Game Twelve: Minnesota @ Bowling Green

The dream of the perfect season is over in FalconLand. A decent game for awhile, but eventually the Big Ten team won out, 42-17, because of way too many turnovers by Bowling Green. Some thoughts and observations from my viewing....

....Minnesota did what Pittsburgh could not, and took down the Bowling Green Falcons. I saw two differences in the game. One it was Bowling Green turning the ball over, instead of their opponent. And two the quarterback play of the opposition. Last week, they were able to bother Bill Stull. This week, Adam Weber was very accurate, completing 21 of 25 passes for 3 touchdowns. He also was effective running the Spread Coast offense that Minnesota utilizes.

....The five turnovers were too much for Bowling Green to overcome. They had fallen behind early, just as they did in the Pittsburgh game, but rallied to trail only 21-17 with just under nine minutes left in the third quarter. But Minnesota scored three unanswered touchdowns to account for the final margin.

....No doubt about it, Minnesota could contend for the MAC crown. But the Big Ten maybe another story. They are definitely improved over last year's 1-11 team. It's refreshing to see a team improve from season to season with a new coach. But with Montana State on the horizon, they should easily be 3-0, and with Florida Atlantic to follow, they could be undefeated headed to the Big Ten schedule.

....So getting to a bowl, could be possible. They miss Penn State and Michigan State on the Big Ten schedule, so they still get the teams they could be able to handle. Wins over Northwestern or Indiana aren't a stretch. And they certainly should be able to compete with the likes of Purdue, Iowa and maybe even Michigan.

....It appears that Gregg Brandon will not be the hot name this week for all the programs looking for a new coach. But by the end of the season, he could be back up there. This Bowling Green team should be a contender in the MAC. But they have to protect the football. You can't beat teams with five turnovers.