2014
Bowling Green
College Football
Betting Preview
Odds and Schedule
Bowling Green, 2013 MAC champions, get a new coaching staff, lose the bulk of a dominant defense, yet are still projected to be a top team in the conference. Despite only returning 11 starters from last year’s team, the Falcons still have quarterback Matt Johnson, running back Travis Greene and a new, up tempo offensive Game plan.
BGSU had a solid offense last year, but no one considered them in the same class as Northern Illinois. Of course that changed in the Championship Game, but with Johnson and Greene returning, the Falcons figure to be the best offense in the conference. Johnson is still only a junior, yet finished with a solid 25 TDs and 7 INTs last year, and now gets to work with Dino Babers, who has helped multiple NFL QBs. The former Eastern Illinois coach preaches fast play and is looking to hit 90 plays per Game.
Johnson is joined by Greene (1,594 yards, 11 TDs), who can be a force together. The offensive line remains mostly in tact led by center Alex Huettel and a couple other returning starters. They lose a couple top receivers from a year ago, but still have plenty of guys to fill in like Ronnie Moore and Ryan Burbrink, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
The defensive end is a different situation after they gave up only 15.9 points per Game a year ago. That includedstopping Northern Illinois to 27 points and only allowing 17 points total in the regular season’s final Four Games.
The Falcons still have several playmakers, but will have to get used to the fast-paced offense, which could mean more time on the field for the defense. Senior linebackers D.J. Lynch and Gabe Martin are two of the best in the MAC and will try and carry over last season’s success. The secondary is almost completely new, but safety Ryland Ward returns to help out. The line isn’t that big, but that might turn out to be a positive thing in the end.
Once again, Bowling Green’s Schedule opens up fairly nicely in Conference play with Buffalo and Ball State both at home. Ohio, Akron and Toledo will be tough on the road, but those are definitely winnable Games.
In non-Conference play, an opening road win at Western Kentucky would be nice, but that won’t be easy. The Falcons will try and redeem themselves against Indiana at home, but that is followed by a road Game at Wisconsin.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Bowling Green only win one non-Conference Game, but still had seven MAC wins and a chance at another championship. The home Game against Buffalo will be crucial in deciding who wins East division.
Reaching last year’s success may be difficult, but with a better offense, you never know. Eight regular season wins can be expected, and maybe a postseason win or two.
Check out 5 dimes sportsbook for the latest MAC odds for the 2014 season.
2014 Bowling Green Football Schedule
Aug. 29 at Western Kentucky
Sept. 6 vs. VMI
Sept. 13 vs. Indiana
Sept. 20 at Wisconsin
Sept. 27 at Massachusetts
Oct. 4 vs. Buffalo
Oct. 11 at Ohio
Oct. 18 vs. Western Michigan
Nov. 4 at Akron
Nov. 12 vs. Kent State
Nov. 19 at Toledo
Nov. 28 vs. Ball State