by Bowling Green went up I-75 to take on Toledo in one of the most storied rivalries in the MAC. The Falcons get revenge from last season as they defeat the Rockets in front of a packed Toledo crowd 41-26. Connor Bazelak had a strong showing as he took care of the ball and put the ball in the endzone twice. It would be the running game that won this game for the Falcons due to the 215 yards from all six rushers in the Orange and Brown.
Bowling Green’s defense came out strong looking to make a statement after last years loss at home against the Rockets. A sack on the first play of the game set the tone for the first half, a three and out gave the Falcons the ball in a hurry.
Bowling Green didn’t wait long to take advantage of their opportunity thanks to the speed of Terion Stewart. The big back showed off his speed running away from the Toledo defense and into the endzone a few plays later to give the Falcons a touchdown lead.
Bowling Green owned the first half, that didn’t stop the Rockets from battling back and reacting to each punch thrown by the Falcons. The Rockets responded with a nine play drive that depended on the connection of Tucker Gleason and Jurjuan Newton tied up the ball game off of a four yard pass attempt in the endzone.
Bowling Green took a lead on the scoreboard and in the momentum category as well. Anytime Harold Fannin Jr touches the ball the defense is in trouble, Fannin Jr receives the ball and soared his way over a Rocket defender and into the endzone to give the Falcons a lead that they maintained and improved upon the rest of the game.
Towards the end of the first half, the Bowling Green defense came up with a big play that Toledo could only try to come back from. Gleason looked for a wide receiver in the flats but the only person there was Falcons cornerback Jordan Oladokun who had nothing but pay dirt on his mind. Oladokun had two interceptions as one of them sealed the game for the Falcons.
Toledo kicked a field goal to end the half and started the second half off right with a 64 yard touchdown pass to Jurjuan Newton who became the all time receptions leader for Toledo this evening with his longest touchdown of his career. This play may have seemed as if the momentum shifted, Toledo unknowingly scored their last points on the day.
Two more field goals from Zach Long gave Bowling Green an eight point lead. A 19 point Rahkeem Smith rushing touchdown closed the game out as the Rockets failed to respond leaving little time and no chances left to make a comeback as a packed Glass Bowl emptied out.
