Is the Bowling Green defense really that good

[Bet10Heinekens]

I see they are rank top 10 in the nation in most defensive categories.


Is the same group of players from the 2011 team, can a BG fans or MAC specialist confirm this ?

[suicidekings]

I see they are rank top 10 in the nation in most defensive categories. Is the same group of players from the 2011 team, can a BG fans or MAC specialist confirm this ?

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef

Adjusted for schedule, they don't really impress as much. They haven't faced many teams that can put up points. Against Toledo, Mizz State, and Indiana, they got run right over for 242, 245, and 266 yards on the ground. Now they're facing a team that averages 318 ypg. Granted NIU has also had a cakewalk schedule, but this game is a big step in weight class for them. In particular, the NIU OL has been a huge strength for them in allowing Lynch to do his thing.

That said though, in their last 9 games, BG has allowed just 21 second half points, on three TDs. One each in the UMass, Toledo, and Murray State games. Two of those were in blowout wins and unimportant. It would seem that once they start to push an opponent back, they don't take the pressure off for the remainder of the game. That's pretty impressive in any context.

[Bet10Heinekens]

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef

Adjusted for schedule, they don't really impress as much. They haven't faced many teams that can put up points. Against Toledo, Mizz State, and Indiana, they got run right over for 242, 245, and 266 yards on the ground. Now they're facing a team that averages 318 ypg. Granted NIU has also had a cakewalk schedule, but this game is a big step in weight class for them. In particular, the NIU OL has been a huge strength for them in allowing Lynch to do his thing.

That said though, in their last 9 games, BG has allowed just 21 second half points, on three TDs. One each in the UMass, Toledo, and Murray State games. Two of those were in blowout wins and unimportant. It would seem that once they start to push an opponent back, they don't take the pressure off for the remainder of the game. That's pretty impressive in any context.

Good post



I'm just wondering if this the same group of players on the Falcons defense that gave up 283 rushing yards and 340 through the air 2 years ago vs NIU.

Looking for the starting defense on 2011 BG team?

[james4512]

I saw bowling green vs indiana, indiana stomped them into the sun. There QB is absolutely dreadful and they score 14? maybe 21 points all on special teams

[wagerjunkie]

those games that BG gave up all that yardage was early in the year and they were still fitting pieces together on defense. now every one knows their roles/asssignments and you see the stats....they are for real.

just like the season...they get stronger as the game goes along.

[wagerjunkie]

in the midst of their four game win streak BG has out scored opponents 176-17.

tough to fade that.

[RumTum]

The 2011 BGSU defense had a few stars that graduated last year in Chris Jones and Dwayne Woods (both All MAC). This years group is built much the same way, however, they are not as individually talented. Their Safeties are the pillars of the defense. Both are returning starters. Booboo Gates was 1st team All MAC. Both corners returned as starters this year, linebackers Gabe Martin (1st team All MAC) and Paul Swan, as well as both defensive ends and one DT. This defense is good against bad competition. I think NIU will be able to handle them. The speed just isn't there in the defensive front 7.

I was less impressed with the BGSU offense. They put up points because the defense has been able to get off the field quickly by forcing so many 3 and outs. I would be surprised if that happened tonight. They had a really hard time with Toledo at home, and NIU handled Toledo on the road.

NIU -4.5. I have them winning by as many as 14 points.

[PaperTrail07]

NI myself...BG wins--good for them

[Bet10Heinekens]

in the midst of their four game win streak BG has out scored opponents 176-17.

tough to fade that.

Miami-Ohio ranked 124 in scoring offense, 2nd to last in the nation

E.Michigan ranked 114

Ohio ranked 72

Buffalo ranked 45

Non of these teams are scoring juggernauts

if Buffalo can get 200+rushing yards vs BG, the 4th ranked Huskies rushing attack should be able to get their yardage

[superbowl3056]

agreed. bowling greens schedule has been crazy soft. I think they've only played teams with winning records 3 times this year, and lost 1 of those games. Gonna be on NIU, trying to decide if I want the ML or -3

[Bet10Heinekens]

The 2011 BGSU defense had a few stars that graduated last year in Chris Jones and Dwayne Woods (both All MAC). This years group is built much the same way, however, they are not as individually talented. Their Safeties are the pillars of the defense. Both are returning starters. Booboo Gates was 1st team All MAC. Both corners returned as starters this year, linebackers Gabe Martin (1st team All MAC) and Paul Swan, as well as both defensive ends and one DT. This defense is good against bad competition. I think NIU will be able to handle them. The speed just isn't there in the defensive front 7.

I was less impressed with the BGSU offense. They put up points because the defense has been able to get off the field quickly by forcing so many 3 and outs. I would be surprised if that happened tonight. They had a really hard time with Toledo at home, and NIU handled Toledo on the road.

NIU -4.5. I have them winning by as many as 14 points.

great post, NIU O-line is bigger than the B.G. D-line, if the speed is not there advantage Huskies

[NeilV]

I see they are rank top 10 in the nation in most defensive categories.


Is the same group of players from the 2011 team, can a BG fans or MAC specialist confirm this ?

There are 14 defensive players from that 2-deep defense in 2011 still playing this year. Remember they were all Fr or So at the time, I would consider that as a positive and not a negative.

[wagerjunkie]

agreed. bowling greens schedule has been crazy soft. I think they've only played teams with winning records 3 times this year, and lost 1 of those games. Gonna be on NIU, trying to decide if I want the ML or -3

actually, BG has the tougher SOS believe it or not.

don't think u guys realize how soft the NIU defense is.

[superbowl3056]

actually, BG has the tougher SOS believe it or not.

don't think u guys realize how soft the NIU defense is.

You got me. Bg's SOS was 92nd, NIU 94th. Doesn't really hold any water when you consider BG has lost 3 games

[superbowl3056]

Based off this chart at least

http://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/ranking/strength-of-schedule-by-team

[wagerjunkie]

actually, BG has the tougher SOS believe it or not.

don't think u guys realize how soft the NIU defense is.

40 points hung on them n still 10 to go in 4th quarter.