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Last season the Falcons’#39; offense could not stay out of the end zone, while the defense struggled to keep teams out of the end zone. The Falcon’s defense struggled all year with big pass plays and defensive breakdowns.
BG Coach Gregg Brandon is well aware of these defensive issues.
“This season we need to take away big plays in the passing game, be sounder on in the trenches and player harder and simpler,” Brandon said.
The defense has tremendous athletes and even last season the talent level was high. So what was the problem? Well, the Falcons lacked discipline.
Here’s where new defensive coordinator John Lovett comes into play. Bowling Green State University made a significant stride for the school and football program, by bringing in Lovett.
‘#34;John brings a lot of experience to our football team, flexibility to the defense and he teaches the fundamentals,’#34; Brandon said.
Lovett is a defensive guru and a great teacher. He has over 26 years of coaching experience and has been a defensive coordinator for the past 16 seasons. Lovett’#39;s last coaching job was with Clemson from 2002-2004.
Lovett led a Clemson team that was ranked No. 26 in total team defense. Lovett has been with many prestigious national programs such as Auburn, Clemson, Mississippi and Cincinnati. In Cincinnati, Lovett coached, with current BGSU offensive coordinator Greg Studrawa.
The new defense this season should be more exciting to watch and Falcon fans should be able to tell a difference in the team.
“This season you’re going to see a lot of the same players, but in different positions, we moved a couple of guys around,’#34; Lovett said.
Lovett was brought in for his talent of training and evaluating defensive talent. Lovett has an eye for shuffling players around and using the roster’s talent.
“We had a couple positions with talent stacked up; we just need to bring all of the talent on the field,’#34; Lovett said.
While Lovett has an eye for talent he also brings expert teaching skills to the young Falcons defense.
“Personally, I feel I bring experience, and the ability to get the right players in the right positions,’#34; Lovett said. ‘#34;My main goal is to get the same 11 guys on the same page, but also getting to play well, and compete against Toledo, Wisconsin and Miami,.”
Lovett is confident the defense will be ready for the big games, but it’s the MAC games he is uncertain about.
“I have never seen MAC teams, this is all new to me,’#34; Lovett said.
The main goal for the Falcons’#39; defense is to get the explosive offense back on the field. The obvious strength of the team is the offense, while the defense will look to step up in 2005.
It may be a positive thing for the Falcons defense that they are some what under the radar this season because of Omar Jacobs and the Heisman hype.
“I am very happy for Omar and the guys on offense; I hope they can do what they did last year and better,’#34; Lovett said. ‘#34;The better they do, the better for us. But we have to pull our end, we must be successful and get the ball back to the offense.’#34;
Lovett and his 26 years of experience should solidify the Falcons defense for the years to come. It’s possible that when Jacobs leaves for bigger and better things, the defense can become the strong point of the team.
