Falcons get early MAC test; UT facing former coach; Buckeyes host SDSU; Irish visit Michigan

Falcons focus on Archer, attempt to snap recent swoon vs. Kent State

Two of the most important players on the Bowling Green State University practice field this week were Jamel Martin and Jhalin-Nashid Croley. The role Martin and Croley played in practice was the same: Help the Falcons prepare to face two of the Mid-American Conference’s best players. Martin played the role of Kent State’s Dri Archer, an early Heisman Trophy candidate who is one of the MAC’s most-dangerous offensive threats, while Croley served as KSU’s Roosevelt Nix, one of the best defensive players in league history. The Falcons will need to control both if they hope to win their MAC opener, which kicks off at noon today at Dix Stadium.

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Offensive line ‘OK,’ but not what Buckeyes seek

San Diego State defensive end Cody Galea concedes that Braxton Miller is “good.” He knows all about the Ohio State quarterback’s past — his school-record 3,310 yard of total offense last year, the Big Ten player-of-the-year recognition — and the Heisman expectations of the future. Consider the challenge laid down. When No. 3 OSU (1-0) hosts the Aztecs (0-1) today at Ohio Stadium, the guys charged with shielding Miller are out to prove last weekend’s opener was a one-off performance.

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Wolverines welcome quick test, Irish rivalry

Today’s rendition of one of college football’s most notable rivalries will serve as a barometer for Michigan. It’s more than just a well-documented, well-publicized rivalry. The matchup between the No. 17 Wolverines and No. 14 Notre Dame will could set the tone for the season for both teams. A legendary Michigan coach shared a similar sentiment about facing Notre Dame. It’s a hypothetical measurement.

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Time alters perception of Pinkel

The triumphs and anguish of that 2000 season come into focus today as the Toledo Rockets prepare to play at Missouri, where former coach Gary Pinkel is in his 13th season since leaving behind a hall of fame career at Toledo. The teams have never met before. Pinkel said this week the bitter end to 2000 had no bearing on his decision to leave. There were 25 bowls that season involving 50 teams. Seven teams finished the regular season 7-5, five at 6-6, and another went 7-6. The MAC earned just one bid — to the Motor City Bowl, its only guaranteed slot — which went to league champion Marshall, whom the Rockets throttled 42-0 in October.

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