How Will a Former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Rebuild the Bowling Green Falcons?
The Eddie George era is set to begin in just two days at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, OH, and with it comes more than just name recognition; it brings renewed expectations. The Bowling Green Falcons have a new coach, and his name is Eddie George. As the Falcons prepare for their 2025 season opener against the Lafayette Leopards on Thursday, August 28th, 2025, they do so with both excitement and uncertainty. Bowling Green’s defense is the team’s greatest strength; The Falcons’ offense is solid, but there are clear areas for improvement. The question looms large: How will Eddie George rebuild this team into a Mid-American Conference contender? The answer lies in how he balances his identity as a leader, motivator, and former star athlete with the gritty demands of a college football turnaround.
Offense: Pyne Time and a Revamped Scheme
One of George’s first major moves was addressing the Falcons’ offense by bringing in veteran transfer Drew Pyne, whose previous stops at Notre Dame, Arizona State, and Missouri give him high-level experience. The offense also returns key contributors like running backs Chris McMillian and Kaderris Roberts, providing much-needed speed, power, and unpredictability to the team's offense. With a more modern tempo and better quarterback play, George hopes to improve on last year’s inconsistent scoring output. His own legacy as a disciplined, powerful runner could also trickle into the team’s renewed emphasis on the ground game. Expect Bowling Green to try to control tempo with smarter, more physical play calling.
Defense: Physicality, Fundamentals, and a New Identity
Last season, Bowling Green’s defense ranked 34th or better in PPA, success rate, and points per Opportunity. Despite boasting impressive defensive metrics, the Falcons struggled against Arkansas State in the 68 Ventures Bowl last December. George has made it clear that physicality and fundamentals will be core themes under his leadership. While he’s not a defensive specialist, his experience in high-stakes environments brings credibility when it comes to effort and execution. Returning leaders at linebacker and safety will be crucial in setting the tone, but player development will be equally important, especially if the Falcons want to avoid getting outmuscled by more established MAC offenses. Expect an aggressive mindset and simplified schemes built around discipline and intensity. Whether George’s approach results in instant wins or gradual progress, his first year will be about more than stats; it will be about establishing a new standard in Bowling Green.
