A trip to Detroit is on the line, as Miami and Bowling Green meet for the 78th time
Miami (7-4, 6-1 MAC).
Bowling Green (7-4, 6-1 MAC).
A MAC Championship berth on the line. Win and you’re in. Not much more than that needs to be said.
Game notes
- Time and Date: Friday, November 29th at 12:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Doyt Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, OH
- Gambling considerations: Bowling Green (-2), over/under 41 per DraftKings.
- Viewing options: The game will be available on ESPNU. A valid cable subscription is required for viewing. Noah Reed (play-by-play) and Craig Haubert (color) will provide commentary.
- Radio options: For Miami, Steve Baker (play-by-play) and Terry Bridge (color) will provide the call on WMOH 1450 AM. For BGSU, Todd Walker (play-by-play) and John Gibson (color) will provide the call on Eagle FM 99.
- All-time series: Miami leads 47-25-5
What Happened Last Time?
The Falcons and RedHawks faced off in Oxford last season as divisional opponents. Bowling Green had just beaten Georgia Tech, but they couldn’t carry over any momentum. Led by Brett Gabbert’s two touchdown passes, Miami’s defense held Bowling Green to a shutout in a 27-0 victory, giving Mimai a 2-0 start in MAC play on the road to the 2023 MAC title.
Getting to know the Redhawks
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Miami is coming off a 20-9 victory over Northern Illinois and nine days rest. Miami currently has a six game win streak, aiming for back-to-back championship appearances.
Brett Gabbert finished with 207 yards and one interception against the Huskies, bringing his total to 2,355 yards, 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Gabbert hadn’t thrown an interception since their loss against Toledo. Gabbert has only thrown 250+ yards in a game twice this season. With the Falcons allowing 174.8 pass yards per game, Gabbert could have a tough time.
Keyon Mozee has been a force in this RedHawks offense. He has 937 rushing yards, but only three rushing touchdowns. He could give Miami a 1,000 yard rusher in back to back seasons for the first time since 2002-03.
Reggie Virgil is the team’s leading receiver with 705 yards and eight touchdowns. Javon Tracy is not far behind with 669 yards and six touchdowns. Both have explosive abilities, and the Falcon secondary will have to keep an eye on those two.
Defensively, Miami allows an average of 17.8 points per game (best in MAC). Matt Salopek continues to lead the team with 99 total tackles. Brian Ugwu leads with 6.5 sacks. Corban Hondru and Salopek are tied with three interceptions each. This defense allows averages of 177.6 pass yards per game (third in MAC) and 136 rush yards/game (third in MAC). This defense will give the Falcons a fight.
Getting to know the Falcons
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The Falcons overcame a slow start for a convincing 38-13 win at Ball State last time out. Bowling Green is riding a five game win streak, playing for their first MAC Championship appearance since 2015.
Connor Bazelak finished with 255 yards and two touchdowns against the Cardinals, bringing his totals to 2,453 yards and 15 touchdowns. He still hasn’t thrown an interception since the Old Dominion game.
While the rushing attack didn’t have much explosiveness against Ball State, Terion Stewart still has 856 yards and six touchdowns. Stewart still has a chance to become the first 1,000 yard rusher for BG since 2016.
Harold Fannin, Jr. didn’t play three full quarters against Ball State due to injury, and still ended up with 125 receiving yards and a touchdown. He has been such an important piece for the Falcons. He was recently named a finalist for the Mackey Award. Coach Loeffler noted that Fannin would be a game time decision.
The Falcon defense is playing at a high level right now. The Falcons average 19.5 points per game allowed (fourth in MAC), 174.8 pass yards/game (leads MAC), and 152.5 rush yards per game (sixth in MAC). Joseph Sipp, Jr. is breaking out, leading the team with 72 total tackles and six sacks. Jordan Oladokun leads with three interceptions. The Falcon defense will have their hands full with a Miami offense that is starting to click.
What Each Team Needs
Bowling Green needs their defense to stay hot. They’ve given up 13 points/game in their last three games.
Miami is coming off a good amount of rest. The offense will have to find ways to cut through a Falcon defense that has a lot of confidence.
Both teams know what’s at stake. It’s shaping up to be an instant classic.