BGSU's Vrvilo long on kicks, short on memory

10/12/2008
BY RYAN AUTULLO
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

AKRON - They say kickers need a short memory. But when your memories are as frightening as Sinisa Vrvilo's, forgetting isn't an easy thing to do.

Vrvilo missed a 34-yarder on BG's first drive but converted from 44 yards to put the Falcons ahead by four with 2:20 remaining in a 37-33 come-from-behind win at Akron.

The make serves as a bit of redemption for Vrvilo who missed an attempt of 53 yards as time expired in last week's 24-21 loss to Eastern Michigan.

Vrvilo is just three of nine on the season after making 15 of 19 a year ago.

MONEY CATCH: If there was an efficiency statistic for receivers, Jimmy Scheidler would be somewhere atop the nation.

The Bowling Green State University tight end has 10 catches this season and half of them have resulted in touchdowns. Scheidler hauled in a six-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Turner to give BG's its first lead of the game in last night's win at Akron.

On the play, which put the Falcons ahead 28-27 in the third quarter, Turner took the snap and faked a handoff before tossing to a wide open Scheidler in the end zone.

Scheidler caught another pass of two yards and now has 10 catches for 70 yards.

KENNY CARRIES: In BG's quest to find a solid kick returner, Kenny Lewis proved to be the best yet with several impressive runs. Roger Williams, a play-making returner last year, cannot return kicks because of a cast on his hand. Tyrone Pronty had been the main kick returner before last night.

MORE RETURNS: Before last night Akron had allowed just 14 punt return yards all season. Corey Partridge exceeded that output with a 17-yard return in the first quarter. BG has struggled to net much yardage on punt returns this year. Entering the game, Partridge had fielded all nine punts and was average just 5.7 yards per attempt.

BRIGHTON BACK: Sophomore Derek Brighton saw his first action of the year as a holder on kicks. Brighton, also a receiver from Allen Park, Mich., broke his foot during the preseason.

TACKLE ELIGIBLE: Left tackle Brady Minturn nearly scored on a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter but was stopped a yard short of the goal line. In what initially looked like the same play BG always runs on two-point conversions - several players moving before the snap - Minturn escaped from the line to the surprise of Akron's defense. Minturn however was not able to outrun the secondary and was tackled as he attempted to stretch over the goal line.

The conversion attempt followed a 21-yard touchdown catch by Partridge from Sheehan - the second time those two connected for a score.