The Bowling Green season win total betting line for the 2019 college football season has been set at over or under 3 wins. Bowling Green is also listed at 80 to 1 to win the MAC in 2019, the second worst odds in the conference.
After Mike Jinks showed no signs of improving Bowling Green in his three years, it was time to move on. Scot Loeffler takes over and he’s at least familiar with Ohio (born and raised) and the north, though he’s spent most of his college days coordinating offenses at Auburn, Virginia Tech and most recently Boston College.
The Falcons at least have an experienced quarterback leading the offense in Jarret Doege after he threw for 27 touchdowns and 12 picks on 6.8 yards per attempt last year.
Offense Looks to Improve Running Game
Sure, the offense wasn’t good averaging 24.3 points per game, but the experience under center is there. That said, the goal for the offense is to run the ball better after averaging 116.6 yards per contest on 3.4 yards per carry. Andrew Clair (702 yards, 5.2 ypc) will get most of the carries, though Boston College transfer Davon Jones will likely get some touches along with Bryson Denley (67 carries).
The line returns four players with decent starting experience so that should also help. Doege lost his top receiver, but should be fine with Quintin Morris and Washington State transfer Isaiah Johnson-Mack next in line to step up.
Not Hard to Improve on 40 ppg
The defense has more room for improvement after allowing 40.0 points and 280.5 rushing yards per game, and new coordinator Brian VanGorder should help after recently spending time at Louisville, OK State, Georgia and Notre Dame.
The front seven still has a few positives despite last year’s ugly numbers. Senior end David Konowalski returns with sophomore Karl Brooks, while the tackles at least got experience last year due to other injuries.
There are two underclassmen set to start at outside linebacker, but middle linebacker Kholbe Coleman should make the transition somewhat easier for the unit. There are a lot of questions in the secondary with three starters gone.
Senior safeties Jerry McBride and Jamari Bozeman are a starting point, but corner could be a mix-and-match situation all season.
Over 3 Wins Looks Like the Play
No one is expecting Bowling Green to make a bowl this year, but adding another win to the record would be nice. Two of those may have to come in non-conference play with home games against Morgan State and La. Tech. Otherwise, drawing Toledo and WMU, the projected best teams in the West division, isn’t great.
The best chances for MAC wins will be home against CMU and Akron, as well as the September game against Kent State. If everything goes to plan with Doege, and the defense can do something positive, the Falcons could reach four wins.
2018 Bowling Green Falcons Football Schedule
Aug. 29 vs. Morgan State
Sept. 7 at Kansas State
Sept. 14 vs. Louisiana Tech
Sept. 21 at Kent State
Oct. 5 at Notre Dame
Oct. 12 vs. Toledo
Oct. 19 vs. Central Michigan
Oct. 26 at Western Michigan
Nov. 2 vs. Akron
Nov. 13 at Miami (OH)
Nov. 19 vs. Ohio
Nov. 29 at Buffalo