As per coaching scoop: "Bowling Green linebackers coach Clark Lea has accepted the linebackers job at Syracuse. Lea was a finalist for linebackers coach of the year this season." This is the bit about his nomination for LB COY: "Clark Lea's linebackers lead a unit that stands alone as the Mid-American Conference's best defense. The 8-4 Falcons lead the MAC and rank in the top 15 nationally in total defense (289.7 yards per game), rushing defense (116.7), pass defense (173), pass efficiency defense (105.7 opposing quarterback rating), scoring defense (15.75 points per game) and sacks (3.08 per game). Lea's linebackers occupy the top four spots among Bowling Green's top tacklers, combining to notch 248 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, 10 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. The Falcons have been successful in limiting big plays, allowing the third fewest plays of 20-plus yards in college football."