Trying to get a feel for game situations, the Bowling Green State University football team held a scrimmage Sunday night to see where they currently stood as a whole.
The 80-minute scrimmage, which was held at the BGSU football practice field, gave coaches and fans an opportunity to see the growth in returning starters, as well as those stepping in to key roles.
The Falcon defense shined in their first work going full speed against an offense this summer.
“I thought the [starting] defense dominated the scrimmage,” BG head coach Gregg Brandon said. “The first D was really good on the goal line. They got two safeties in the coming out situation… and they pretty much dominated every time they were out there.”
Much anticipation surrounded new starting quarterback Omar Jacobs, taking the field with the first team offense. On the opening drive, Jacobs connected twice with James Hawkins for a total of 45 yards, which led to an eight-yard touchdown run by P.J. Pope.
“The first offense had a nice drive in the opening drive. I thought we did a decent job in the red zone. It was the way you would anticipate; the first offense moved the ball against the two defense,” Brandon said.
Jacobs also shined in red-zone opportunities. He found Charles Sharon for touchdown passes of 20 and 25 yards.
In another situation with the offense pinned deep inside their own territory, Jacobs broke a big run on the outside, flashing his agility and speed.
Redshirt sophomore Kenneth Brantley had a breakout showing in the scrimmage, catching four passes for 66 yards, while displaying an ability to break tackles in the open field and pick up yards after the catch.
“Brantley showed up big,” Brandon said. “We’ve challenged him and he needs to do that. He had a knee injury that ended his season last year, so he’s coming back from that and he’s really responded. He played well and did a nice job.”
Freshman quarterback Anthony Turner has been impressive all of camp and continued his solid play Sunday. Turner moved the ball well and threw a one-yard touchdown pass to senior Todd DiBacco, which pleased Brandon.
“He threw the ball pretty good today. We struggled to protect him at times with the backup line, but he’s got a big time arm.”
The starting secondary for the Falcons, consisting of Jelani Jordan and Terrill Mayberry on the corners with Keon Newson and T.J. Carswell at the safety positions, has been looked at closely this summer. They played well together and showed great speed to the ball. Brandon is feeling more comfortable with the unit as practices continue and liked what he saw from them in the scrimmage.
“We’re still evaluating the secondary. I think the secondary is pretty good right now. I like what we’re doing and we’re starting to gel.”
Senior center Scott Mruczkowski did not play in the scrimmage due to a bruised foot. Brandon said it was the coaches decision to hold him from playing just as a precautionary measure, despite Mruczkowski’s desire to play. The injury is not serious and will allow him to get an extra day of rest before practice resumes today.
2003 leading receiver Cole Magner played sparingly due to an ankle sprain.
