When a team gets hot, everything seems to come together as if they can do no wrong.
Playing three consecutive games on the road and getting better with each effort, the Falcon football team (5-2, 3-1 in conference) comes home soaring to host Eastern Michigan (3-4, 3-1) Saturday.
Much of their success has come from a dominating offensive unit that is averaging 41.4 points per game and 464.9 yards per game.
Quarterback Omar Jacobs is climbing the ranks among the top passers in the nation. What might be most impressive about the redshirt sophomore is how little he turns the ball over. His 20 touchdown passes stand out amongst the list of exceptional statistics, but throwing just two interceptions in 257 pass attempts has kept the offense on the field and allowed the play makers to get the ball in the end zone.
Jacobs has eased into a system that features experienced receivers who are dominating opposing secondaries and an offensive line that has allowed only three sacks all season.
“Omar does a great job (spreading the ball to receivers),” said wide receiver Steve Sanders. “He will find the open receiver. Sometimes, you may not be open and he’ll make a great throw and he’ll make you catch it.”
“Our receivers have matured now to the point where they can get open against just about anybody,” said BG head coach Gregg Brandon. “When we give Omar time, we can do some things.”
As Eastern Michigan prepares for their visit to Doyt Perry Stadium, they have to be concerned with how they can stop the Falcon offense. EMU is allowing 36.6 points per game and 438.1 yards per game without having played as dominant an offense as BG’s.
They will need their defense to play at the top of their game to slow down the Falcons. Kevin Harrison leads the team with 89 tackles and has recorded two sacks. Jerry Gaines’ three fumble recoveries and two forced have stopped opposing teams drives and kept EMU in games.
“Defensively, they’re a little bit undersized, they’re a quick defense,” Brandon said. “I like the way their linebackers run around. (Harrison) is a good player. They just don’t have the girth up front.”
Much of the Falcons success with the ball this year has come from the passing game, but with P.J. Pope (399 rushing yards, six touchdowns) in the backfield, they always are a threat to run. The running game has not been up to par for most of the season, but Brandon does not see that as a glaring problem.
“It’s only a concern if we’re not winning,” he said. “I want to score points and if I can run (the ball) to score points, I’ll run it. If I throw it to score points, I’ll throw it. Right now, we’re throwing it.”
