 return yards on his interceptions, including one that scored. He was selected to play in the 1983 Blue-Gray Classic, earning Defensive Player of the Game. Bayless was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in 1984, and he was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1989.

Brian McClure (QB): Quarterback and captain Brian McClure was selected first team All-MAC in each of his four years as a Falcon, and he led the team to 34 wins in those four years. He holds the school's passing yardage record with 10,280 yards, and he threw 63 touchdowns, a record that stood for over 20 years. McClure was selected to play in the East-West Shrine Classic, and he won MAC Offensive Player of the Year three times. He was also named MAC Freshman of the Year and earned the MAC Vern Smith Leadership Award and team MVP twice. McClure was drafted by Buffalo in 1986 and inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1991.

Andre Young (DT): Team captain Andre Young was selected first team All-American and All-MAC in 1982, thanks to a solid season that included a league-high 26 tackles for loss. He was also named team MVP and team captain. After leading the Falcons to a MAC Championship and bowl appearance, Young was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL Draft. He was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 2004.

Year	Overall Record	Head Coach	Team Captain(s)	Season Scoring Totals
1980	4-7	Denny Stolz	Craig Valentine, Tim Ross, Dan Shetler	Bowling Green 189, Opponents 186
1981	5-5-1	Denny Stolz	Tom Glendening, Doug Carr, Craig Valentine	Bowling Green 155, Opponents 132
1982	7-5	Denny Stolz	Terry Gyetvai, Shawn Potts, Andre Young	Bowling Green 265, Opponents 199
1983	8-3	Denny Stolz	Martin Bayless, Mark Emans	Bowling Green 277, Opponents 242
1984	8-3	Denny Stolz	Joe Prchlik, Brian Johnson, Dean Hall	Bowling Green 327, Opponents 198
1985	11-1	Denny Stolz	Brian McClure, Stan Hunter, Chris Hartman	Bowling Green 355, Opponents 223
1986	5-6	Moe Ankney	Gerald Bayless, Paul Schweitzer	Bowling Green 148, Opponents 222
1987	5-6	Moe Ankney	John Hunter, Mike Otten	Bowling Green 215, Opponents 249
1988	2-8-1	Moe Ankney	Kyle Kramer, Eric Smith	Bowling Green 159, Opponents 333
1989	5-6	Moe Ankney	Larry Lambright, Rich Dackin, Mike Holmes	Bowling Green 233, Opponents 319

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Turn Back The Clock: BGSU Football In The 1980s

The 1980s

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Turn Back The Clock: BGSU Football In The 1980s

The 1980s

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