Falcon Preview Part II...The MAC Schedule

Yesterday, I gave a little team overview of what I expect from the Falcons this season. I also gave my predictions for the first four games of the season, predicting that the Falcons will go 2-2 in their Out Of Conference schedule. Today I will look at the MAC portion of the Falcons' schedule. This could end up being a great year for the Falcons!!!

The start of October is also the start of the first step to a MAC Championship! Ohio University is the Homecoming opponent this year (even though we are AT HOME against Boise State a week earlier???) and I feel that the Brown and Orange will handle their home turf well on this day. All-time, BG holds a 36-22-2 advantage over the Bobcats and this year should add a 37th win to that total. I don't see OU putting up much of a fight in this one. Dave Clawson won't let them. - 3-2 (1-0)

Next is a trip to the ever down-trodden Kent, which BG has beaten in 54 of their 76 meetings. In the past, the Falcons have failed to beat the teams they should and I do NOT see that trend continuing with the new coaching regime. Kent is a foe that should, and will be beaten by the Falcons giving BG the strong start in MAC play that we, as fans, should expect. BG wins big. - 4-2 (2-0)

The third MAC game is a trip to the new power of the MAC, Ball State. (Must....resist....jokes about school's name.) BG holds a 19 to 8 advantage in the standings against Ball State but this team is no cupcake. They have been playing very tough the last two seasons and were a bad game away from having an undefeated season last year. But Nate Davis is gone as the Cardinals QB and from the looks of it, no one has really declared themselves as the man who will lead this team. That being said, this is a tough road test and brings the Falcons their first Conference loss of the season. - 4-3 (2-1)

Next up for the Falcons, another MAC West opponent in perennial power, Central Michigan. I think Dave Clawson knows about our Family Weekend woes over the past few years and will want to put on a show for the families that attend this game. This will also help Bowling Green establish themselves as a MAC contender. - 5-3 (3-1)

The Falcons hit the road for two tough games in a row, starting with a trip to up and coming...(Matt, they won the MAC Championship last year.)...up and HERE, Buffalo. This team is very strong. They will provide a great test for the Falcons, who lost to the Bulls in heart-breaking fashion last year, leading to the eventual firing of Gregg Brandon. Those kinds of things will NOT happen anymore and Bowling Green takes another step towards their first MAC Championship in WAAAAAAY too long. - 6-3 (4-1)

Now, Dave Clawson ends the "Miami Whammy." In his first trip to Oxford to play J. Crew U, this team will put themselves head and shoulders above the MAC by sticking it to the RedHawks and starting the "BG Blues" for Miami. Bowling Green plays very strong in this game and we see what we're going to get for years to come. - 7-3 (5-1)

BG has to wait another year to play their first game at the new InfoCision Stadium as Akron travels to the Doyt this year. We aren't good hosts. We beat them, badly and continue to roll towards a MAC Championship. Dave Clawson and his team are a hungry bunch and will prevail in 2009. - 8-3 (6-1)

Finally, Clawson gets his first match against Toledo and their first year coach, who happens to be a BG grad. Another home game, and home field advantage is completely restored at the Doyt. Bowling Green finishes strong and wins against their biggest rival on their home turf. Now, we just sit back and wait to see the WEST figure itself out. BG has an East Division crown, and a peace pipe, in hand. - 9-3 (7-1)

So there it is. Dave Clawson has a very successful year in his first one at the helm of the Brown and Orange. One year, One Bowl Game. You've got to love that!