The End Zone - Bowling Green

Bowling Green beat writer Donald Emmons

Despite owning a 3-5 record with four games to play, optimism still reigns at Bowling Green.

There's an attitude among the Falcons: They believe they have plenty to play for over the next four weeks, beginning with a road game Tuesday night at Buffalo.

However, a loss to the Mid-American Conference East Division opponent in a nationally televised contest could deflate BGSU's hopes for a winning record and a fantastic finish.

Just how many more times can BGSU continue to play teams close — only to come up short — before the realization kicks in that hopes of a post-season bowl are out the window?

The Falcons have been in all but one game this season. Boise State, which defeated BG by 35 points, didn't allow the Falcons to ever consider pulling out a win in Week 4.

Because of the Tuesday night game, the Falcons (3-5, 2-2 MAC) will have 10 days from their last contest — a 24-10 defeat by the Central Michigan Chippewas — to get ready for the Bulls (3-5, 1-3 MAC).

Frankly, the extra time between games to prepare for their next opponent couldn't have come at a better time for the Falcons.

It's basically now or never to keep that optimism rolling for this season around Doyt Perry Stadium.