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This lack of respect was undoubtedly a key reason Urban Meyer bolted for Utah after two successful seasons. The task of sustaining success at Bowling Green falls to Gregg Brandon, who was promoted from offensive coordinator. OFFENSIVE KEYS: There's one way to describe Bowling Green's offense last fall -- record-breaking. The Falcons set 17 school records and seven league records and, individually, quarterback Josh Harris established a MAC record by accounting for an astonishing 41 touchdowns -- 20 rushing, 19 passing and two receiving. Harris, in his first year as a full-time starter, completed 56.1 percent of his passes, threw for 2,425 yards and rushed for 737. Omar Jacobs, a key recruit for the Falcons two years ago, will back up Harris. The coaching staff believes he is a future star.There is quality depth at running back with P.J. Pope, B.J. Lane and Raishaun Stover. Tossing Harris into the mix, this group rushed for just under 1,500 yards last year and looks to get better this season. All-MAC performer Robert Redd graduated, but the Falcons return an outstanding group of receivers. James Hawkins, Charles Sharon, Steve Sanders and Cole Magner combined for more than 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns. The offensive line, which returns just two starters, needs to be rebuilt. Scott Mruczkowski has all-conference potential. "We need to rebuild our offensive line. That is our main concern right now," Brandon said. DEFENSIVE KEYS: Fifth-year senior safety Mike Malone will lead one of the most experienced secondary units in the country; the four returning defensive backs have combined for 83 starts. Janssen Patton, who has 11 career interceptions, is an all-conference performer. Keon Newson and Jason Morton bring size and big-play ability. "Our defensive backs are not only the strength of our defense, but of our entire team," Brandon said. "We have excellent depth here."Mitch Hewitt and Jovon Burkes are the leaders of the linebacking corps. They combined for 135 tackles last fall. The defensive line returns two starters, most notably Matt Leininger, whom Brandon called "our best returning defensive lineman." SPECIAL TEAMS: Entering 2002, the kicking game was a huge concern. Shaun Suisham eased those fears by making 57-of-59 extra points and connecting on 12-of-14 field goals. Nate Fry and Josef Timchenko are vying for the punter position.FINAL ANALYSIS: The architect of one of the nation's most explosive attacks the past two seasons, Brandon should be able to keep things rolling on the offensive end thanks to the return of Harris, BG's multi-talented quarterback. On defense, the Falcons should be solid at linebacker and in the secondary, but the defensive front is a major concern for the first-year head coach."I want to see us be effective stopping the run -- just tackling better," Brandon said. "Toward the end of last fall, we had problems with that." If the Falcons, who host key division rivals Northern Illinois and Toledo, can solidify things up front -- on both sides of the ball -- they could be in position to earn their first bowl invitation since 1992. • Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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