Our early-season preview of Liberty football continues into a week-five road matchup against the Bowling Green Falcons.
Bowling Green was one of the worst teams in the country in 2019. The Falcons finished 2019 with a record of 3-9, thanks to wins over Morgan State, Akron, and Toledo. Of Bowling Green’s nine losses, their smallest loss margin was an 18-point loss versus Central Michigan.
The Falcons ranked 128th out of 130 FBS teams in scoring offense last season and 126th in scoring defense. A statistical liability in nearly all major areas, Bowling Green doesn’t figure to do much more in 2020.
Bowling Green’s quarterback room will be completely new in 2019. QB Grant Loy, who started most of last season for Bowling Green, has elected to transfer. Backup QB Darius Wade has graduated, and Boston College transfer Matt McDonald is the favorite to win the starting job. McDonald redshirted 2017 and played sparingly in 2018 for the Eagles: completing seven of eight passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. After sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, McDonald will be available in 2020.
Other than McDonald, no quarterback on Bowling Green’s roster has collegiate playing experience. Redshirt freshman Labronz Davis could push for the starting job, but expect to see McDonald under center against Liberty.
Rising senior running back Bryson Denley will likely be the face of the Falcon offense. Denley led Bowling Green in rushing last season: carrying the ball 111 times for 544 yards and four touchdowns. Bowling Green will also return running back Andrew Clair, who is arguably an all-conference player when he can stay healthy. Bowling Green also signed three-star RB Terion Steward, who could push for playing time in 2020.
Senior tight end Quintin Morris, who led the team in receiving last season, proved to be a reliable target in 2019. Look for Morris to receive the bulk of the team’s targets against the Flames. Aside from Morris, the Falcons will ask a young receiving corps to step up in 2020.
With both safety positions and one corner position presumably locked down, Bowling Green will feature a new starter at cornerback in 2020. Sophomore Davin Wilson logged some playing time at corner last season, but Bowling Green could look to a freshman to begin playing immediately at DB.
At defensive line and linebacker, depth is a major issue for Bowling Green. Junior DL Karl Brooks and senior Demonte Haiger return in 2020, but other than those two, Bowling Green’s spots are largely yet to be decided. Kholbe Coleman, an all-MAC selection in 2019, could shift from outside to middle linebacker in 2020. Coleman is the only sure starter at the position in 2020, and the remainder of the linebacker spots will be decided during fall camp.
Liberty is the all-around better team here. Look for the Flames to take care of business against Bowling Green.
Projected Liberty Record: 3-2
