Earlier today, I had a breakdown on why Houston missed a bowl game this season . Now here is a breakdown of several other 2009 bowl teams that missed out in 2010. Bowling Green What happened: The Falcons had one of the youngest teams in the country going into the season and they had big shoes to fill with the departure of quarterback Tyler Sheehan and receiver Freddie Barnes. The offense struggled all season, especially the run game, which ranked last in the nation. The Falcons also lost four games by three points or fewer. Bowling in 2011? Plenty of players return, so they should have the experience, but a big question is whether Matt Schilz can take the next step at quarterback. He already has his go-to target in Kamar Jorden . Central Michigan What happened: It’s never easy to replace one of the best players in school history in Dan LeFevour, who led the team in rushing and passing last season. Ryan Radcliff held his own at quarterback, but threw way too many interceptions (17 TDs and 17 INTs). The Chippewas struggled to find consistency with their offensive line, failing to protect the quarterback (33 sacks allowed) or establish a decent run game. They also had problems taking care of the football, ranking as one of the worst in the country in turnover margin. Bowling in 2011? It all depends on the development of Radcliff, and a big-time replacement for linebacker Nick Bellore. Idaho What happened: Quarterback Nathan Enderle may have thrown for more yards this season than last, but that is because he had way more attempts. The reason? Idaho could never get its running game going, averaging 88.5 yards a game. The offensive line was a problem because it also failed to protect Enderle — Idaho gave up 45 sacks this season, third worst in the country. Enderle also saw his completion percentage and yards per attempt drop, and his interceptions go up (from nine to 16). The Vandals were also one of the most penalized teams in the nation. Bowling in 2011? Leaning no. Idaho is losing Enderle and a lot of senior leadership in defensive end Aaron Lavarias, linebacker JoJo Dickson, safety Shiloh Keoh, tight end Daniel Hardy and receiver Eric Greenwood . Marshall What happened: Inconsistency at quarterback, along the offensive line and in the kicking game. Marshall struggled to run the ball, ranking No. 113 in the country and averaging 97.2 yards a game. Much of that was because of a young offensive line. The scoring suffered, too, as the Herd only averaged 20.8 points a game. Bowling in 2011? Depends on what happens with the quarterback and offensive line. Brian Anderson is gone, leaving A.J. Graham and Eddie Sullivan as the lone returners with experience. Temple What happened: The Owls were bowl eligible at 8-4, but were not chosen to go bowling, thanks in part to two straight losses to close the year to Ohio and Miami (Ohio)
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Other non-AQ bowl misses
Filed under Football by on Dec 15th, 2010. Comment. 
We told you about quarterback battles still going on among the non-AQ schools in a two part series yesterday: Part I and Part II . Here is a look at the quarterback battles that have already been decided as we close in on the start of the season: Akron Winner: Patrick Nicely . Buzz: Nicely and Matt Rodgers played pretty evenly throughout fall camp and split the reps evenly. But Nicely emerged thanks to his play throughout the spring and camp. He started seven games as a true freshman in 2009, completing 120 of 222 passes for 1,349 yards and six touchdowns. Bowling Green Winner: Matt Schilz . Buzz: With Tyler Sheehan gone, Bowling Green turns to the redshirt freshman, who has never thrown a pass in a collegiate game. The Falcons have had much stability at the quarterback position, so it will be interesting to see how Schilz does this season. Colorado State Winner: Pete Thomas. Buzz: The highly touted true freshman enrolled in school early and beat out redshirt freshman Nico Ranieri . The last time a freshman started at quarterback for Colorado State was Caleb Hanie in 2004. Louisiana Tech Winner: Steven Ensminger . Buzz: The Auburn transfer found new life under new coach Sonny Dykes’ spread offense. After playing tight end last spring under former coach Derek Dooley, Ensminger was able to beat out Ross Jenkins , who started parts of the past two seasons. Marshall Winner: Brian Anderson . Buzz: The incumbent survived a challenge from A.J. Graham , Eddie Sullivan and former Clemson player Willie Korn to emerge as the starter once again. Korn ended up transferring. Important to note: Anderson is learning his third different offense, now that new coach Doc Holliday is there. New Mexico Winner: B.R. Holbrook . Buzz: Holbrook won the job over freshman Tarean Austin and Brad Gruner , and coach Mike Locksley cited his knowledge of the offense, the way he moved the team during scrimmages and his mostly error-free play. New Mexico State Winner: Matt Christian
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Non-AQ quarterback battles resolved
Filed under Basketball, Football by on Aug 26th, 2010. Comment.
