Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: The Falcons rebounded from a lackluster 2006 campaign (4-8) with an impressive run through the 2007 slate, which began with a thrilling 32-31 overtime victory over Minnesota on the road. After falling to Michigan State (28-17), the Falcons were able to collect back-to-back victories over Temple (48-35) and Western Kentucky (41-21). At 3-1, the BGSU entered the toughest part of its schedule, a three-game road swing which began with a demoralizing 55-24 loss to Boston College. The following week brought even more embarrassment, as the squad was pummeled by Miami-Ohio, 47-14.

Bowling Green was able to close out the three-game road trek with a hard- fought 31-20 victory over Kent State to stop the bleeding. The win left the Falcons flat, however, and it showed in their next matchup as they fell to Ohio University, 38-27. That would be the last loss for the Falcons during the regular season, however, as the team cruised through its final four matchups, winning three of the four by double figures.

With eight wins, the Falcons received an invite to the GMAC Bowl to take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. While it was an honor to be selected to a bowl game, the Falcons put forth a horrible effort in a 63-7 loss to the Golden Hurricane.

2008 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: The Falcons possess one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the Mid-American Conference, and with the return of quarterback Tyler Sheehan, they should once again be a force. Sheehan completed 63.7 percent of his passes in 2007, while also throwing for 3,264 yards and 23 touchdowns. The junior signal caller should continue to blossom, and with his top weapons from '07 back, expect him to duplicate, if not better, those numbers. Last year, Freddie Barnes was the main target for Sheehan, and the junior wideout will asked to be the go-to guy down the field. Corey Partridge and Chris Wright should make tremendous strides this year as well, giving Sheehan even more weapons.

Coach Gregg Brandon implements a pass-first, run-second style of offense, so the ground game was not overly spectacular last year. Anthony Turner is the top returning back for BGSU, but the senior tailback rumbled for just 519 yards and nine scores.

It is debatable if Turner will even reach those numbers, considering the Falcons have to replace three starters along the offensive line. BGSU does return both guards in Brandon Curtis and Shane Steffy, but the team will definitely be inexperienced in the trenches.

DEFENSE: The Falcons were destroyed by opposing ground attacks last season, but with three starters returning up front coach Brandon should see a much- improved unit in 2008. Diyral Briggs is the anchor on the line and is coming off a strong junior campaign in which he was selected to the All-MAC First Team.

The heart of this defensive unit in '08 will be at the linebacker position which returns Erique Dozier and John Haneline. Both were tops on the squad with 112 and 96 tackles, respectively, and should continue to progress in their senior campaigns.

Coach Brandon will also have a much-improved defensive backfield with all four starters returning, including safety P.J. Mahone who led the team with seven interceptions last year. Senior cornerbacks Kenny Lewis and Antonio Smith will also give the team experience at a position that has been a sore spot for BGSU over the last couple of years.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The biggest improvement last year was the kicking game for BGSU, and with Sinisa Vrvilo back for his senior season the Falcons should continue to soar in this area. Vrvilo nailed all 47 of his PATs in '07 and was also a strong 15-of-19 on field goal attempts. The return game was also solid in '07, thanks to the efforts of Roger Williams, who posted 24.5 ypr. Williams, who also scored once on a kick return last year, has blazing speed and will likely be one of the most dangerous return men in the MAC this fall.

OUTLOOK: The Falcons' season does not start off on easy terms, as they will be on the road for three of their first four games, facing Pittsburgh, Boise State and Wyoming. However, they were able to dodge Central Michigan and Ball State this year, and will get to battle Miami-Ohio and Buffalo at home. There is no question that the Falcons will put points on the board this year, but the main concern for coach Brandon will be the play of the defense. It the defensive unit can make positive strides in '08, the Falcons have a chance to soar to the top of the MAC's East Division.