After a big turnaround season, the Falcons won't surprise teams next year. Despite a roster filled with inexperienced players, the Falcons managed to double their win total from the previous season and earn a bowl bid.

However, the luster from an eight-win season faded with an embarrassing 63-7 loss to Tulsa in the GMAC Bowl last January. Bowling Green made its third bowl appearance in the last five years by closing out the regular season with four straight victories.

Once again, the Falcons will be potent on offense. Bowling Green returns eight starters on offense. Scoring points, besides the bowl game, was not a problem for the Falcons last season. Bowling Green averaged 32.1 points a game in the regular season. It has a host of playmakers returning, and the lone area of concern is on the offensive line.

Quarterback Tyler Sheehan had a solid season but struggled late to open the door for competition in the fall. Still, the Falcons are deep enough at tailback and wide receiver to cause fits for opponents.

The Falcons must improve their run defense next season. They allowed 207.8 rushing yards a game, finishing 11th in the Mid-American Conference. Defensive end Diyral Briggs capped an impressive spring with five sacks in the final scrimmage. Briggs is the headline returnee on a defense that features nine returning starters.

The health of linebacker John Haneline is a big factor for the defense. Haneline missed the spring session, while talented linebacker Glen Stanley was dismissed from the team because of academics.

The Falcons have a load of talented seniors on both sides of the ball. They won eight games with 12 seniors last year. The 56-point loss is a source of motivation for the 20 seniors on the team. A tough schedule with just five home games is a big test for a team filled with upperclassmen.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.