5-Star Scouting Report: UB must close Barnes door
1. Keeping it simple
What's Bowling Green going to do with the football today? The Falcons are going to do what they've done all season, get it into the hands of the multi-dimensional wideout Freddie Barnes, the nation's leading receiver with a whopping 99 catches. Barnes is a solid 6-foot, 205 pounds. He's adept at finding space and making things happen after the catch. He's amassed 1,054 receiving yards, nine TDs and has been named one of 10 finalists for the Biletnikoff Award that goes to the nation's top receiver. It's doubtful UB can keep steady Sr. QB Tyler Sheehan from zeroing in on his favorite target. The Bulls must corral Barnes immediately after the catch and be sure in their tackling. Look for safety Mike Newton in particular to pay him special attention. Barnes had 10 receptions for 107 yards in UB's wild, 40-34 double-overtime victory over the Falcons last season.
2. Taking control
UB's ground game has been revitalized by the emergence of junior tailback Ike Nduka. He's rushed for 100 or more yards three times (and 172 yards twice) in UB's last four games. Bowling Green ranks 12th in the 13-team MAC in rushing defense, yielding 210 yards a game and 5.8 yards per carry. Given all that, UB's mission appears clear cut. But there are extenuating factors. Nduka is still recovering from a high ankle sprain, although it hardly slowed him in the game at Western Michigan. He said Friday that he would have been on the field had this game been played Saturday. Another uncertainty is the effectiveness of the offensive line. The Bulls already have lost center Matt Bacoulis and tackle Andrew West from the season-opening lineup. Compounding matters, junior tackle Peter Bittner is questionable, which means redshirt freshman Graham Whinery could see a lot of time.
3. Special forces
Neither team has distinguished itself on special teams although the presence of Barnes, who returns some punts, and UB's Naaman Roosevelt, who handles some punts and kicks, creates an implied threat. Bulls are 12th in the MAC in kick return average, the Falcons 11th. Bowling Green is eighth in punt return average, UB 11th. Both field goal kickers — A.J. Principe for Buffalo and Jerry Phillips for Bowling Green — have been inconsistent. Bulls have gone to John Rachuna on longer FG and punt attempts.
4. Big-Play Freeze Out
Naaman Roosevelt was left off the list when the 10 finalists for the Biletnikoff Award were announced last week. Presumably he lost out to Barnes, since it was unlikely two receivers from the Mid-American Conference would make the cut. A recent decline in explosive plays could have been Roosevelt's undoing. He had a reception of 25 yards or longer in each of the first five games. Not one of his 25 receptions since have gone for 25 yards. What gives? Opponents are paying him extra attention, yes. Quarterback Zach Maynard has missed him on some throws, and Roosevelt has, uncharacteristically, dropped a few balls. Still, it's in the Bulls' best interests to throw more slip screens and quick slants to get the ball in Roosevelt's hands and maximize his ability to run after the catch. Opportunities should arise today if the Bulls establish the run.
5. X Factors
Bulls coach Turner Gill disagrees with the notion that, although a 3-1 finish would make them bowl-eligible, running the table is the only way in the door. Doubtless the International Bowl in Toronto likes the Buffalo connection, but it's hard to imagine the MAC selling out a seven- or eight-win team for convenience sake. Figure it'll take 4-0. ... The loss last week to Central Michigan probably ended Bowling Green's title hopes, but the Falcons arrive with plenty of incentive. First-year head coach Dave Clawson is a Lew-Port grad, and returning Falcons still have jarring memories of blowing a 20-point, fourth-quarter lead in the 40-34 double OT loss to the Bulls last year.
Prediction
Sheehan's senior experience weighs heavily here. Bulls were overwhelmed for first 47 minutes of last year's game. Bowling Green, 31-27.
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