Bowling Green’s featured linebacker and leader Gabe Martin had come back from a torn ACL injury in 2013, and was looking to get back to his All-MAC level for this season. However, if anything this season has been a disaster for the Bowling Green defense (and for Martin). The struggles for this defense continued on Saturday, with a thorough beaten by the hands of Wisconsin, to the tune of 68-17. Wisconsin set a Big-Ten record for rushing yards, and frankly embarrassed a Bowling Green team whose defense was already depleted due to injury.
Martin came into this game as the unquestioned leader of this defense, as fellow linebacker D.J. Lynch and safety Ryland Ward were both out after sustaining injuries in the previous weeks. Before his injury, Martin was an athletic and rangy player, picking up Tight Ends and Slot receives in pass coverage with ability to make plays sideline to sideline. Versus Wisconsin Martin, like many of his teammates, was outmatched.
By Mike and Matt Vahey
Martin was primarily tasked with covering up the Tight End against both the pass and run. He seemed to be routinely a step behind in man coverage, continually letting Tight Ends get behind him. He also struggled mightily in run defense, finding it difficult to get off his blocks and making tackles in open space. His change of direction abilities still look to be lacking from where he was prior to his knee injury, but his biggest challenge was taking on the larger blockers of Wisconsin and not having the strength to stack and shed to make plays.
Other MAC Notes
Eastern Michigan
– Tyreese Russell, TE, #88: Tyreese could be the best Tight End in the MAC, and has been the lone consistent receiver all-season thus far for the Eagles, leading them in receiving through 4 games. Against top college opponents (Michigan State and Florida), Russell has held his own. He has good blocking technique in the run game and has been challenged with top tier talent such as Dante Fowler, Jr and can find open space in the passing game.
– Rob Bolden, QB, #1: The Penn State/LSU transfer earned his first start for the Eagles this past weekend against top-25 Michigan State after seeing spot duty through the first three games. In his first start since his sophomore year, it was an OK outing and you can see why he was the 4th ranked QB coming out of high school, throwing the first 2 touchdown passes for the Eagles in 2014.
– Lincoln Hansen, OL, #77: Missed his first game of his career again Michigan State over the weekend, and snapped his 15 consecutive start streak. The Sr. has great size at 6’8’’ and 300 pounds, and in the first three games of the season Hansen has showed good hands and initial punch of the line of scrimmage. Where Hansen needs to improve would be his ability to stay engaged on defenders and continually move his feet in both the run and pass games.
Bowling Green
– D.J. Lynch, LB, #7: Linebacker DJ Lynch was officially ruled out or Saturday’s game against Wisconsin. He left the game against VMI with an apparent knee injury. There is no timetable set for his return. Lynch was the best linebacker on the Bowling Green Defense, and the team has been hurting with his absence.
– Bryan Thomas, DE, #43: Another player who struggled against Wisconsin. Lost too many one on one battles in the running game, continually getting moved off his spot by the larger Wisconsin Offensive Lineman. Did record a sack on a nice counter move in an otherwise underwhelming performance.
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