San Jose State’s passing game was too much for the 8-4 Falcons. They fell short to the 24th-ranked Spartans 29-20 in the 2012 edition of the Military Bowl.
“We came here to win and we’re disappointed we didn’t win, but, that does not take away what this football team accomplished this year.”
SJSU quarterback David Fales threw 33-43 for two touchdowns and 395 yards, which broke the Military Bowl record. BG’s junior quarterback Matt Schilz threw 16-35 for 159 and was sacked twice during the game.
“That was the best passing offense we faced on the year,” head coach Dave Clawson said. “Even when we held [Fales] down, he was still completing balls.”
BG’s rushing game was contained by San Jose State the entire game, only recording 105 yards. The longest running play by the Falcons was from senior John Pettigrew, who ran 34 yards for a touchdown that would be re-spotted on the one yard line.
During the game sophomore Anthon Samuel reached the 1,000 yard rushing mark but that total was knocked down to 998 yards after losing yards on multiple plays. Samuel’s total rushing yardage this season ranks 11th most in BGSU history.
Even though SJSU had 380 total yards, BG’s defense held the Spartan running game to -15 rushing yards in the total game. Sophomore Charlie Walker forced San Jose State’s only turnover when he sacked Fales and caused him to fumble. The fumble was nearly returned for another touchdown by senior Chris Jones but was tackled 21 yards later on the 8-yard line to set up Samuel’s touchdown run.
This performance marked the ninth time that the rush defense held their opponents under 100 yards and the only time they lost while achieving this feat.
The BG secondary did not perform their best against the one of the nation’s best passing teams. They gave up a season high 395 yards and two touchdowns to the Spartans.
Junior punter Brian Schmiedebusch did not have a great game against San Jose State. He had two punts under 20 yards (15 yards and 17 yards) and had one punt blocked that was knocked out of BG’s own endzone for a safety.
“I thought his procedure was slower than normal,” Clawson said. “He was just out of sync.”
Though many players will put this game behind them when next season comes along, there are 14 seniors that completed their NCAA eligibility in Washington. Two of these seniors were defensive lineman Chris Jones and offensive lineman Jordan Roussos.
Together, these two players started 76 games and 94 total games played. These players have been the key for Bowling Green’s rise back to the top of the Mid-American Conference after their 2-10 season in 2010.
“This has been the best time being a part of this program with these people, coaches… and coming to the field everyday” Roussos said. “I think that’s what really gets a senior after their last game is that they are not going to be a part of it.”
Even though Jones has the potential to play in the National Football League, he was very emotional after the game.
“I think, for my life, this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” an emotional Jones said.
The Falcons finished the season with an 8-5 record in 2012 — the best record since head coach Dave Clawson took over in 2009.
The team will have its annual spring game in April and will start the 2013 season with a home game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on August 23.
