Last second loss to South Alabama
1st Quarter
The 1st quarter started out about as good as it can for the Falcons. The offense looked shaky and could not really find much success. However, former walk-on Patrick Day blocked a punt for a safety for BG to go up 2-0. Later in the 1st quarter, Darren Anders got a clutch pick-6 and after missing the PAT BG was up 8-0. Neither team had any success on offense and the two defense played a great first quarter.
2nd Quarter
In the 2nd quarter, the Falcon offense continued to struggle. BG cannot run the ball with this young offensive line and it really hindered the offense in the 1st half. Both defenses continued to play well, with South Alabama carving out two field goals on offense to make the game 8-6 going into the half.
3rd Quarter
The 3rd quarter was when the offense got cooking. Matt McDonald lead BG down the field on the very first drive, ending in a Nate Needham field goal to go up 11-6. South Alabama then responded with a long touchdown drive on a big play to their star WR Jalen Tolbert to go up 12-11. McDonald responded again with a long bomb to Tyrone Broden for 47 yards, and three plays later his first touchdown pass of the season to TE Andrew Bench. After a fantastic play by McDonald and Broden for the 2 point try, Falcons lead 19-12.
4th Quarter
4th quarter was a disaster. BG was in South Alabama territory and Coach Loeffler dialed up a trick play, double pass that was picked off in the end zone. In my mind, that play lost the game for the Falcons. It was a bad time to run that play as the offense was humming and it was late in the game. South Alabama scored a touchdown to tie the game at 19-19. Then with the Falcons pinned deep, they were trying to run the clock out and get to overtime. A Christian Simms fumbled then sealed the Falcons fate as South Alabama kicker Diego Guajardo with 0 seconds left won USA the game. Heartbreaking.
Bowling Green
Passing
Matt McDonald was just named MAC East Offensive player of the week! He was fantastic. Slow start and a bad sack did stink but overall his best game of his career. McDonald was accurate, mobile, and went 23/32 for 308 yards. 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions. Passing is the only thing this offense can do, and they do it well especially when moving the pocket.
Running
In one word, non existent. 19 carries, 9 yards when the sacks are included. This young offensive line cannot get any push along the trenches and I think BG should commit to the short passing game as much as possible.
Defense
Best game of the year for the defense as they allowed just two touchdowns to a very explosive South Alabama offense. Obviously we have to mention the Darren Anders pick-6 that was huge for the Falcons. Going up 8-0 with no help from the offense is a great way to start the game. Jake Bentley the USA QB only had 257 yards, no touchdowns, and a pick. In past years the BG pass defense has been torched every game so it was a pleasant surprise. Davon Ferguson lead the team in tackles and brought a ton of energy to the field, which is great for such a young team.
Special Teams
Wow this one was good. A blocked punt for a safety is huge. Special teams points are always clutch. Only downside was a missed PAT but 1/1 on FGs. Punts were solid, nothing too crazy.
Future
As much as it sucks to choke away this game, it was awesome to watch. BG was 14.5 point underdogs and almost won. USA is a much older and more talented team so this, to me, was a moral win. Last year our closest loss was 30 something points, so I was happy to be hanging around. BG has a history of getting schlacked in non-con games of recent years. I am stoked to be seemingly ahead of schedule in terms of being competitive. I said going into this year I am fine with a 2-10 record as long as we have some close losses. On to Murray State.
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