BOWLING GREEN — Like just about every other sports team in the United States, Bowling Green's spring plans went out the window.
The Falcons got through its first planned week of spring practice before the coronavirus caused mass cancelations and postponements. BGSU suspended in-person classes until at least April 6, while both Ohio and Ohio State already have moved to online-only for the rest of the spring semesters.
With spring football questionable to resume at Bowling Green — or anywhere else, for that matter — the abrupt ending could have an effect.
1. Less chance to experiment at positions of need
Can a veteran cornerback step into a starting position? Who is ready to provide depth along the defensive line? What's the best combination for the offensive line?
All those questions likely would have lingered until training camp anyway, but BG might not have the full 15 practices and simulated games to truly evaluate each one of them this spring. The Falcons need to replace their left tackle and center, create additional depth on the defensive line, and solidify who will play No. 2 cornerback and nickelback. Particularly on the defensive side of the ball, Bowling Green will need substantial improvements to be competitive in the Mid-American Conference once again.
2. Fewer first-team reps for the No. 1 quarterback
If he's healthy, Matt McDonald is going to be Bowling Green's starter when the Falcons take the field at Ohio State, and he'll run with the first team in practice for the foreseeable future.
Ideally, the Falcons will give McDonald as many repetitions as possible until then, and spring usually plays a big role for a new starter. McDonald looked promising during the limited time on the field, but now BG doesn't know when normal football activities will resume.
3. A quick stay for early enrollees
Bowling Green had a new program record for players who enrolled early — seven true freshmen joined the program in January — but practice was called off almost as soon as it had started.
Not all is lost, as the group of seven still went through offseason workouts and will be one semester ahead of their peers come next fall. For football, however, nothing replaces live practice, and the new group of freshmen only got a small taste.
First Published March 17, 2020, 4:39 p.m.
