Heading into Saturday’s game against the Kansas Jayhawks, the Bowling Green football team is facing a team they are quite familiar with.
Not because they have played UK before – they haven’t; this is the first meeting between the two schools.
Familiar with the Jayhawks because, in their first year under new head coach Mark Mangino, the team is quite similar to the Falcons of a year ago. The record of this Jayhawk team isn’t the same as BG’s a year ago after three games, as they have struggled and enter the game at 1-2. The 2001 Falcons and 2002 Jayhawks have similar make-up on the field, though.
Mangino has brought plenty of excitement to Lawrence, coming from two very successful collegiate programs. He assisted Bob Stoops at Oklahoma when the Sooners won a national championship, and was named the top assistant in the nation in 2000.
The Jayhawks made a switch at the quarterback position last week, and now feature a young, exciting, athletic player at that position in Bill Whittemore.
BG head coach Urban Meyer knows what the team waiting for the Falcons brings to the table, especially playing at their home stadium.
“Kansas is exactly like we were a year ago,” Meyer said. “They do a multitude of things on offense and defense. They made a quarterback change last week, to an athletic [junior college] quarterback, who runs around and is a real tough player. Their tailback is a fast redshirt freshman, and they have probably the best kick returner we’ll see this year.
“We have our hands full. Going out there, there’s some magic out there; they don’t lose at home,” Meyer said. “If you look at their record there, they have a significant winning advantage in the last 10 years. And, this is our first real road game. We’re going across the country; this is legit.”
What advantage the Jayhawks may have playing at home, the Falcons may make up for in talent and confidence, especially after Saturday’s big win over Kansas’ fellow big XII school, Missouri. BG dominated Missouri from start to finish, jumping out to a 34-14 halftime lead and never looking back. Junior quarterback Josh Harris turned in another solid game, accounting for four touchdowns, including the second touchdown catch of his career.
Joe Alls ran with authority, running for 119 yards and a touchdown. Two Falcon receivers turned in over 100 yards, with Robert Redd receiving a Doyt L. Perry Stadium record 209 yards on 10 catches, while redshirt freshman receiver James Hawkins caught five balls for 112 yards.
“I think Josh Harris played fantastic,” Meyer said. “What was the difference? We had 16 days to prepare, and we had a team of hungry, motivated players. Our guys had 29 practices before the first game, and got play the first half; then, they had 16 days before this game, and finally got to play the full game. The guys really responded and were anxious to hit someone other than themselves.”
Meyer was especially pleased with the performance of the offensive line, who kept the Missouri defense at bay and let Harris have time to perform.
“Our first five [offensive linemen] played lights out,” Meyer said. “Everyone graded a winning effort. We had 45 knockdowns. I’ve been on teams where the goal was 10-12; our effort was tremendous. Our interior three knocked them down nine times. Each tackle had a 14-knockdown day. Their defensive line was completely neutralized.”
Notes
Andrew Hart, on offensive lineman, has a recurring knee problem and may miss the rest of the season. Hart damaged tire his ACL in his knee last year, and has the same problem this year. Bowling Green has moved into the no. five position on ESPN.com’s Mid-Major poll. Marshall, who plays Central Florida Friday night, is ranked third, after losing badly to Virginia Tech Thursday night.
