Football Preview: The Offense

So, to preview the offense...

Last year, BG was 7th in the MAC in scoring offense.  BG was 4th in total yards, however, and that's not something that is too normal.  BG was 3rd in the red zone and 3rd on 3rd downs, so those were both good.  However, BG lost 20 turnovers in MAC play and led the conference in penalties, both things Coach has acknowledged should get cleaned up with a more effective attack.  If they do, you'd expect your rank in scoring to be closer to your rank in yards.

Make no mistake.  This is where the game lies for BG.  BG's offense must produce this year.  An additional touchdown would put BG at the top of the MAC and 5 points would be in the top 3, and that's where it needs to be.

Coach has put a lot of stock in the sophomores--Clair, Doege and Morris--who are bigger and more ready for FBS football.

Doege was effective when he played last year and has the opportunity to settle the QB position down for the first time since Matt Johnson was holding the MAC Trophy aloft.  He seems to be a natural, make quick decisions and has a good arm.  With a second year in college ball, he's going to be key.  Note, also, that the backups are very unproven in the full offense, though I thought Loy looked good in the scrimmage.

BG was #7 in passing offense last year in the MAC, though much of that was without Doege.  With solid protection and if a full complement of playmakers develops, BG should do much better than that.

BG's running game should also be strong.  The Falcons were 3rd in the MAC in yards per carry last year.  Andrew Clair is back, listed on the depth chart with Ra'veion Hargrove and Bryson Denley #2. CJ Lamar, who entered camp at #2, is off the chart.  If this depth develops as expected, BG can spread carries around, keep everyone fresh and still feature a running game that the opponent has to focus on.

That's especially because the O-line is back mostly from last year and has matured and added bulk.  The starters are Taborn, Kramer, Bright, Kurtz and Labus.  Matt Tanner is the only backup who is above a SO, though Joe Ware and Tim Blair are both in their third year at BG.  Coach has said he feels good about the starters and the depth here.

The WR position is a little bit of question mark.  You have Scotty Miller, a proven all-MAC player, and you have Quinton Morris, who everyone is very high on.  You usually look for a third threat...the third starter is Phoutavong, who is 6'5" and has played on and off...is now a JR.  Backups include true FR Noah Massey and Julian-Ortega Jones, along with RSR walk-on Justin Sawmiller, RFR Colin DeBord and JUCOs RB Marlow and Jordan Wayne-Prather.  My guess is that snaps are available for anyone in that last group who can break free.  Note that Pough started camp on the depth chart and he is not currently listed for whatever reason.

BG badly needs a killer offense this year to get the program moving forward while Coach Pelini does his turnaround.  Let's hope they stay healthy and execute at a very high level.

(Update:  A  couple of alert commenters have informed me that Pough left school.)