Falcons Blast Racers

The news from yesterday is that BG got what you would expect to get...BG should win easily in a game like this and they did.  It isn't like you get big kudos for doing it, but many MAC teams have struggled with FCS opponents this year?  If you should win easily and you do, you did what you were supposed to do.

I was not actually at this game, due to a wedding north of Detroit.  Checking in now based on the reports.

It was a huge offensive day for BG.  The Falcons had 660 yards of total offense, the highest total in the Clawson era.  In fact, it is only 46 yards short of a school record, set against Grand Valley State in 1978 (raise your hand if you were there that day).

I'm not going to go into my usual analysis because all the numbers show what you would expect when the score is 48-7, which is complete domination on both sides of the ball.

A couple things are worth noting.

First, Matt Johnson, who had a tough day in Bloomington, had a nearly perfect day against Murray State.  Yes, it was Murray State, but he was 19-22, the 5th best completion percentage in school history.  As Coach said after the game, those kind of numbers are difficult to generate against the scout team, or even against "air."  Johnson did throw one pick, but basically did whatever he wanted against the Racers--as, in fact, did Matt Schilz and James Knapke.

Travis Greene and Andre Givens also appear to have more or less run at will.

On defense, BG did give up a few yards (4.7 per play).  Murray State actually did run the ball effectively, and completed 24-34 passes, but for only 146 yards, which is not much to show for 24 completions.

Walter Powell had 3 catches for 17 yards with a long of 6, so BG clearly handled him effectively.  He also had only 43 yards on 2 KO returns, as BG nailed 4 TBs in 8 attempts.

So, a solid victory for the Falcons.  The biggest concern to emerge from the game is injuries.  Gabe Martin did not play and Ted Ouelette was injured and did not return.  Josh Pettus did not play, either.  This is something to keep an eye on as BG re-enters conference play.  BG enjoyed the fruits of depth as DJ Lynch and Paul Senn both made strong contributions, but BG is certainly better with those guys than without.

So, that's that.  Next come the Akron Zips, who have had close losses the last two weeks.  BG is 3-1 and that's probably on the high end of what anyone might have expected.  Conference games are the most important as BG seeks a MAC title.