Sweet Victory!

 

And there it is.  After 686 days, the Falcons are on the winning side.

Yes, you are supposed to win your FCS game.  Yes, Murray State hasn't won an FCS game in 27 years.  Yet, they were favored by 2.5 points in this game, on the road.

In a nowhere-to-go-but-up season, this was up.

To be honest, I was traveling and following the game on the game cast.  There's an un-bylined story in The Blade that recaps the effort pretty effectively.

Some things I like....

BG winning the second half 17-0.  That's a shutout for the defense and enough from the offense to put the game away.  BG had the ball for 21 minutes in the 2nd half.  That's the game plan.

Taking away victory formations and sacks, BG had 146 yards on 37 carries, almost four yards per carry.  Of the backs, only Mosely averaged over 5 yards per carry.  The total was augmented by two 16-yard runs by the WRs.  Coach said after the game that more work is still needed here, but that it was a step in the right direction,   And it was, but more will be needed elsewhere on the schedule.

The defense did an excellent job against the Racers.  The RBs averaged about 3 yards per carry and the passing game was under 50% completions, 132 yards, 3 sacks and 2 INT,  including a key one to set the tone for the game. I think we are clearly benefitting from our new DC and the transfers who came in.  Taylor made a key play and both he and Ferguson had 5 tackles, multiple break ups, etc.

Matt McDonald had another productive game.  He is #5 in the MAC in passing efficiency.  He did throw a pick, finally.  He is clicking well with Osborne, his HS teammate.

BG did make a switch on the o-line, starting Alex Wollschlager in Jordan Murphy's spot.

Villapiano was in the house.  Seems to work out.

Mostly, I am happy for our players.  These guys that are here have stuck it out through some tough times (that are not over) and they deserved to celebrate.  A lot of sweat and work goes into it and I am glad they got to leave the stadium as a winner.

Love the attendance figure, too.  Glad to see the fans rewarded with a win.