BGSU football (2-3, 0-1) took the 35-20 loss to the defending MAC champions, Ohio Bobcats (3-2, 1-0) in Athens, OH.
But the game was a one-score game for the majority of the game. It was the self-inflicted wounds that plagued the Falcons.
“What’s disappointing is that you see glimpses of what we can be, but then the mistakes, the turnovers, they hurt us. We created some, but didn’t capitalize on some of them. They capitalized on theirs,” said Mike and Jan Football Head Coach Eddie George, following the loss.
The Falcons produced some turnovers on defense, getting three turnovers of their own. Two fumble recoveries and one interception.
But quarterback Drew Pyne for the Falcons threw three interceptions today, as Lucian Anderson fumbled a ball today as well.
One interception was a pick-six, which was the first score of the game for OU, setting the tone for the game.
Those were the opportunities that George was talking about.
Running back who led the team in rushing today with 89 yards, Chris McMillian said they just didn’t execute.
“Basically, we didn’t execute,” said McMillian. “They executed all our mistakes. We clearly had this game to win, but, hey, we’re gonna come off the bye week working hard the whole week. Stay locked in.”
Cornerback MJ Cannon spoke further on the missed opportunities, emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of opportunities on both sides of the ball.
“I mean, missed opportunities are always going to be tough. As a defense and an offense, you’ve [got] to be able to capitalize on missed opportunities,” said Cannon. “You take into account those opportunities that we missed, you know, you never know what the end score could be.”
Ever since 2000, the winner of this game has won the turnover battle, and that proved right again today.
Another self-inflicted wound that has haunted the Falcons this season has been the third quarter. Today marked the second straight game where the Falcons put up a goose egg in the third quarter.
“Again, you know, [the] third quarter continues to be our Achilles heel. For the second straight week, we have not produced anything in the third quarter. I don’t think we had a, I don’t think we had a first down at 14 plays and five yards,” said George. Lost a turnover margin. Two delays of games to start drives. That’s not on the kids. That’s on us. That’s on me.”
The wounds that infected this team today can be repaired, but George says they’re lucky the game wasn’t worse; however, he wants to make it known that this team is still growing.
“I mean, we’re lucky it wasn’t worse than it was. We were able to create a couple turnovers for ourselves, but we were unable to capitalize on those, on those mistakes, and we’re learning.”
