Christian Hoppens
Staff Writer, OhioBobcats.com

A Google search of Bowling Green's offense turns up articles that describe the Falcons' offense as "fast," "furious" and "terrifying."

Entering a Mid-American East division clash with Ohio, the Falcons have fit those definitions.

Bowling Green ranks fourth nationally in total offense with 595.3 yards per game, first in passing offense (434.1 yards per game), fifth in passing efficiency (174.98), eighth in scoring offense (43.9 points per game), fourth in third down conversion rate (50.8 percent) and second in plays per game (88.5).

The mind-numbing offensive numbers have translated to success in the win column for the Falcons

They're undefeated in four MAC games, hold wins against a pair of Big Ten teams and have suffered just two defeats--one of which was on the road against Tennessee and the other against No. 13 Memphis.

Ohio coach Frank Solich can't recall a team putting up the kind of numbers quarterback Matt Johnson, who is tied for the FBS lead with 3,321 passing yards, and the Falcons are amassing this season. But he's also confident his defense can stifle the aerial attack.

To do that, the Bobcats have to execute at each level of the defense.

"There is a combination of things that must happen," Solich said. "It starts up front and continues to the secondary. You have to match up with the speed they have in the receiving core, which isn't very easy to do. You have to prevent them from making big plays, which they have been able to do this year. Our guys are excited about playing and realize it will be a great challenge."

The secondary is one that is well-rested coming off of an abbreviated bye week entering a November of weeknight "MACtion."

Redshirt senior cornerback Ian Wells said the extra days off allowed him to decompress mentally and recover physically heading into the matchup with the Falcons.

"The season is really long and you're going hard every day, so it takes a toll on your body," Wells said. "Week one, you're 100 percent. Week two, you're maybe 98 percent and going throughout the season, (the percentage) decreases. The bye week recharges yourself, which is important."

Wells will likely be given the challenge of facing off with Falcon wide receiver Roger Lewis, who ranks second nationally with 140.3 receiving yards per game and 1,122 yards overall.

He said to limit Lewis, Johnson and the rest of Bowling Green's fast-paced offense, communication will be key.

"They run a hurry up, so they catch a lot of people off guard," Wells said. "So we're going to have to lineup, communicate and just do our job. We've got to be 11 for 11."

Bouncing back this week carries particular importance as the Bobcats look to avoid another late-October, early-November slide. A loss all but knocks Ohio out of contention for a MAC East title and a chance to follow through on their preseason objective of a conference championship.

Wells promised this team was unlike past Bobcat squads and said that he and his teammates, who enter the game as 20.5-point underdogs, are going to turn things around this week.

"This team is different than the past couple of years," he said. "Despite the two losses, we're not down on ourselves. We're not saying our goal of a MAC championship is out of reach. But it has to start with this game. We're focused and we have a lot more energy during practices. Everybody's motivated and we're ready to play for each other. We're ready to prove everyone wrong who thinks we're going to lose this week."

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