BGSU football is coming off a 40-17 loss against Louisville that wrapped up non-conference play. Now, the Falcons have their sights set on Mid-American Conference (MAC) play against Ohio University, the defending conference champions.
Bowling Green held their weekly press conference on Monday before the matchup. Here are the Falcon Four takeaways from the media availability.
MAC play opening up
Mike and Jan Wilcox Head Football Coach Eddie George believes that this will be the first big test, and it’s happening in the first game of conference play.
“I think that it’s good that you see a quality opponent certainly early on in the MAC schedule. It’ll set the tone moving forward. A lot of ball has to be played between now and November, but like you said, they’re very talented,” said Eddie George. “They’re defending champions, and this will be our first real big test in terms of in conference on the road coming off of last week. So, we have our work cut out for us this week.”
Senior tight end Jyrin Johnson says that the season restarts now.
“It’s great that we get to play against the defending MAC champs. They have been a really great program over the years,” said Johnson. “So basically, we’re 0-0 in conference play, so it’s good to be able to play against an opponent of that nature of them.”
Thoughts on playing the best quarterback in the MAC
Parker Navarro has established himself as the best quarterback in the MAC. The senior has thrown for 870 yards, six touchdowns and just two interceptions through four games.
“Parker Navarro is a phenomenal player, probably the best quarterback in the conference. His play-making ability with his arm, certainly with his legs, his ability to extend plays,” said Eddie George. “He’s really smart with the football, doesn’t make a lot of mistakes at all. He is very careful in terms of protecting the football. Really good wide receivers, but his legs make the difference.”
Winning the fourth quarter has been really important
The Falcons have outscored their opponents in every single game in the fourth quarter. Some in wins and some in losses.
Eddie George believes that it’s great to win the fourth quarter.
“So the fact that we are second in the country in terms of first-time starters and we’re able to find ways to win in the fourth quarter, something that we preach and build on every single day that we’re in the building,” Eddie George said. “We talk about finishing strong in the fourth quarter, built for the fourth quarter, that’s what we call it. No matter what it is, we’re going to outscore you, out-punch you, out-last, out-hit, in that final quarter and the final outcome be what it’s gonna be.”
However, the coach also reacognizes the team has to get off to faster starts.
“Knowing that we’ve done it, we can do it. It’s great, we’ve gotta get off to a much faster start, and that’s only gonna be done with repetition, diligence and resilience,” Eddie George said. “That’s what we have to do, is really harp on that. I mean, every team in the country is dealing with something that they have to work on.”
Thoughts on the MAC for first-time players and coaches
Eddie George, along with a ton of new Falcons, will endure MAC football for the first time, a conference known for its popularity in that anything can happen.
Eddie George realizes that anything can happen in conference games.
“Just talented football teams, great coaching. All the teams are relatively the same. The team that has no wins more than likely they can beat you on any given Saturday,” Eddie George said. “So, the margin of error is very slim. Exciting football, tough-nosed, hard, disciplined football. That’s what I think about when I think about the MAC, and it’s gonna be exciting to get into league play.”
The Falcons are focused on themselves as conference play is set to begin on Saturday.
“I feel like our biggest thing is worrying about ourselves. Not get too interested in what everybody else has going on, just being locked in on our opponents for our weeks,” junior defensive end Eriq George said. “Our biggest thing is just being disciplined and staying focused on what we have going on.”
