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End Zone: BGSU Falcons

EMU game will tell us more about BG than Buffalo game

11/21/2013

The Falcons' game at Buffalo on Black Friday will determine if BG wins the MAC's East Division title.

Saturday's game at Eastern Michigan will tell us more about this team.

That sounds crazy, doesn't it? After all, a loss to the Eagles won't cost the Falcons a division title.

It looks as if BG's bowl hopes won't be affected much by a loss, either.

So what is on the line Saturday?

More than you might think.

First, the Falcons have talked all season about not looking past opponents, and a meaningless game against a 2-8 team is the perfect test of that statement.

Second, the past two weeks BG has cruised to easy wins by outscoring the opposition 94-3.

Can the Falcons summon another strong effort to beat a team that has been outscored 442-209 this year?

Third, can BG avoid the temptation to look past the Eagles towards a game that will decide if the Falcons play in the MAC Championship game for the first time since 2003?

I understand why BG fans might say this team has nothing to play for at EMU.

If the character of this team is as strong as it seems, I'd say the Falcons have everything to play for Saturday.

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