Bowling Green Football: Falcons look to build for future in 2020
Defense has plenty to work on
Last season, the Falcons had one of the worst defenses in the conference in defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder’s first season as the defensive coordinator. They were ranked 126th in the nation (last in the MAC) in points allowed per game (38.6). They were also 126th in the nation (11th in the MAC) in rushing yards allowed per game (242.8).
There is some hope for the Falcons to continue developing their defense as they return six starters from last season. Their main impact defender in senior outside linebacker Kholbe Coleman, who led the team in total tackles for accounted (103) and solo tackles (48). He was selected by Athlon Sports as second-team All-MAC.
Redshirt junior outside linebacker Jerry Roberts also returns as the starter on the outside. He accounted for 60 total tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. Sophomore Darren Anderson is projected to make the start at the middle linebacker position after playing in 11 games and starting one last season.
Only one of the four defensive linemen returns from last season in junior defensive end Karl Brooks. In his two seasons with the Falcons, Brooks has played in all 24 games while starting in 20 of them. Last season, Brooks accumulated 33 total tackles, 16 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks (led team), one interception, and two forced fumbles. He will look to elevate the defensive line after the Falcons only accounted for 20 sacks last season.
One of the biggest concerns for the Falcons this season will be the secondary. The Falcons ranked 64th in the nation in passing yards per game (224.3). They allowed about a 67 percent completion rate from opposing quarterbacks.
Cornerback Caleb Biggers started all 10 games that he participated in as a junior. Jerry McBride III is back as a redshirt senior after playing in four games this past season after experiencing a significant shoulder injury. The Falcons will have plenty of experienced safeties in McBride and sophomore Jordan Anderson.
They will need to find an efficient coverage cornerback in either redshirt senior Ty Redding (one start in 2019) or redshirt freshman Davin Wilson (three starts in 2019).