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Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder during football practice at Bowling Green State University's Doyt Perry Stadium in Bowling Green on April 2.
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Defense key in Bowling Green football rebuild

BLADE/KURT STEISS

Defense key in Bowling Green football rebuild

BOWLING GREEN — On its quest to become a Mid-American Conference contender once again, Bowling Green is in the process of revamping its defense.

If that sounds familiar, it is.

The Falcons are now on their third defensive coordinator in three seasons, as first-year BGSU coach Scot Loeffler tasked longtime coordinator Brian VanGorder with patching a defense that has struggled mightily in recent years.

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As training camp enters its final week, Bowling Green’s defense is not yet where its coaches would like, though the Falcons have seen signs of improvement during the offseason.

Quarterback Darius Wade avoids linebacker Roland Walder, left, and picks up a few yards during the first day of practice at Bowling Green State University on July 31.
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“[Change] is always difficult for the guys, but these guys have done a good job,” VanGorder said. “Our execution level isn’t where it needs to be, but I think they understand the red alerts within their position and how to handle different offensive plays and schemes. Overall, they’ve done a good job, but it’s been a process.”

BG began to turn the tide at the end of last season by holding Central Michigan and Akron to a combined 19 points in two November wins — its best back-to-back games defensively since 2015.

Even so, the Falcons have allowed at least 38 points per game three seasons in a row, and they ranked 12th out of 12 MAC teams last season in points allowed, rushing defense, and sacks.

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The Falcons’ biggest issue last season was stopping the run. They allowed nearly 281 rushing yards per game, which ranked 127th in the NCAA Bowl Subdivision.

Defensive end David Konowalksi returns from an Achilles injury to aid the defensive line, which Konowalski said vowed to be more disruptive this season.

“We’re getting after the quarterback and we’re penetrating, which is good for the run,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of calls that are great for the run, and I think we’ll be able to make a lot of big plays.”

During the offseason, BG lost its top three cornerbacks and leading tackler to graduation, both starting defensive tackles to transfer, and began to implement a new defense.

Quarterback Darius Wade (6) avoids a sack during practice.
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VanGorder said BG’s aim is to keep the new system “likable and learnable,” and though the Falcons are not a finished product, he has seen signs of improvement.

“I just see a bunch of guys that really care about what they’re doing,” he said. “While I’d like to see them more focused and the effort and all [those] things — I’d like to see them ahead of where they are — but from where they started to where they are today, I’m pleased.”

Similar to the Falcons’ offense, Loeffler said BG is searching for consistency on the defensive side of the ball ahead of the season-opening game Aug. 29 against Morgan State.

“I think if those guys play hard consistently, they’ll be better,” Loeffler said. “They’re just like our offense: At times, they play super hard and at times, you go, ‘OK, they’ve figured it out.’ Then the next day, they’re up and down.”

Bowling Green is still a ways away from where it hopes to go in 2019, but the Falcons are optimistic on defense.

“We’ve got a lot of it down, but we’ve just got to keep reviewing and polishing up, communicating, and eliminating the mental errors,” Konowalski said. “We have to play fast out there. I think we’re on the uprise, we’ve just got to put that next step together.”

First Published August 16, 2019, 10:00 a.m.

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Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder during football practice at Bowling Green State University's Doyt Perry Stadium in Bowling Green on April 2.  (BLADE/KURT STEISS)
Buffalo's Emmanuel Reed stiff arms Bowling Green's Brandon Harris in the 2018 regular-season finale. The Falcons allowed a MAC-worst 280 rushing yards per game last season.  (BLADE/REBECCA BENSON)
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