Georgia Southern enters its first bowl game at the FBS level while Bowling Green accepted its fourth consecutive bowl appearance looking to win two in a row.
By: Christian Page
Both teams boast wonderful offensive stats with the ability to hit the homerun multiple times throughout the game. A game between the MAC and Sun Belt doesn’t usually scream with next level talent but this game gives you a nice sampling of some of the top talents in both of the conferences.
The game is highlighted by two potent offenses but don’t sleep on some of the defensive talent that gives a little more intrigue to this matchup. The list provided will help guide you with some notable names concerning the 2016 NFL Draft.
Game Details: Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN // Mobile, AL // Ladd-Peebles Stadium
Bowling Green (10-3; 7-1)
#11 Matt Johnson, QB – 6’0” – 221
Though his undesired size for the position, it doesn’t tend to affect Johnson’s ability as a passer. Johnson is one of the more accurate passers in college football completing a high percentage of his throws down the field. A physical and sneaky runner, Johnson has a fun skill set to take note of with his no-fear mentality making some big throws in small windows and stepping into contact in the pocket to complete the goal of the play. Johnson has recently accepted his invite to the NFLPA Bowl on Jan. 23.
#8 Travis Greene, RB – 5’10” – 183
Not your ideal bruiser back, but Greene is a physical runner between the tackles though his makeup may state otherwise. His elusiveness and agility is dangerous on the outside giving defense fits shaking tackles for yards after contact. The former receiver is a threat out of the backfield in many different ways as the Falcons look to use him in every way possible to be an impact on the field. His quick twitch ability and explosiveness makes him a threat on every play. Greene could be a nice piece as a third down back early in his career.
#55 Alex Huettel, RG – 6’4” – 309
Huettel’s versatility helps when the analyzing process begins. Starting at center and now at right guard, Huettel’s intelligence on blocking assignments has been vital to the Bowling Green offense and he has excelled at both jobs. As a run blocker, he is a mauler instantly driving his opponents backward out of the play paving the way for All-MAC runner Greene. Though his physical and hard nosed playing style, Huettel has heavy feet and isn’t the athletic type to burst on the scene at the next level.
#4 Eilar Hardy, SS – 6’0” – 212
The Notre Dame transfer has had a productive graduate season for the Falcons leading all defensive backs in tackles with 76 total and a couple of tackles for loss and interceptions. Hardy doesn’t possess top-end speed and occasionally will get burned over the top because of it. His physical stature and toughness begs for a late round pickup with an underrated set of skills and ability to step up in big game situations.
Other Falcons, seniors to keep an eye on:
#92 Zach Colvin, DT – 6’3” – 288
#83 Derek Lee, TE – 6’4” – 255
#18 Dernard Turner, FS – 6’0” – 189
Georgia Southern (8-4; 6-2)
#63 Darien Foreman, LG – 6’2” – 305
The wide light-footed guard prospect is a big reason for Georgia Southern’s rushing success in 2015 (355 yards per game, first in FBS). Foreman is an all effort player that treats each block like it’s his last keeping his feet moving and always on the hunt to put his hands on someone. His athleticism is deceiving for his size as he possesses light feet and good quickness when pulling to the outside to seal the edge. His base is fine and his ability to anchor down is top notch in the Sun Belt but his hand placement is spotty with too many times going too high and losing his balance and opens the gate to interior pass rushers. Foreman isn’t a polished player, but his physical play and hot motor playing style with leadership qualities should get some nibbles in the later rounds.
#37 Antwione Williams, ILB – 6’3” – 245
The underrated playmaker in the front seven will be considered one of the better run defenders in the entire draft class. His speed and quickness for his size is impeccable in pursuit constantly making stops in the backfield shooting through the gap with ease. He excels at blitzing being able to quickly shed blocks and booking it the quarterback. Strictly on tape, Williams reminds me of what Bobby Wagner was at Utah State doing everything extremely well and being a factor on every play. An intriguing match up will take place with Williams facing this dangerous spread attack with Bowling Green’s balanced offensive look.
#16 Antonio Glover, SS – 6’1” – 195
A ball-hawking safety, Glover enters the bowl game with six interceptions in 2015. Glover’s specialty is playing centerfield and reading the quarterback jumping on routes as the ball is released and more times than not being in the right position to make a play on the ball. His ability lacking to get his head turned around to find the football is somewhat surprising because of his interception numbers but when playing in man coverage Glover struggles to do so resulting in big plays for the offense. Glover buckles down in the red area not allowing much behind him preventing scores. Not a complete prospect but intriguing enough to deserve draft recognition.
Other Eagles, seniors to keep an eye on:
#7 Matt Dobson, FS – 6’2” – 200
#23 Derek Keaton, WR/KR – 5’10” – 183
#19 Caleb Williams, CB – 5’9” – 185
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