BGSU notebook: Ankles might sideline Pope
9/4/2005MADISON, Wis. Running back P.J. Pope sprained both his ankles on a special teams play in the second quarter and did not return. His status for Saturday s game at Ball State was unclear.
He ll be out for a little bit, said Bowling Green coach Gregg Brandon.
Down 28-20 with 5:23 in the second quarter, the Falcons were receiving a kickoff and Pope, in to block, was pushed in the back. Play was stopped for a few minutes while he was down, but Pope walked off the field on his own, albeit limping. Before the injury he had 24 yards rushing on eight carries and three receptions for 10 yards.
If Pope does not play Saturday, senior B.J. Lane would get the majority of the carries. Also, junior Dan Macon, who Brandon hopes to redshirt this season, might be forced into action.
Possibly my number has been punched, Lane said. It s up to me to step up.
Lane had his first career start yesterday when the Falcons began the game in a two-back set. He scored two touchdowns. One was an 18-yard first-quarter reception on a shovel pass from quarterback Omar Jacobs, and the other came in the second quarter, a five-yard dash to the left that tied the game at 28.
HE S NO. 2: Jacobs 458 passing yards were the second-most in BGSU history. Brian McClure threw for 479 yards in a 38-17 victory over Ohio University in 1985. Josh Harris 438 against Northern Illinois in 2003 is third.
SOUND BITE: Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez, on his running back Brian Calhoun s first game as a Badger: He said he s still knocking the cobwebs off, but not a bad start. Whether it would be a debut for anyone while I was here or in the history of football here, this is the best day anybody s ever had.
REPLAY REWARDS: Instant replay was used twice yesterday and both rulings fell in the Falcons favor. A review from the replay booth in the press box was requested when Omar Jacobs found Corey Partridge for a 17-yard score on the opening drive of the game. The ball came loose, but judges ruled Partridge had already scored.
On Wisconsin s first drive, the judges overturned a call that a third-down pass from John Stocco to Jonathan Orr was completed, forcing the Badgers to punt.
PARTRIDGE SHINES: In his first game and first start as a Falcon, Partridge led the team in receiving. He had eight catches for 160 yards and a touchdown.
I thought he played well, Brandon said. He ran great routes, caught the football. He s a tough competitor. I like the way he goes for the ball and competes.
A LITTLE KISS: Stocco was knocked out of the game temporarily late in the first quarter when he was tackled in the open field by freshman cornerback Antonio Smith.
Yeah, he gave me a little kiss, Stocco said. I got a little shot to my head. I m all right though. Probably should have slid on that one.
Stocco returned at the start of the second quarter.
BADGER BITS: Wisconsin improved to 24-2 against Mid-American Conference teams. It is 23-2 in its past 25 non-conference games. ... The 98 points the teams combined for were the most scored in Camp Randall Stadium since 1890. ... The Badgers seven rushing touchdowns tied a school record.
EXTRA POINTS: Jacobs TD pass to Partridge with 11:02 left in the first made it the eighth straight game BG has scored on its opening drive. ... Steve Sanders 63-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter was the longest of his career. ... Jacobs five TD passes gave him his fifth consecutive game with four or more, the ninth of his career.