Falcons fans sound off on the upcoming season
BOWLING GREEN – Continuous improvement in Bowling Green State University’s football program the past few years has put the Falcons in an exciting position entering the 2024 season.
Fans have certainly taken notice.
After finishing the 2023 campaign with its first winning season since 2015, BGSU became the only school in the country to have a four-win improvement from 2020 to 2021, then a two-win improvement from 2021 to 2022, followed by a one-win improvement from 2022 to 2023. A 7-6 record (5-3 Mid-American Conference) last year included some impressive victories, but also a couple of tough losses that could have just as easily been wins.
Last year, The Blade conducted a BGSU football fan survey, and we decided to give it another try. Fans and those who follow the Falcons were asked about the state of the program, sixth-year head coach Scot Loeffler and his staff, and what to expect this year.
Overall, responses were more positive than last year.
Here are the results of the BGSU football fan survey:
HOW RESPONDENTS RATED THE STATE OF THE PROGRAM (1: POOR; 5: EXCELLENT)
CURRENT BGSU FALCONS FOOTBALL DESCRIBED IN ONE WORD
For the most part, fans had either positive or uplifting comments to say about the program, especially “improving,” “exciting,” and “building.”
There were a fair share of somewhat negative feelings as well, including “Inconsistent” and “average.”
Here are the words that were used in responses:
HOW CONFIDENT ARE YOU IN SCOT LOEFFLER AND THE CURRENT COACHING STAFF?
WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BOWLING GREEN’S 2023 SEASON?
BGSU’s stunning upset victory at Georgia Tech was a popular choice among the fans.
Here is a sampling of the responses:
WHAT DID YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT BOWLING GREEN’S 2023 SEASON?
BGSU’s last-minute loss to rival Toledo, in which the Falcons blew an 18-point halftime lead, was mentioned numerous times, along with the MAC losses to Miami (Ohio) and Ohio and the Quick Lane Bowl loss to Minnesota. The atmosphere at home games was also mentioned.
Here is a look at some of the responses.
RATING THE TEAM’S RECENT OFFENSIVE PERFORMANCE (1: POOR; 5: EXCELLENT)
RATING THE TEAM’S RECENT DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE (1: POOR; 5: EXCELLENT)
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HOW SATISFIED ARE YOU WITH BOWLING GREEN’S RESULTS IN RECRUITING?
DO RESPONDENTS LIKE HOW THE TEAM HAS USED THE TRANSFER PORTAL IN RECENT SEASONS?
ARE YOU CONFIDENT IN BOWLING GREEN’S DIRECTION IN THE CHANGING COLLEGE FOOTBALL LANDSCAPE?
THE 2024 SEASON WILL BE CONSIDERED A SUCCESS FOR BOWLING GREEN IF …
Winning at least eight games – especially its showdown against Toledo – claiming a MAC championship, and coming out victorious in a bowl game were the primary responses. Putting up a good fight at power four conference foes Penn State and Texas A&M were also included.
Here are several thoughts from fans:
WHO WILL BE BOWLING GREEN’S MVP IN 2024?
WHAT IS BOWLING GREEN’S MOST IMPORTANT GAME IN 2024?
WHO WILL WIN THE MAC THIS SEASON?
HOW MANY GAMES WILL BGSU WIN THIS SEASON?
Article by Michael Burwell, graphics by Joe Landsberger of The Blade