Turner's return helps BGSU gain win

10/1/2006

ATHENS, Ohio - Anthony Turner didn't look his best.

But Turner, Bowling Green State University's quarterback, had more than the Falcons' 21-9 victory over Ohio to be happy about yesterday in playing for the first time since he dislocated his nonthrowing shoulder two weeks ago.

"It feels good," Turner said. "I'm starting to get my range of motion back and my strength. Today I landed on it a few times, didn't feel anything, so I guess it's back."

Turner, a sophomore, was off on many of his throws and appeared timid running the ball. He was 9 of 18 for 77 yards. He gained just eight yards on the ground while losing 25. But BGSU coach Gregg Brandon was happy with how Turner ran the offense and stayed turnover-free.

"Today you could tell that he had missed a week or two of practice, and he wasn't completely in the groove," Brandon said. "But the kid made plays when he had to.

"He's banged up and he came out and competed today and helped us get a victory."

After the Falcons had offensive woes against Kent State a week ago with Turner sitting out, he wanted to play. But not at a price.

"It was very important to come back, but it all depended on how my shoulder felt," Turner said. "I wasn't going to try to rush it. I started out kind of rusty, but it's a victory, so it's good."

Turner said he still wants to regain more strength in his injured shoulder this week as the Falcons prepare for Ohio State.

BULLOCK SHINES: Running back Dan Macon did not make the trip because of an injured ankle, and redshirt freshman Chris Bullock started in his place.

Bullock followed up his 99-yard performance against Kent State with 114 yards on 21 carries. He scored his first career touchdown in the third quarter, and had a 30-yard run in the first quarter that led to BGSU's first score. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry.

Brandon's postgame comments indicated Bullock might have earned a regular starting position.

"I told Chris before the game this could be a never-look-back game, and it was," Brandon said.

A NEW RUIZ: BGSU senior tight end Ruben Ruiz's wife, Rebecca, gave birth to their second child early yesterday morning. Ruben Isac weighed in at six pounds, two ounces. Ruiz traveled with the team to Athens and received a call with the good news around 5:30 a.m.

EXTRA POINTS: It was the fourth time this season redshirt freshman Freddie Barnes scored at least two touchdowns in a game. He spent most of the game at receiver but his two scores came from under center. For the first time this year the BGSU defense held an opponent scoreless in the first quarter and didn't give up a first-half touchdown. Sophomore Antonio Smith returned at cornerback after missing last week with an injury. He had four tackles and recovered a fumble, but also made a late hit on Ohio quarterback Austin Everson.