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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 8:53 AM ET Falcons take to the air under Meyer By Rodney McKissic Special to ESPN.com |
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Bowling Green Falcons 2000 record: 2-9 (2-6). Coach: Urban Meyer (first year). Starters returning: 8 offense, 9 defense. Outlook: New coach Urban Meyer promises to open up the offense and utilize a one-back set with three receivers. So expect an increase in productions from wide receiver David Bautista who was second in the MAC with 69 receptions for 915 yards. There are holes along the offensive line, which allowed a league high 53 sacks and that may have been one of the reasons why quarterback Andy Sahm was so inconsistent last season. The defense returns nine starters although sophomore Mike Malone played considerable minutes at cornerback. Nose tackle Brandon Hicks recorded 7.5 sacks but the Falcons have to prevent him from being double-teamed. The linebacking corp is solid led by inside linebacker Khary Campbell, who is underrated in pass coverage. Keep an eye on: Andy Sahm. A two-year starter, Sahm has the size (6-6, 220) and arm strength to be a big-ticket quarterback and he should thrive under Meyer, who installed and helped develop Notre Dame's passing attack during his stint with the Irish. Key game: Two weeks after opening at Missouri, the Falcons travel to South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks and coach Lou Holtz, the man who hired Meyer at Notre Dame. "I wish they weren't very good," Meyer said. "I wish we were playing them when they were 0-11." It's a good year if... Sahm can play with more confidence and the offensive line develops early. The Falcons are not far way from contention -- they led in the fourth quarter of every game against East opponents last season -- but it's way too early to break out the Dom and begin celebrating a MAC title. Rodney McKissic covers the MAC for the Buffalo News. |
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