The positive vibes from a strong start evaporated last week. The young Falcons overachieved in their first three games despite playing nearly 30 freshmen.

The bottom dropped out last week when Kent State exposed the Falcons' youth in a 38-3 victory at Perry Stadium.

How the Falcons respond to the embarrassing loss could be determine whether or not they remain contenders for the wide-open Mid-American Conference East Division crown.

"In this sport you get some mulligans," BGSU coach Gregg Brandon said. "I hope our guys will respond in a positive way. We still had a hangover (on Sunday). We need to refocus."

The Falcons (2-2, 1-1) might be without starting quarterback Anthony Turner for the second straight week. Turner injured his shoulder in the victory at Florida International. The offense had trouble moving the ball with freshman Freddie Barnes at the controls. Brandon replaced Barnes with another freshman, Tyler Sheehan. Turner might receive some playing time against Ohio, according to Brandon.

"Anthony looked OK (on Sunday)," Brandon said. "It will be day-to-day, if he can protect himself and go down and brace himself. We'll make sure he can go out and perform at the level we need to win games."

The Falcons face another big test on Saturday, when they travel to Ohio. The Bobcats knocked off league-favorite Northern Illinois on the road, showing remarkable improvement under second-year coach Frank Solich.

The BGSU defense must slow down Ohio tailback Kalvin McRae and put pressure on quarterback Austen Everson.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The offense was a big reason for BGSU's fast start, but it fizzled last week without starting QB Anthony Turner. Freshman Freddie Barnes doesn't have Turner's passing ability or experience. TB Chris Bullock responded with a big game in his first extended playing time of the season.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Falcons rank last in the conference in scoring defense, allowing 35.2 points per game. Bowling Green's inability to stop the run is the main culprit, with the Falcons yielding 176.2 yards per game on the ground.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We are playing 15 true freshmen right now, that's the hand we are dealt right now. I put players in the game because they are the best available guy. Are (the freshmen) ready and will they make plays? I sure hope so, but in reality, I don't know." -- BGSU coach Gregg Brandon

THIS WEEK'S GAME: Bowling Green at Ohio, Sept. 30 -- Ohio returns home after playing three straight games at home. The Falcons must respond with a strong showing to remain in the Mid-American Conference East Division race. The Bobcats will test Bowling Green with a strong running game. The Falcons must stay away from mistakes on special teams and the return of QB Anthony Turner is needed to provide stability to the offense.

QB/TB Freddie Barnes -- The freshman was pulled in the third quarter of last week's loss to Kent State. Barnes had a stellar game in the opener against Wisconsin, but his production has fallen off in the past two weeks.

LB Erique Davis -- Entered last week ranked 14th in the country in tackles, but managed only four against Kent State.

P Alonso Rojas -- Committed plenty of mistakes in the first four games. The Falcons need Rojas to be consistent to help the young defense.

ROSTER REPORT: The Falcons would love for quarterback Anthony Turner to play Saturday, but they don't want to risk losing him for the rest of the season. Turner (shoulder) practiced this week, but coach Gregg Brandon might use freshman Freddie Barnes or Tyler Sheehan.

Starting S P.J. Mahone is questionable, but CB Antonio Smith will play this week.