Okay, blogger cultural exchange time. It’s been a while since we had one of these. Bowling Green may be in the MAC. They may have a stadium that seats 24,000 (115th out of 119 1-A). That doesn’t mean they don’t have passion and pride. Bowling Green these days is known as the place where Florida coach Urban Meyer got his first HC gig. Greg Brandon took over after Meyer and is still there entering year 6. BGSU is expected to be one of the top teams in the MAC and, um, they actually went to a bowl last year.

So, Orange, the proprietor of Falcon Blog and I exchanged questions and and answers ahead of this week’s season opener. You can see my answers to his questions, here.

1. The GMAC Bowl — 63-7 (loss to Tulsa)? What the hell happened? It wasn’t just 44 days off, what happened to the offense? I know the defense was iffy last year, but geez. I assume the team and coaches are using that as motivation for this year, but is there a fear of a hangover or carryover for that? In general, how’s the mindset of the team?

Ah, yeah, ahem, cough cough. Loosen collar. About that. Certainly, not our proudest day, that’s for sure. In fact, it was one of the worst defeats we’ve ever had, and it was in a bowl game. To answer your question more specifically….what the hell happened? Well, we just came out as flat as I have ever seen us. I think we turned the ball over four times in the first quarter, and then our starting QB got injured, and Tulsa kept its foot on the gas pedal the whole way and our guys are done, and you mix all that together, and you have a debacle.

I think that everyone associated with the program would like to make it to a bowl game and erase that memory. But, I don’t think it is weighing on their minds. The whole thing had a Playstation feel to it, and we know we weren’t that bad, and it was so one-sided its easy to recognize it as an aberration. I’m not personally worried about a hangover. I think our guys are ready to bounce back.

2. You have 9 starters returning on defense (at least, according to Phil Steele). At the same time, the defense has allowed more scoring each year under Greg Brandon. Is there pressure on 2nd year DC Mike Ward to get this fixed? Will the defense actually be improved this year and how? Which players on defense do you see poised to be playmakers?

Most of the pressure on this year’s team is to win a MAC Championship, which has not happened here in 14 seasons, and not at all in the Meyer/Brandon era, despite having some pretty good teams. I don’t think the pressure is any more than that. In fact, if there was recent pressure on anything, it would be to bring special teams around, but that’s another story. Coach says the defense is looking improved, with improved playmaking. Most Falcon fans would be happy to see some tackling. We have been very poor at stopping the run, which is a problem in college football. Supposedly, we are going to benefit from the seasoning these players got two seasons ago when they were rushed into action to fill a hole in our recruiting. We’ll see. I have my doubts.

On the plus side, almost no one plays D in the MAC, and if we can move the ball, then we can still win a championship.

Furthermore, our defensive line–already thin–has been weakened further by, well, legal problems you have noted below. We also lost a really good young LB to grades.

Our playmakers are our CBs, Antonio Smith and Kenny Lewis, our LBs John Haneline and Erique Dozier, DE Diryal Briggs (pash rusher) and S PJ Mahone (pass stealer).

3. On paper it looks like BG uses a two back system with Turner (6-2 227 pounds) being the power back and Geter (5-7 167) coming in as the change-of-pace or small speedy back. Is this accurate and how effective will they be with the offensive line being the most inexperienced unit on the team? How much of a concern is the offensive line, generally?

Actually, the last word is that Turner has been moved to WR, where he may or may not even be on the two-deep. His time at RB came last year only because Geter was injured, Bullock was unproductive, and we needed to establish the run. And, he helped to salvage our season. Now that Geter is back, he was moved to WR. (At the time the decision was made, Eric Ransom, a JUCO RB was also around, but he is injured again). I think we were all suprised that Turner was moved and asked to learn a new position at this point in his career. So, as of now, the rotation appears to be Geter as the main back, Bullock between the tackles, and Turner as “slash” type (know you get that one) back who is dangerous in numerous ways, even as a passer (he was recruited at QB).

The offensive line is a huge concern. We graduated some really good players, and we have young players coming in. They seem to have potential, but they are young. And, the line has been an unwavering constant during the entire Meyer/Brandon period. Our hope is that by spreading people out, throwing the ball quickly, and then running to the gaps that are created, we can neutralize this until the line gels.

4. Greg Brandon’s been at BG for the past 5 years and only 1 losing record after following Urban Meyer. To an outsider, the Falcons seemed to have been rebuilding the last few years. Is that an accurate statement? What are the expectations like for BG this year? And is there concern (or hope) that Brandon will move on from BG with a strong season?

The expectations are high. They are not as high as they were at the end of last season, due to things like Tulsa, losing a top LB, and the loss of D-line depth. Still, most observers pick BG to win their division. And Falcon fans are pretty much expecting the same thing. Because, to our perspective, we have been close to winning–not rebuilding–for the past few years. For example, Meyer left a really good team, and BG won the division and lost the MAC Championship on our field to a Big-Ben led Miami team. The next team was also very strong and underachieved a little, but won the GMAC Bowl. The team the following year, well, that team was a tragedy, lots of talent and underperforming a lot. The following year we were poor, and then last year we were better. I think we would only view that season two years ago as a rebuidling year. The rest have been years when our teams have been strong and good enough to win our division, at least.

If Brandon wins enough, it is inevitable he will move on. He just signed a contract extension last year, which he earned. However, those are one-sided deals, and I’m sure he has a buy-out in there that would be loose change to a bigger school. Falcon fans have the same feelings about Brandon that most teams have about their coach–highly ambivalent, and generally unfairly disdainful. My opinion is that he is a good coach and we could easily do worse. If he does end up making a career here at BG, then I think he is capable of winning the MAC.

5. Which players should Pitt fans be paying special attention in the orange and brown? Why?

We’ve covered a number of players above. On offense, WR Corey Partridge is probably our best skill player, when healthy. I have not seen anyone cover him consistently. Also, WR Freddie Barnes had a quiet 82 catches last season. Our KR Roger Williams is the first decent KO returner we have had in years, and our kicker Srinisi Vrvilio has shored up was what a disasterous postion. Finally, just to repeat one, PJ Mahone, who was an all-state RB in Elyria, has a spooky knack for making interceptions.

6. Extra question, Orlando Ray Barrow. Huh?

Three armed males entered an apartment at the Enclave Two on June 2 and demanded the residents give them marijuana.

The three residents, who all were international students, replied they had no drugs.

The armed males continued to search the house, but nothing was reported stolen.

University student and football player Orlando Ray Barrow was arrested for aggravated burglary and abduction in relation to the robbery.

He was found with an airsoft gun in his possession.

Uh, yeah. Not a proud day for our program. No one wants to see that. If the allegations end up being true, we’ll all certainly be very disappointed. All I can say is that our program handled the situation the right way and that’s good. We had a tough off-season for this type of thing, and all Falcon fans certainly hope we are not compromising the pride of our program to get players.

Thanks again to Orange. He will be coming to the ‘Burgh with his son to see the game this weekend. A spirit of support and a painful morning drive that shows the kind of loyalty you have to respect. If you see a father and son walking around in orange and brown, be nice.