25 Questions that Flash BIG GAME

What is their body of work?

It is very, very good.  They have won 13 of their last 15 games, and in there is a loss to Kentucky that they have to feel bad about.  For a team that has been lousy in football for a long time (maybe 40 years), this is a real renaissance.  This is a very good football team with a winning track record.

How many seniors and juniors on the two-deep?

They have 28 on their two deep which is a lot.  They are building though, there are a ton of sophomores on the two deep.

Who are their statistical leaders?

Dri Archer leads the nation in kickoff returns and is #4 in all purpose yards and #6 in scoring.

What is their turnover ratio?

They are a ridiculous +20.  #1 in the nation.

Offense:

How is their QB Play?

Coach says Spencer Keith has moved from a game manager to a playmaker.  His numbers are not great--he completes 58% of his passes with 9 TDs over 5 INT with 10.6 yards per completion.  They seem to be using him much like BG uses Schilz.

What is their scoring and yards per play?

Their offense is coached by BG native Brian Rock, for those who might be interested.  They are #2 in scoring offense and #4 in yards per play--you can attribute the difference to the huge turnover differntial.

Can they run the ball?

Yeah, they can.  They are #2 in rushing yards per game and per carry.  That's 5.5 yards per play with 29 rushing touchdowns.  (BG is 7th in rushing offense).  So...you want a game key...who wins between their running game and BG's defense?

Do they pass the ball?

They are last in passing yards per game (partly due to play selection) and #9 in pass efficiency.

How is their run/pass balance?

They have attempted the fewest passes in the MAC, even fewer than EMU.  They run the ball on 63% of their plays.

The story is
already written

Do they convert on 3rd Down?

Nothing special, they are 9th in the MAC (37.4%)

Do they score in the red zone?

They average 4 red zone trips per game at 4.9 points per trip, which are good if not spectacular numbers.

Do they protect the quarterback?

Actually, given how often they pass they do.  They give up sacks on 6.0% of their pass plays.

Defense:

Topline: Scoring and yards per play.

They are 3rd in scoring defense and 6th in yards per play allowed...both of which are likely to be related to their turnover prowess.

Do they defend the run effectively?

The pride of Kent

They are #2 in yards per game and #4 in yards per carry.

Can they be passed on?

They are a little weaker here--though if you had to be weak in an area when facing BG, this would be it.  They are #6 in the MAC in pass efficiency defense.  They allow 62.6% completions (11th in MAC) but they have 18 INTs (1st) and they give up almost 11.9 yards per reception. If BG were able to get the passing game going, you'd like to think this could really help...but I think we'll all be surprised if that happens.

Do they get off the field on 3rd down?

They are 5th in the MAC.

Do they defend in the red zone?

They allow only 3.3 trips per game, which is average, with 4.9 points per trip, which is also average.

Do they pressure the QB?

They have 20 sacks and 5.3% of pass plays, which is actually pretty good.

Special Teams:

Punting?

They lead the MAC in net punting and have not been blocked.

Punt Return?

They are 7th in the MAC with no TDs and no blocks.

Placekicking?

Freddie Cortez is STILL kicking there, under some kind of extended stay plan.  He's made the ones he is supposed to make...9 of 10 inside 40...is 4-9 outside 40 but his long is 48.  He's been blocked one time.

Kickoff?

They are 5th, with teams starting on the 26.  They have, ahem, 24 touchbacks.

Kickoff Return?

Best in the MAC, they start on the 34.

Maybe all he wants is
to go slow once.

Miscellaneous: Overall atmospherics and intangibles.

There's a lot to say here.

This is a huge game for both these teams, and with the exception of a few Falcons it is the biggest college game any of them have ever played in.

There's a lot of pressure on both sides, but I think more on Kent.

It is a huge advantage for BG to play at home.  I except a good number of fans to have traveled from Kent and I hope, hope, hope that BG has a big crowd out there for the game.

BG has had 3 days of additional rest between games, which I think is a pretty big advantage.

We are going to find out how good our defense really is.  This is a very big test, as OU was.  The defense has been carrying BG and they will need it again.

Having said that, BG's going to have to establish the line of scrimmage on offense and if a couple of pass plays broke loose, it could make a huge difference.

You say it every time, but BG has to take care of the ball.  If Kent gets +2 on turnovers, as they have been averaging, then BG will not win.

Getting a lead will be important.  I don't think either team is set up for a big rally.