Questions regarding BGSU football (Vol. 2 --- Defense)

6/25/2008

Some questions concerning BG s defense heading into the upcoming season

Was the defense s stellar performance in the spring misleading?

I really don t think so. I was skeptical until I watched the spring game where the defense absolutely dominated what should be a solid offense. This unit has been young and raw for a few years now and I think the payoff is coming. They will probably struggle against Pitt and Boise, but that s all right. If the D can come up big against your Miamis and Kent States, the Falcons will be just fine.

What is the defense s biggest concern?

I can t decide. It s either the interior line or depth at linebacker. I really like tackle Michael Ream, who was suspended for much of last season. If he can emerge as a force in the middle --- and he suggested he could throughout the spring --- then the emphasis is on the linebackers. John Haneline and Erique Dozier are two of the best the MAC has to offer. But what if one or both gets hurt? You re already starting a converted safety (Jerett Sanderson) so that should speak volumes about the lack of depth at the position. Losing Glen Stanley (grades) is huge. He had the look of a great one.

Which freshman/newcomer do you expect to make an impact?

Keith Morgan has the best chance, in my opinion. An incoming freshman out of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Morgan looked excellent in his highlight tape --- although most of his clips were on offense. I understand that everyone looks good in highlights, but Morgan showed a combination of size and agility that I didn t see from every other DB recruit. I could definitely see him working into the mix at safety. Nice kid, too.

Will Orlando Barrow ever suit up again for the Falcons?

Stop. Remember when your mother said there is no such thing as a stupid question? Phone her and tell her she s wrong. Here s what I find funny about Barrow. He s a 6-2, 290-pound black male living in Bowling Green. There s about five people matching that description. So before he robbed those kids at gunpoint, he was essentially already a suspect.