Losing an NFL-caliber quarterback usually has an effect on the team the
following year, but that is not the case at Bowling Green.

The Falcons (2-2, 0-1), who won the Motor City Bowl last year, have
not lost a step without Josh Harris. His replacement, Omar Jacobs, has
been better than expected.

Jacobs leads the MAC and is fourth in the nation in total offense,
averaging 311.5 yards per game. BGSU is coming off a 70-16 win over
Temple, in which Jacobs threw four touchdowns.

“We didn’t play well (the week before) against NIU and they wanted
to show the football world that we are an offense to be reckoned with,”
said BGSU coach Gregg Brandon.

The offense truly is one to be reckoned with, as Bowling Green is
averaging 456.6 ypg and 40 points per game through its first four games.

The Chippewas, on the other hand, average only 21.2 points per game
and cannot afford to get into an offensive battle with the Falcons.

“Defense is a big key in this game, and it is going to take a good
defensive performance to win,” said defensive end Dan Bazuin.

Jacobs is aided by arguably the best receiving corps in the MAC.
Cole Magner leads the team with 24 catches for 198 yards and Charles
Sharon has collected 243 yards and four TD’s.

The Falcons pass offense is ranked No. 11 in the nation averaging
325.6 yards per game.

“They have an outstanding receiving corp,” said CMU coach Brian
Kelly. “We respect them but we do not fear them.”

The passing game is not the only dangerous element of the Bowling
Green offense. Junior tailback P.J. Pope leads the MAC in yards per
carry with 6.6 and receiving yards by a running back with 189.

The offensive line has been dominant, allowing only two sacks this
season.

“There is no question Bowling Green is more talented,” Kelly said.
“But that doesn’t mean they are better.”

All the hype surrounds the offense, but BGSU’s defense has been just
as good. They are third in the MAC in scoring defense at 25 points per
game and have won their last 12 games when holding an opponent under
100 yards rushing.

It will be a tough task for them as Jerry Seymour has rushed for
over 100 yards in eight of his last nine games.

“We will need to tackle better,” Brandon said. “One guy will not get
him.”

The Falcons offensive scheme is very similar to CMU’s except their
personnel has been in place for a few years.

“Hopefully that is what your CMU offense will look like in a year or
two,” Kelly said.

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