The End Zone: Bowling Green

Bowling Green beat writer Donald Emmons

What do we really know about the Falcons after the first month of the season?

Here's what I know:

Bowling Green is probably not as bad as its 1-3 record indicates. The Falcons' nonconference schedule was not intended for the weak of heart. Troy, Missouri, Marshall and No. 5 Boise don't conjure up anything resembling a cupcake.

The BG offense remains a work in progress despite returning several key players from a year ago, including QB Tyler Sheehan and wideout Freddie Barnes.

Part of the Falcons' issues is not having a big back to bulldoze his way through defensive lines. Junior tailback Willie Geter (5-foot-7, 175 pounds), is primarily responsible for the ground game. His strength is his quickness and speed, but his weakness is he dances a little too much in search of the perfect gap instead of darting through the first hole that presents itself. If Geter eliminates the dancing, his longest run of the season just might be more than 16 yards.

BG averages 346 total yards, but averages only 18.8 points an outing. Putting points on the scoreboard certainly has been an issue. Their lofty yardage totals clearly show the Falcons know how to move the chains between the two 20-yard lines. BG's struggles come inside the red zone and it will need to score more in Mid-American Conference play to compete for a title.