Sweet Victory #6

 

And there you go.  BG cruised to a 49-19 victory over Kent Wednesday night, becoming bowl eligible and now with a shot to get to a 7-win season for the first time in 8 seasons.  It is BG's first 4-game winning streak since 2015.  From 2016 to 2022, BG did not win 4 games in any season.

We are what we are.  So far, not as good as Ohio and Miami (or close) but better than the worst teams in the MAC.  Whether that's good enough at this point is a debate.

I felt like the game had two turning points. The first came in the second quarter when Kent chose a FG on 4th and 4 on the BG 18 to try and make it a 14-9 game.  They doinked the FG and BG took the ball and scored 3 plays later on a drive highlighted by Orth to Keith for 74 yards (two plays, including the score).  It was 21-6 at that point and it was never a one-score game again.

The other came in the second half.  BG took the opening kickoff and drove inside the 5-yard line.  On 4th and 1, BG went for it and did not make it.  (I like the decision, but not the inability to make 1 yard).  KS drove to midfield and then punted BG to its own 2.  BG went 3 and out, shanked the punt, and Kent scored to make it 28-13.

With 5 minutes left in the 3rd, this is the kind of thing that can turn a game.  Plenty of time, especially because BG had been giving up yards.

What BG needed was a drive.  And they got it, going 75 yards in 12 plays and running 7:05 off the clock.  That included a 4th and 3 conversion, both QBs, and miracle grabs by Taron Keith and Finn Hogan.  The score made it 35-13 at that was that.

A few thoughts.

BG played without Terion Stewart (along with Oladokin and Tunde Fatukasi.  According to PFF, Jake Burns had a fantastic game in Tunde's spot).  This essentially left us playing without most of our offensive production.  BG's coaching staff actually had a creative game plan to try and move the ball, something they have not always done.  That included letting Taron Keith run wild.  He ended as the first player in program history with 100 yards rushing AND receiving in the same game.  BG also ran Fannin 5 times for 25 yards and he caught 4 for 92.

It was enough. BG ended up with 7.7 yards per play and 476 yards overall. A good offensive performance against a Kent team that does play decent defense.

It was a great example of complimentary football.  BG used a FR, an INT, a big punt return and a big kickoff return (both by Embry) to start each time in Kent territory and scored each time. Add in a fake punt that extended yet another drive.  This has been the formula and it has won 4 straight.

More creativity might be needed, as Coach said today that Keith and Stewart will be game time decisions for Toledo on Tuesday.

BG's defense was more in a bend-don't-break mode. It was certainly good enough.  They held KSU's backs to 4 yards per carry and a long run of 13.  KSU did pass the ball well on us, going 23 of 40 for 284 yards, 12.3 per completion.  Kent was also playing without their #1 WR--actually was leading the MAC in receptions. However, BG forced two turnovers and had 4 sacks and 1 hurry against a struggling Kent offensive line.  BG allowed only 2 TDs.  It was a credible performance and all worked together for an easy win. 

BG continued to have too many penalties, with 11 on the game.  That's not good at all.  BG only turned it over once and were sacked only twice.

So, BG will be in a bowl game for the second straight year.  They have a shot at 7 or 8 wins, an improvement over last year.  I think we're better than last year.  But if that's good enough, again...that;'s a debate.  One I'd like, at this point, to hear you debate without using the words "Mike Jinks."