Bowling Green State University’s football team leads the FBS in a pretty significant category, and it’s one the Falcons don’t want to be at the forefront of as the season progresses.
Turnovers have been a backbreaking component of BGSU’s campaign, especially in its three losses. The Falcons are tied with Tulsa for the most turnovers lost in the FBS with 12, and each one occurred in a loss.
Only Tennessee Tech (14 lost turnovers) in the FCS has more than BGSU at the NCAA Division I level. In Division II and Division III, 10 schools have more than 12.
Fifth-year BGSU coach Scot Loeffler hasn’t seen this type of turnover rate since taking over as the Falcons’ coach. BGSU’s 12 turnovers through its first four games are its most in a four-game stretch in a season since registering 14 midway through 2017.
“We’ve never had turnover trouble like this ever here, and again, mindset,” Loeffler said. “We’ve worked ball security here more than anyone in the country, and I’m probably exaggerating. But it hasn’t shown up.
“That is completely 100 percent discipline, so got to be more disciplined.”
On the flip side, BGSU has been able to get the ball back, as well. The Falcons’ seven forced turnovers — four of them occurred at No. 2 Michigan — are tied for 34th in the FBS. But BGSU’s turnover margin of (minus) five is the worst in the Mid-American Conference and among the 12 worst in the nation.
“When you watch the turnover reel right now, it’s a collage of things,” Loeffler said. “Protection, decision making, route running; there’s not one thing besides the fumbles — the fumbles, it’s how you’re carrying the ball — the pass game and interceptions [are] multiple problems.
“When we do our job, we’re not going to turn the ball over. Plain and simple. It is job responsibility completely.”
Of the 118 points the Falcons have allowed this season, 44 have been off turnovers. Two fumbles from running backs Jaison Patterson and Ta’ron Keith that were recovered by Ohio and returned for touchdowns in a 38-7 loss to the Bobcats on Saturday, as well as an interception return for a score on its first of five picks thrown in a 34-24 season-opening loss at Liberty on Sept. 2, are among the results of the Falcons’ miscues.
“It’s pretty tough whenever you beat yourself. You can’t turn the ball over in a MAC East [Division] game like this, especially early,” BGSU tight end Levi Gazarek said after the Ohio game. “Those are just killers, so we’ve got to work on that and improve from there.”
The injuries and inconsistent play at the quarterback position have also been tough to navigate through. Connor Bazelak (46 of 81 for 494 yards, three touchdowns, five interceptions this season) and Camden Orth (15 of 23, 206 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions) have both missed one game due to injuries, while redshirt freshman Hayden Timosciek (6 of 10, 33 yards, two interceptions, one lost fumble) was thrown into a challenging situation at Michigan for his first collegiate game.
“We emphasize it so much, just ball security. High and tight in the run game and not turning the ball over, making good decisions in the throw game,” Bazelak said. “So I think just keep emphasizing that.”
Having a short memory and the right mindset will be the biggest focuses for the Falcons going forward. BGSU wasn’t thrilled with its performance against Ohio, but the Falcons know they need to turn the page quickly with a tough road matchup against a high-powered Georgia Tech squad on Saturday.
“It’s already out of my mind. I don’t look at the interceptions and focus on that,” Bazelak said. “I’m going to keep slinging it as well as I can and give the team the best chance to win.”
Added Loeffler: “There’s a ton, and when I mean a ton, there’s a ton of things going through these dudes’ heads right now. Somehow, someway, you’re job right now is to – it’s not X’s and O’s. Zero. Schematically, we do really good things. Really good things. It’s not schematics, it’s not talent; it’s mindset. … There’s a lot of challenges that are going on with these young men right now, and it’s our job to help them remove that clutter and focus on what they need to do, focus on the team, and find a way to win and produce on Saturdays.”
First Published September 29, 2023, 10:06 p.m.
