With Saturdays vacant, CFB fiends get their fix from a couple of its ancillary offshoots. Whatever your outlook on the dynamic shift it’s brought about, the transfer portal at least helps fill the air between January and spring. But the portal is shut for another fortnight, and National Signing Day is also in the rear-view mirror. The drama in this sport never ceases though. The coaching carousel is always revolving, and it picks up speed this time of year. With just one year left on NFL vet Eddie George’s contract as head coach of Tennessee State and talks over an extension stagnating, he knew his time to hop onto this proverbial carousel was beckoning. But great opportunities can come by prematurely, and that’s exactly what’s transpired for George.

Ohio State alum and College HOFer Eddie George has traded his capacity for an HBCU in the FCS for the Bowling Green Falcons in the MAC. He succeeds Scot Loeffler, who’s ascended to the NFL for becoming the Eagles’ quarterback coach. In all fairness, Tennessee State could never quite match George’s ambitions with the requisite resources. Taking this new job in the FBS makes sense. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

Spring Football serves as a line in the sand between hopeful dreams and objective reality. For fans, it serves as a teaser of what to expect come fall. Whether that elusive benchmark of wins you’re aiming for will be breached or remain distant. For the players themselves, it’s a tryst with learning their importance within the team. Whether that starting role you’ve been gearing for will actually come by, or if you’re staring at another year subjected to the shadows. In case the outcome of spring camp doesn’t line up with your wishes, the transfer portal then allows for a re-do. A clean slate. After week 1 of spring practice concluded, one player saw enough. A player who only came to the program merely 2 months ago. Albeit before Eddie George rolled through. 

Quarterback Justin Lamson has chosen to follow Scot Loeffler out of the door. He only came over from Stanford in the previous portal window. But a turnover in staff and, by extension, a new vision for the program means Lamson perhaps didn’t fit into Bowling Green’s plans anymore. The news about him entering the portal was reported by On3’s Pete Nakos.

Justin Lamson was initially recruited by Syracuse in 2021 but never appeared in a game for the Orange. After redshirting as a freshman, he picked up a season-ending knee injury which rendered his 2022 and potential breakout postponed. He transferred to Stanford and played 24 games over the next two years. However, he started only 4 of those. Another change of scenery was deemed necessary and he came over to Bowling Green. Now, Lamson’s been uprooted again. Something Eddie George can’t exactly be blamed for, but is a little disheartening to witness. The man can’t catch a break. Unlike George himself, who got one courtesy of Urban Meyer. A legendary coach expecting legendary things.

Eddie George receives a vote of confidence from Urban Meyer

Eddie George guested on The Triple Option podcast, hosted by Heisman-winning running back Mark Ingram II, Natty-winning HC Urban Meyer and broadcaster Rob Stone. He leveraged the story of how a tryst with destiny led him to the Falcons.  George said “I’m driving…and literally, swear to God, I said ‘God, show me a sign. What do I need to do for next year to prepare.’ Right now I’m in the last year of my deal, not hearing much talk from Tennessee State.” An epiphany can come knocking at absolutely any time.

George claims he was driving past a small town in Kentucky named ‘Bowling Green’ right as he relayed his message to God. He then proceeded to say “I look down at my phone and I see Urban [Meyer] text me. He says, ‘Hey, would you be interested in the Bowling Green job?’” Now we’ve heard about the power of manifestation and prayer. But Eddie George just took things to 11!

“You get an endorsement from Urban Meyer, you have to take that call. You’ve gotta explore” added George. Alas, now that the dominoes have fallen, Meyer’s placed some big expectations on George. During the aforementioned pod, he said “I’m telling you, man. BG is ready to go get a MAC Championship” Urban Meyer, a former HC at Bowling Green himself, had a rationale behind this claim. He attributed this being a possibility to the facilities at the program meshed with Eddie George’s prowess as a coach. As someone who knows what it takes, being a Heisman winner at OSU, George shall demand excellence.

There’s little more that Eddie George can earn in terms of reverence. He’s a legend of the game across both rungs of the football ladder. A multi-time Pro-Bowler and a Buckeyes legend. But reputation and reverence don’t buy bread. George has signed on a 5-year deal worth a cool $600k each season, taking the sum to $3 million during its entirety. Now, it’s time for him to reciprocate this trust and value with his coaching acumen. As for Justin Lamson, he hopefully finds a home that allows for things to click into gear. Tough calls such as this one shall be the makings of a great head coach.