Bowling Green State University

Type of Offense: Pro-Style. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end and fullback are more involved in the offense as the fullback is a blocker and the tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the isolation running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive. BGSU is a lot more active in the passing game with receivers having spectacular seasons on a regular basis.

Type of Defense: 4-3.  Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run.  MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game.  A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play.  Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top.  Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge. 

• Run/Pass %: 44/56
• Run/Pass Attempts: 361/459
• Points Per Game: 21.2
• Points Allowed Per Game: 33.6

Key Returning Players:

• Gallon and Coby, WR: These two 3 star WRs continue the recent tradition of great WRs at BGSU. Both are 4.5 40 yard dash runners with Gallon being 6-5 and Coby being 6-1. Gallon should score many TDs in his career with that size in the red zone.
• Zach Colvin, DE: 3 star DE out of Illinois has some size (6-4 255) coming into camp and if he can pick up the college schemes, it will be hard to keep him off the field. Can be a star in the MAC by his senior season and one of the better Des in BGSU history.

Key Incoming Freshmen:

• Jalen Schlachter, OL: This massive 3 star recruit has the size and ability to get playing time as a freshman on the line. He is the crown jewel of the recruiting class and has the potential to have NFL scouts watching him play the next 4 years.
• Willie Snead, WR: The only other 3 star player signed by Ball State does not have burning speed but is very talented and knows the ins and outs of the game. If he shows maturity and can pick up the offense quickly, he has the chance to make some plays in 2011.

Overall Assessment:

• 2-10 was a hard pill to swallow after making it to a bowl game in 2009 losing in an exciting game to Idaho. The out of conference schedule is manageable with the only hard game being a meeting with West Virginia in Morgantown. The MAC was down as a whole with about 4 teams above and beyond the rest last season so there is room for BGSU to make a run in 2011. It’s the third year with Clawson as head coach with one bowl game and one horrible season so it’s put up or shut up time for the coaching staff. Best case scenario is that the offense figures out how to score TDs and the team wins 3 or 4 more games in 2011. Worst case is another dreadful 2-10 season that puts the coaching staff on notice to be canned.