Although Bowling Green finished 4-8 in head coach Mike Jinks first year, there are reasons to be optimistic in 2017. For one, the Eagles ended 2016 on a three-game winning streak against MAC East teams. Secondly, several of the players who contributed to the late season surge are back.
A lot of the reason for the crisper play was because of the returning starters on the Bowling Green offense. If the line gelled in the spring, the Falcons could be dangerous on offense this fall.
The Falcon’s defense also showed some signs of life in the second half of the season. Even so, there are considerably more questions on this side of the ball. A tough schedule and a young core of players could make bowl eligibility an afterthought. Taking all that into consideration, Bowling Green should show improvement in 2017.
Offense
The Bowling Green Falcons lost their starting quarterback James Knapke to graduation. Fortunately, James Morgan started several games as a freshman in 2016 and has some experience as the full-time starter this season.
None of that experience matters if James Morgan keeps throwing the ball to the other team. In 2016, the freshmen quarterback tossed for 16 touchdowns but had 15 picks. He did look better as the season progressed and ended up throwing for over 2,000 yards on the year.
Bowling Green has never been known as a run first team, but the strength of the offense could be on the ground with Josh Cleveland and Donovan Wilson. Last year, the two combined for over 1,200 yards and seven trips to the promised land. Once again, that all depends on the performance of a relatively young offensive line.
Wide out Scott Miller is an all-star with an experienced receiving corps surrounding him. Miller amassed almost 1,000 yards while snatching up 74 balls. He also found his way into the end zone 10 times. Additionally to Miller, James Morgan will have six of his top seven receivers back on the field.
Defense
The Bowling Green defense was absolutely obliterated in the first month of the 2016 season. They allowed an average of 55 points per game, giving up 77 points twice to Ohio State and Memphis. In fact, the defense surrendered 5,571 total yards to their 12 opponents and allowed 38 points a contest.Without any improvements on this side of the ball, Bowling Green will be destined as a cellar-dweller in the MAC Eastern Division.
The linebacker spot boasts juniors Brandon Harris and Dorian Hendrix and seniors Nate Locke and Nilijah Ballew. All will return to try to stop the bleeding from last years debacle. Also cover corners Robert Jackson Jr. and Clint Stephens return from injuries. Sophomore safety Cameron Jefferies returns starting experience in the back end.
Prediction
So, do you think turnovers play a major roll in the outcome of football games? Bowling Green made four straight bowl appearances from 2012-2015. During that span their turnover ratio was +4(2012), +10(2013-14) and +12 in 2015. Last year, their 4-8 record directly corresponds to their -16 turnover ratio. If the Falcons don’t fix their turnover woes it is going to be another long year for the fans at Boyt-Perry stadium.
Football minds thought that Bowling Green really rolled the dice when the university hired Head Coach Mike Jinks. Until then, he had no coordinating or head coaching experience at the college level. But after the 1–8 start, Jinks settled things down, and the Falcons won its final three contests. Only time will tell if he can carry this over from 2016.
Vegas insiders have the Falcons at 33 to 1 (+3300) to win the MAC Conference crown. They have decided on a team win total of five. With so many questions with the coaching staff and the players, I suggest staying off of the futures bets here.
Schedule
9-2 @ Michigan State
9-9 vs. South Dakota
9-16 @ Northwestern
9-23 @ Middle Tennessee
9-30 vs. Akron
10-7 @ Miami (Ohio)
10-14 vs. Ohio
10-21 vs. Northern Illinois
10-31 @ Kent State
11-7 @ Buffalo
11-15 vs. Toledo
11-21 @ Eastern Michigan
The getmoresports.com NCAA College Football Throwdown Podcast will be returning to the air on August 24th. We will be highlighting the first five games on August 26th of the 2017 NCAA College Football season. That will be the first of three installments leading into the first week of the season. We also we will be covering our expectations for the Heisman Trophy front runners as well as predictions for conference winners and team totals.
Our second NCAA College Football Throwdown is penciled in for August 29th. In that installment, we will discussing all the games that will be played on August 31st and the 1st of September.
Our third segment will officially be airing on August 31st. In this addition of the NCAA College Football Throwdown, we will be covering all the relevant games for Sept 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
Keeping with tradition, EJ the Rainmaker and Erik the Hun will give their predictions for the contests. On top of that, we will be providing our dog play of the podcast as well as cash money plays for the week. Join us for all three opening episodes and improve your college football knowledge while increasing the size of your sports book betting account. Come join us and help everyone make it rain. #moneytreesgrow
