BGSU hopes to maintain the momentum they captured in a surprising 2023 campaign when the season kicks off.
Bowling Green continues to take steps forward in their rebuild as they enter year six with Scot Loeffler at the helm.
The most recent step was ending last season’s campaign at 7-6, their first winning record since 2015. While the Falcons look to keep increasing the win totals, what is the next step? Winning a bowl game, or winning a spot in the MAC title game? Either way, it’s safe to expect bigger things in Wood County.
What changes have happened that will affect the progression?
Staff Stays Steady
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The coaching staff only saw a few changes. The defensive line will be coached by newcomer Cornell Brown. Brown, a Virginia native, comes to the Falcons after spending 2023 with the New Orleans Breakers of the former USFL. Brown has had many stops including Marshall, his alma mater Virginia Tech, the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, plus Cologne and Frankfurt of the defunct NFL Europe. Brown takes over for Julian Campenni, who took the defensive ends job at Rutgers after five years in Bowling Green.
The Falcons also welcome back Robert Armand to the staff. Armand spent three seasons under Loeffler as a member of quality control in 2019, and as a graduate assistant in 2020 and 2021. Armand will oversee the cornerbacks, taking over for Beyah Rasool who accepted a position at Florida. Armand spent 2022-23 at Vanderbilt in a quality control position, while spending part of this year at Maine with their linebackers.
Offense returns key pieces, loses some in return
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The main thing to note for the Falcons are the wide receiver departures. Odieu Hiliare and Austin Osborne both departed via graduation, with Abdul Fatai-Ibrahim transferring after just one season. The Falcons were able to add Auburn transfer Malcolm Johnson, and Kansas State transfer RJ Garcia II to hopefully replace the production.
Harold Fannin, Jr. returns for the Falcons and looks to be one of the best MAC tight ends again in ‘24.
The other big change was the departure of Ta’Ron Keith. Keith was a big part of the offense after Terion Stewart went down with an injury late in the season. Stewart looks to take most of the production again this year, but there may be questions if Stewart can stay healthy for the full season. If Stewart were to go down again, Jaison Patterson also returns for the Falcons.
The quarterback room will stay the same. Connor Bazelak and Camden Orth return for their final year of eligibility to lead the Falcons. The Falcons relied on the two-QB system all of last year, so it’s safe to assume they will do the same thing in 2024. Bazelak was banged up a lot in 2023, so he’s another player to watch health-wise this year.
Another part of the offense that goes largely unchanged is the offensive line. The only change the offensive line saw is the departure of Kameren Stewart. Otherwise, the core of Alex Wollschlager, Alex Padgett, Nate Pabst, and Jake Burns will continue to lead the o-line. Former defensive lineman Billie Roberts joins the offensive side of the ball, as a potential replacement for Kam Stewart.
Defense, Defense, Defense
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The Falcons lost a good chunk of the defense in the offseason, including Darren Anders (graduation), Davon Ferguson (graduation), and sacks leader Cashius Howell (Texas A&M).
The defensive line will see veteran leadership come back with Ali Saad, Dierre Kelly, Anthony Hawkins, and Dontrez Brown. Evan Branch-Haynes, who had a nice season in 2023, will look to add more force up front. As previously mentioned, former d-lineman Billie Roberts has now transitioned to the offensive line.
The linebackers return a good chunk of production, despite losing Anders and Howell. One of the biggest pieces of news is that Demetrius Hardamon will be back. Some thought he wouldn’t play again after the injury he suffered at Michigan last season. Joseph Sipp returns after finishing second in total tackles last season. Brock Horne also returns to provide veteran leadership. A key transfer to keep an eye on is Donovan Stephens, the Oklahoma State transfer who had four tackles in the 2023 Big XII Championship game.
The defensive backs lost some production. 2023 interception co-leader Jalen Huskey transferred to Maryland, Davon Ferguson graduated, and Deshawn Jones, Jr. left for Stony Brook. Patrick Day, Darius Lorfils and Trent Simms return for the safeties. Incoming transfer CJ Brown (NIU) will look to beef up the position as well. Cornerbacks returning include Jordan Oladokun and Jalen Burton. The Falcons welcomed transfers Darius McClendon (FAU) and Todd Bumphis (Cincinnati) to help the cornerback position.
Special Teams
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There is a new punter at the helm for the Orange and Brown. John Henderson transferred in from Antelope Valley College of the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA). He takes over for Sami Sir (not listed on the 2024 roster).
There will be a position battle at kicker. The Falcons brought in transfer Zach Long. Long comes in after spending two seasons at Troy. Though he was used primarily as a kickoff specialist, he does have extra point and field goal experience. It’s safe to assume Alan Anaya will remain the extra point and field goal kicker unless the Falcons see something during the preseason that warrants a position battle.