Falcon football fans definitely needed a program Saturday night in Perry Stadium.
Dave Clawson, Bowling Green’s head coach, and his staff were basically able to clear the benches, giving
a lot of players the opportunity to see action in a college football game as BG routed Morgan State,
58-13. The Falcons scored four touchdowns in the first quarter and then continued to pull away.
Without names on the back of the uniforms this year, there were a lot of numbers to check on in the
second half.
“It’s the first time since we’ve been here as a staff, that we’ve been able to empty the bench,” said
Clawson, who is in his third season as BG’s head coach. “It’s great to have a game like this early in
the year because … some of the young players at some point this year, we’re going to need (them) to
win a game against a conference opponent.
“It gives them a better idea on how to prepare,” he continued. “To play a game like this, obviously, the
first goal is to win the game. As a staff, we certainly hoped we would play well and have a chance to
get some guys in who haven’t played any football.”
Matt Schilz, BG’s starting quarterback, played the first half and the first series of the second half
before getting the rest of the game off.
“It was great to get those guys in there because they go very hard in practice … and they were rewarded
by getting in there,” Schilz said. “It’s going to help our depth … It was good experience for them.
“It’s definitely going to help us down the line and get those guys ready for next year,” Schilz added.
ROLF: Clay Rolf, a graduate of Eastwood High School, is a redshirt freshman tight end and the backup long
snapper for the Falcons.
Rolf made the first reception of his career, hauling in a pass from Trent Hurley and turning it into a
23-yard gain.
100 YARDS: For the second straight game, BG had a 100-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver. And it was the
same two players who reached 100 yards in the win over Idaho on Sept. 1.
On Saturday, Anthon Samuel finished with 122 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. He did have one fumble.
In two games Samuel has gained 263 yards on 33 carries and scored two TDs.
Eugene Cooper had another very productive game against Morgan State, finishing with 134 yards on six
catches for four touchdowns. In two games, Cooper has made 10 receptions for 244 yards and six scores.
“Just running what’s called, doing your job,” is how Cooper explained his success.
“Last year, I didn’t know much (about the offense). I knew some things, but I didn’t know as much as I do
now,” Cooper continued. “I’m able to produce more now that I could have last year.”
PENALTIES: There were 18 penalties called in the game, nine on each team. Morgan State had 52 penalty
yards and BG had 79 penalty yards.
CROWD: A total of 15,206 fans showed up for BG’s home-opener.
“When we leave the Sebo Center and take the field and see those west (side) stands packed it gives us
juice,” Clawson said. “Our players love that. (It) was packed, loud and energetic.
“We hope we get that for five more games. It felt like a home-field advantage tonight,” Clawson
continued. “I know it means a lot to our players to have the student support.”
Clawson said that the pregame pep rally at the Stroh Center was also well-attended and had great energy.”
QUICK HITTERS: The five touchdown passes for Schilz were a career-high as were the four TD receptions by
Cooper … Cooper’s four scoring receptions ties the school record held by Jeff Groth, who did it
against Grand Valley State in 1978 … Jamel Martin scored his first career touchdown while Stephen
Stein kicked his first career field goal.
NEXT: Bowling Green hosts Wyoming this Saturday with kickoff at noon.
