Almost half way through the season, Bowling Green is experiencing its toughest test yet – staying healthy.
Saturday’s matchup with Western Michigan poses a great challenge for the Falcons, but perhaps the most significant issue at hand is their ability to cope with the six week build up of bumps, strains and bruises.
BG coach Urban Meyer stressed the importance of his first team staying healthy as a major part of the Falcons’ success. And as the injuries build up, Meyer gets more concerned. The first-year coach needs his first-stringers, even if they are questionable to play.
“[Runningback] Joe Alls has to play,” Meyer said. “I don’t know if he can, but we’ve made the determination he has to play. I don’t know if the trainers and doctors agree with that. I think he will because he had a good practice Monday.”
“It’s a known fact that we don’t have much depth anywhere,” senior defensive lineman Chris Glantzis said. “Defensively I think we’re all right. We have a lot of tough kids and we’ll be back as soon as possible.”
Meyer will need everybody he can get for the Broncos on the road Saturday afternoon in Kalamazoo. WMU has predominately been at the top of the MAC Western Division each year. Western Michigan is a passing team similar to Marshall, maybe even better. They rank first in the MAC in passing yards and eighth in the country overall. The biggest difference between the two teams is their offensive line. The Falcons believe they can get to WMU quarterback Jeff Welsh easier than they did against Marshall quarterback Byron Leftwich, who had time to throw the ball.
“I think Western’s O-line isn’t as good as Marshall’s,” junior defensive lineman Alex Glantzis said. “Welsh seems like a good thrower. They do a lot of drop-back pass. I think we got some pretty good pass rushers who can get to him. We’re going to get some sacks this game.”
Western is 3-2 on the year, but their two losses have come against Top 25 opponents Michigan and Virginia Tech. The Broncos opened the season with a 48-7 romping of Illinois State. They also beat MAC foes Eastern Michigan and Akron.
WMU coach Gary Darnell has a lot of respect for the Falcons and knows he has a tough battle ahead.
“Our games with them have been knock down, drag out type of games,” Darnell said. “They remind me of our 1996 team. They have good players and morale is really up with a new coaching staff. They don’t back down from anyone – the win over Missouri proved that.”
Meyer has the same respect for Darnell and the Broncos. “We have our hands full this week,” Meyer said. “I compare this team very much to Marshall. Their athleticism is very similar and their speed of receiver is as good as or better than Marshall. Their defense will be one of the top two defenses we will face this year.”
