The undefeated ranks are down to two in the Mid-American Conference.
Everyone expected Toledo would be a possibility. The Rockets’ 52-28 win over Central Michigan last Saturday was their 10th win in a row and 16th in their last 17 games. They have the MAC’s leading rusher in senior running back Chester Taylor and have quickly earned enough respect from the Associated Press to get their ranking as the 25th-best team in the country.
But Bowling Green? A team that was 0-4 by this time last year has quickly started to become the MAC’s Cinderella story. The Falcons have already surpassed their 2000 win total and are off to their best start since 1985, when the team went 11-1 and reached the California Bowl. Why are the Falcons 3-0? A main part of the answer has been their swarming defense. BG is fifth in the country in rushing defense (49.3), sixth in the country in turnover margin (2.0) and 12th in pass efficiency defense (86.16).
Like Toledo, BG is starting to get some national recognition. The Falcons are ranked 49th in the latest AP poll and received one vote in the AP Top 25 poll.
“It’s great to get some recognition like that,” BG receiver Kurt Gerling said. “It brings confidence to the team and will make them go out and practice and play hard. I believe we are a Top 25 team. If Toledo is, why aren’t we?”
Lewis returns
Godfrey Lewis saw his first action of the season after a preseason injury sidelined the junior running back for the first two games of the season. Lewis rushed three times for 15 yards in the Falcons 42-23 win over Temple. BG coach Urban Meyer was more than happy to see one of his best running backs once again in the lineup.
“It was heartwarming to see Godfrey back playing,” Meyer said. “He works so hard … this gives us three running backs, which is what we need.”
Attendance up
The customary empty seats that were prevalent last year for football games at Doyt Perry Stadium are beginning to fill – at least a little more. Last season an average crowd of 8,464 attended Falcon games. That number has risen over 5,000 per game. After BG’s first two games, the Falcons are averaging 13,606 in the 30,599-capacity stadium.
Sahm too harsh?
Falcon quarterback Andy Sahm wasn’t happy about his performance against Temple. In the post-game press conference, the junior quarterback said he was disappointed with his performance and the first half was the worst half of football he had played since coming to BG. Maybe Sahm was a little hard on himself.
Sahm finished the game 16-for-22 with two touchdowns. While Sahm threw two interceptions, he was 11-for-13 in the second half, including both touchdown throws.
“He had a great game I thought,” Gerling said. “He’s gotten a lot better in his quickness.”
