It wasn't looking good.
And then, as noted in the overview, BG had that long drive at the end of the second...five first downs on that drive alone--and the Falcons were able to get into a rhythm that saw them score TDs on 3 of its last 4 possessions to put the game away.
I think the 4th down play was key. BG went for it on 4th and 1 from its 29 on that key drive and converted. I think when you see that kind of confidence in what you do, the teams feels it and moves from there.
BG had 5.9 yards per play, which is really good. They ran for 5.4 yards per carry--also very good, and that includes sacks--and completed a high percentage of passes (19 of 27).
By the time it was done, it was a strong offensive performance.
Once Doege got rolling, he showed what he can do. He completed 15 straight passes to start the second half and went 15 of 17 for the half. BG didn't rack up the yardage--it was only 9.4 per completion--but the high percentage passing combined with the run allowed BG to keep the chains moving and they got the big pass to Miller when they needed it.
Scott Miller had 6 catches for 100 yards as he moves up the career reception charts for the program. That's his 11th career 100-yard game, tying him with Charles Sharon for 3rd on the all-time list.
Morris had 3 for 30 and a TD. Justin Sawmiller was in the rotation as well.
On the rushing side, Andrew Clair reminded us again that he is simply a difference maker. He was 12 for 112 for an average over 9 yards. Frye was 14 for 60, Loy was 8 for 47 and Denley 3 for 23 including a key 3rd down run.
BG's line seemed to play much better. They've moved a couple guys around, put Kurtz at C and moved Bright back in at G. Matt Tanner also got the start at the other G. BG had a much more consistent running game and Doege was sacked twice, which isn't get on 29 drop backs but it was good enough to allow BG to keep passing. Earlier in the year, BG was hesitant to drop back due to protection issues.
BG was 8 of 14 on third down.
And there were the two turnovers. BG turned the old coach's saying on its head by winning the game despite losing the "turnover battle."
Last note. BG is using a two-QB system right now with increasing frequency. Coach has developed a package of plays for Grant Loy essentially to run, wildcat style. Because Loy is a QB, however, the pass remains open and has to be accounted for. Pelini says that it forces the defense to prepare for two different things and makes their task harder. I know that a lot of fans hate these two QB things, but it isn't that different from what Florida did with Tebow from a tactical perspective. I'm surprised we don't use it more in red zone and short yardage.
Either way, it has helped us generate some momentum and I think it makes the offense's job easier.'
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