Falcons travel to Idaho for first game of season - BG News
For the first time since the Humanitarian Bowl in 2009, the Falcons will square up against the Idaho Vandals in the team's season opener on Thursday, Sept. 1.
Head coach Dave Clawson said he was excited and ready to start the season.
"We have had a very productive eight months, from the off-season program to spring football, the players came to camp in great shape," Clawson said. "Our strength numbers and speed numbers were way up, this is a group that came out to work every day we have a very motivated football team right now."
While the two-point conversion that ended the bowl game in favor of the Vandals in 2009 still lingers through the minds of players, defensive tackle Chris Jones said he is not going to use that as motivation.
"The motivation we have is to have a great season," Jones said. "Were coming in here with the folks who want to win the MAC championship ... we're just trying to beat them."
Facing Idaho on the road presents challenges for the Falcons that they don't often face, such as the long travel and playing in a dome instead of outside.
Newly-named quarterback Matt Schilz said it's just another game for them and they are ready to play.
The Kibbie Dome is unique in its make and presents a different set up compared to what players are used to, Clawson said. It will be a good test for the players to play in a hostile environment, he said, and an experience worth having.
"When it's all said and done, the field will still be 120 yards and 53 across and it's the same dimensions we play on every day," Clawson said.
Although Schilz is set to take the first snap in the game against Idaho, Clawson said it wasn't an easy decision.
"At the end of the day, you can compare all the numbers and the stats, and in the end it comes down to a gut feeling over who gives your football team the best chance to win," he said.
Although 81 of the 106 players are freshmen or sophomores, the Falcons are bringing back more depth to multiple positions.
BG has returning starters and experienced players on the offensive and defensive lines, the receivers and the linebacker position.
"A lot of our problem last year is that we didn't have developed depth and when the injuries hit we fell off a cliff," Clawson said. "When you have over 80 scholarship players you have better internal competition, better practices, and better depth going into a season."
Schilz said the O-line has meshed well together and is working harder than ever, along with the receivers.
"[The receivers] definitely have the most depth on the team; I think those guys really push each other on the field and in the weight room," Schilz said. "Don't know who is going to start, but everyone going in will be ready to go."
They will have some challenges to overcome against Idaho, Clawson said.
The Vandals coach is in his fifth season and Clawson said he has made some major improvements to the program.
"They're a team that will try to pound you and run the football," Clawson said. "[They] test you deep and see if you can make plays."
The Falcons have a lot to prove because they were disappointed with how they played last year, Clawson said.
"From what I've seen, we've worked hard; our practice intensity is the best it has been since I've been here," Clawson said.
BG will not be picking season captains for 2011; they will select players prior to each game.
Clawson's picks for the season's opener feature Zach Akenberger, Ben Bojicic, Steven Dunlap and Chris Jones.
Jones is looking to take it one game at a time, come out with a win, and establish confidence right away.
"If we are able to run the ball well, we are going to be able to pass the ball well," Schilz said.
31 Aug, 2011--
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