The early departure of quarterback Omar Jacobs to the NFL left a gaping hole in the Bowling Green State offense. Coach Gregg Brandon's spread offense transformed the Falcons into a yearly contender for the Mid-American Conference title.

However, the team doesn't have a Jacobs or a Josh Harris-type quarterback on the roster. Freshman quarterback Freddie Barnes is quick, but lacks experience to run the complicated offense effectively.

"Freddie's ability to run the football is a plus for him," Brandon said. "I think he will play his tail off."

The Falcons fell short of meeting expectations last year when Jacobs missed several games because of an injury. The chances of recording a sixth straight winning season falls on the development of the younger players. Bowling Green State returns 10 starters, six on defense and four on offense. Twenty-seven freshmen are expected to receive playing time this year.

"We're very young," Brandon said. "We were all disappointed we didn't make the championship game last year. We're getting back to basics this year and focused on that from the beginning."

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Scoring points hasn't been a problem of late for Bowling Green. Coach Gregg Brandon's spread offense elevated the Falcons to one of the elite teams in the Mid-American Conference. This year the Falcons return just four starters, and don't feature any experienced players at the skill positions. Replacing star QB Omar Jacobs, WRs Steve Sanders and Charles Sharon and TBs P.J. Pope and B.J. Lane puts a huge burden on Brandon.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The defense allowed 44 points or more in four games last year. The unit has six new faces in the starting line-up, but the defensive line welcomes the return of tackle Brad Williams and end Devon Parks. The defense did get faster and the coaching staff recognized a need to keep players fresh late in games. Games against Wisconsin and Ohio State won't help BGSU's defensive numbers.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We've replaced a ton of skill players. We're going to be playing a lot of young players. It will be an adventure (in the secondary)." -- Coach Gregg Brandon on his young secondary.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: Wisconsin at Bowling Green, Sept. 2 at Cleveland -- Browns Stadium in Cleveland -- If for no other reason, this game is worth watching just to see how Bowling Green's youngsters respond to playing a big game at a professional stadium. The Falcons don't have enough bullets to match up with the Badgers, but freshman QB Freddie Barnes is an unknown wild card in coach Gregg Brandon's spread offense. The game marks the start of the Bret Bielema Era. The first-year Wisconsin coach has the tough job of replacing legendary coach Barry Alvarez.

  PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Freddie Barnes -- Contending to join the likes of Josh Harris and Omar Jacobs, redshirt freshman Freddie Barnes was designated as the starting quarterback. The opener against Wisconsin might be just an audition, with sophomore Anthony Turner serving a one-game suspension.

PK Sean Ellis -- With the Falcons returning four starters on offense, Ellis' leg becomes even more important to the young and fragile team. The true freshman has one of the strongest legs in the Mid-American Conference.

  C Kory Lichtensteiger -- As the lone offensive returnee with significant playing time under his belt, Lichtensteiger anchors a young line. A two-time All-MAC selection, Lichtensteiger is one of 39 players on the watch list for the Rimington Award.

ROSTER REPORT: Coach Gregg Brandon has shuffled the roster numerous times. With sophomore Anthony Turner serving a one-game suspension, redshirt freshman Freddie Barnes was named the starting quarterback for the opener.

  --In order to gain more team speed, junior Lauren Hargrove was shifted from safety to linebacker.

--Sophomore Diyral Briggs will miss the Wisconsin game because of a broken foot.

--A knee sprain sidelines WR Corey Partridge for the opener, paving the way for Zach Charles to start.

--Reserve ORG Shane Steffy will miss up to five weeks with a knee injury.