BOWLING GREEN - The Bowling Green State University football team looked to have an advantageous matchup against the Kent State offense - at least based on the statistics.
The Golden Flashes entered last night s game averaging just 133.5 yards per game on the ground, 10th-best in the 14-team league. Meanwhile BG was second in the MAC in rushing defense, allowing just 115.9 yards per contest.
Well, throw those stats out the window following the Falcons 42-33 victory over the Flashes at Perry Stadium last night.
Kent State rolled up 298 yards on the ground, including 196 yards by do-everything quarterback Josh Cribbs.
“Playing against a player like [Cribbs] can be very frustrating, said BG linebacker Jovon Burkes, who finished with 11 tackles. “You just don t know if you should rush or stay in coverage and spy on the quarterback.
It didn t seem to matter as Cribbs averaged 10.3 yards per carry; what s more, most of those yards came on scrambles that left the Falcons breathless and bowed.
“Cribbs was unstoppable in the second half - he was pulling plays out left and right, BG coach Gregg Brandon said. “If those plays were by design, I want to learn the plan. He just scrambled, threw the ball up and made plays.
Cribbs augmented his running by completing 19 of 45 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown, a performance that even drew respect from Falcons quarterback Josh Harris.
“[Cribbs] is a phenomenal athlete - I can t believe some of the things he does, Harris said. “As a player he s so gifted, I can t imagine how exhausted he is after a game.
BY THE NUMBERS: Last night s win gives the Falcons 12 consecutive home wins, the longest active home winning streak in the MAC. ... The Falcons have won the last 15 games against Kent State at Perry Stadium.
THREE-DOT DATA: With the victory last night the Falcons now have posted eight wins in three straight seasons for the first time since 1983-85. ... Bowling Green maintains possession of the Anniversary Award, the plaque given annually to the winner of the contest since it was instituted in 1985. The two schools were founded by the same charter in 1910. ... Harris two TDs in the contest give him 254 points and 42 career touchdowns, both school records. ... Charles Sharon s TD catch gives him touchdowns in three straight games.
INJURY REPORT: BG starting linebacker Mitch Hewitt left the game with an injury. He was taken to the hospital, but an X-ray of his ankle showed a sprain and he later returned to the field on crutches.
THE LAST WORD: Tight ends Steve Navarro and Craig Jarrett each caught the first TD pass of his career last night.
“They do a lot of blocking, so it was nice to give them a little love, Harris said of his tight ends.
First Published November 16, 2003, 12:09 p.m.
