Key to success in the 2024 season

The Bowling Green Falcons are heading into 2024, which could be their breakthrough year.

After a 7-6 season (5-3 in the MAC) in 2023, the Falcons are aiming for their first MAC title since 2015.

With the roster largely unchanged from last year and some key transfers, expectations are high. MAC coaches seem to agree, projecting BGSU to finish third in the preseason poll.

So what do the Falcons need to do to turn their potential into results? Let’s break it down.

The importance of the running back Terion Stewart cannot be emphasized enough. The junior rusher was a wrecking ball last season, managing 762 yards and eight touchdowns on just 125 attempts.

His 6.3 yards per carry is currently the best in BGSU history. However, injuries have also been a concern. Stewart missed the final four games of 2023 due to a leg injury.

If Stewart can stay on the field, he has the potential to be BGSU’s first 1,000-yard runner since Fred Coppet in 2016. His ability to break tackles (78 forced missed tackles in 2023, 4th in the FBS) and gain yards after contact (4.81 YPC after contact) makes him a game-changer.

A healthy Stewart could make the difference between a good season and a great season for the Falcons.

The Falcons will likely continue their two-quarterback system with seniors Connor Bazelak And Camden Orth. Bazelak, who threw for 1,935 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2023, needs to stay healthy and find more consistency.

When he’s at his best, as seen in the Quick Lane Bowl against Minnesota, the offense can be explosive.

Orth provides variety with his agility and contributed 486 passing yards, five passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns last year.

If both quarterbacks can improve their play and stay healthy, BGSU’s offense could take a significant step forward.

After the departure of their three best wide receivers starting in 2023, the Falcons need new playmakers.

Keep an eye on transfers Malcolm Johnson, Jr. (Auburn) and RJ Garcia II (Kansas State), who have been playing for the first team since spring training.

Returning players like Jaylon Tillman And Finn Hogan have shown brilliant approaches and could be ready for their breakthrough seasons. Hogan, in particular, had a standout performance against Georgia Tech last year, catching 11 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown.

The joker in the passing game is the junior tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Fannin, who was selected to the All-MAC first team in 2023, caught 44 passes for 623 yards and six touchdowns. His versatility and playmaking ability make him a crucial part of the offense and a potential NFL prospect.

The Falcons offensive line returns most of its key players from 2023, including the All-MAC selection Alex Wollschläger.

This unit helped BGSU finish second in the MAC in scoring (26.2 points per game) and sixth in total yards (4,242) last season. With the addition of Billie Roberts Defense aside, this group could be even stronger in 2024.

BGSU’s 2024 schedule is no picnic. After opening the season against Fordham, the Falcons face two straight road games against Big Ten star Penn State and SEC foe Texas A&M. How they handle those early tests could set the tone for the rest of the season.

The MAC schedule includes key matchups against rival Toledo (October 26) and the final regular season game against Miami (OH) on November 29. These games could have significant implications for BGSU’s conference title ambitions.

Bottom line: If Bowling Green keeps its key players healthy, develops new receivers, and maintains consistency at the quarterback position, the team has the potential to seriously contend for the MAC championship.

The makings of a special season are in place, but as always in college football, execution will be key. Falcon fans have reason for optimism as the 2024 season approaches.