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End Zone: BGSU Falcons

Big opener is gridiron for the sake of gridiron

8/28/2013

John Wagner

Most Mid-American Conference schools play one of two types of openers. One is a cash grab, which involves traveling to a Big Ten or SEC school and getting a handsome check after absorbing a loss. The other is a cupcake grab, where involves hosting a FCS or Division II squad and fattening up with an easy win.

Well, the Falcons’ opener doesn't fit either of those stereotypes. BG is at home, but its first-game opponent is far from a pastry as Tulsa won Conference USA’s championship and beat Iowa State in a bowl game last season.

So why schedule this game, when there will be no huge check handed out and the Falcons stand a chance of being beaten?

One reason is that it’s a good test for a team that is expecting to do big things this season.

Another is that the game is drawing national attention thanks to the ESPNU cameras that will be at the Doyt.

But the biggest reason is that BG continues to try and bring big-name opponents to town. This is the biggest since Boise State played here in 2009, and in years past Minnesota, Missouri, and Pitt have ventured into Wood County.

That’s reason enough to pack the Doyt — even without getting cash or cupcakes.

Contact John Wagner at: jwagner@theblade.com, 419-724-6481 or on Twitter @jwagnerblade.