The End Zone: Bowling Green State University

BGSU beat writer Donald Emmons

Chicago Cubs Hall-of-Famer Ernie Banks is known for the saying, ‘Let's play two,' referring to the enjoyment he experienced playing doubleheaders during his major league career.

Bowling Green coach Dave Clawson may one day become known for saying, ‘Let's play at two.' He appreciates the day game. He likes playing football before the streetlights go on, preferring to play under the sun's rays instead of the glow of the moon.

If Clawson had his way he would plan kickoffs before noon. He recently expressed a preference for games with starting times at 11 a.m. That's not likely.

The Falcons' schedule and most of their Mid-American Conference opponents typically are night games that end closer to 11 p.m.

Leagues such as the MAC are more open to scheduling conference contests at any time of the day on any day of the week.

Optimum exposure is primarily the reason behind scheduling games in the evening over the morning or afternoon. Clawson likes playing earlier in the day, because it cuts some of the down time and anxiety that can build over the course of a Saturday afternoon leading up to a night game.

For the record, Clawson's career coaching record for games with noon starting times is 9-1, including BG's 31-17 triumph at Ball State last Saturday.