After two great showings against Power Four opponents, the Falcons return to Bowling Green
After playing in the two of the toughest environments within three weeks, the Falcons are finally back for a home game, welcoming the Old Dominion Monarchs for Homecoming Weekend.
Game notes
- Time and Date: Saturday, September 28th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time
- Location: Doyt Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, OH
- Gambling considerations: Bowling Green (-9.5), over/under 49.5 per DraftKings.
- Viewing options: The game will be available on ESPN+. A valid subscription is required for viewing. Jason Ross (play-by-play) and Tyoka Jackson (color) will provide commentary.
- Radio options: Todd Walker (play-by-play) and John Gibson (color) will provide the BGSU call for Eagle FM 99.
- All-time series: First Meeting
Getting to know the Falcons
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
The Falcons are coming off their second one-possession loss to an Autonomous team in three weeks. Despite this, there is still a good vibe for the Orange and Brown. With a win, the Falcons have a chance to go 2-2 in non-conference play for the second-straight season. something BGSU fans haven’t seen since 2014-15.
Connor Bazelak looked decent in College Station, throwing for 250 yards, one touchdown and one interception. If the Falcons are to have success to end non-conference play, Bazelak will need to make the right throws.
Rushing was tough for the Falcons last week. Despite Rahkeem Smith’s 40-yard rush from the reverse play, the Falcons only accumulated 89 total rushing yards. This is another part of the game the Falcons want to get going, because the talent is too good to stay quiet.
Harold Fannin, Jr. was named MAC Offensive Player of the Week, with 145 yards and one touchdown bringing him up to 282 yards and two touchdowns against Power Four opponents this year. In addition to his play, he was named the John Mackey Award Player of the week.
Player of the Week Alert
8 receptions
145 receiving yards
1 TDHarold Fannin Jr. Is the John Mackey Award Player of the Week #ToTheMoon pic.twitter.com/6wKZ6AzeSC
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) September 25, 2024
Defensively, the Falcons could not stop the run last week, allowing 235 rushing yards to the Aggies. They’ll be looking to rebound against ODU, who currently averages 148.7 yards per game and has scored four touchdowns on the ground (81st in the NCAA.)
Special teams pulled off some magic blocking a punt, giving the Falcons a chance to score, but they couldn’t. BGSU has been pretty good at getting opportunities through special teams, but they need to capitalize on them more moving forward.
Getting to know the Monarchs
Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
The Monarchs, for those that didn’t know, only restarted their football program in 2009 and was an FBS member in 2014. Before ‘09, the Monarchs’ last season was 1940.
The 2024 edition of the Monarchs are a bit of an enigma.
This team is winless, but battled closely with South Carolina and East Carolina. We’ve also seen the ugly side, a 20-point loss to Virginia Tech. They’re searching for their first win of the season. Which Monarch team will we see, the fighting one or the ugly, unmotivated one? Maybe the BYE week is what they needed to right the ship.
The Monarchs average 146.3 passing yards per game. Grant Wilson leads the attack with 389 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Quinn Henicle adds the fourth interception. As mentioned prior, ODU averages 148.7 rushing yards per game. Aaron Young leads the running backs with 206 yards and one touchdown. Tariq Sims, Grant Wilson, and Quinn Henicle add one touchdown each.
Isaiah Paige leads all receivers with 149 yards and one touchdown. Kelby Williams has the other receiving touchdown in a very muted passing attack.
Defensively, the Monarchs allow an average of 191 passing yards and 215.3 rushing yards per game. The team has come up with five interceptions already, with Jahron Manning leading the way with two. They have also recovered one fumble.
One thing to note is that the Monarchs are perfect on fourth down. If it comes down to it, we can expect to see some fourth down chances.
What Each Team Needs
This is a good opportunity for the Falcons to get momentum going into MACtion. This might be a prime opportunity for turnovers. Old Dominion’s quarterbacks have thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, and BGSU’s defense has been great at taking advantage of offensive mistakes in recent years.
Old Dominion will need to fight on both sides of the ball. Bowling Green’s defense can and will stifle opponents if they’re not efficient, while the offense’s explosive capability will create even bigger problems if ODU doesn’t maintain discipline defensively. The Monarchs will need to find some way to stay out of the hole and keep the pressure on the hosting side by keeping the margin close. If the Monarchs can put up a fight, it will be an interesting game.