Both the Falcons and Zips look for their first win of conference play coming off tough losses
Akron and Bowling Green meet for the 31st time. The Falcons are starting MAC play, while Akron is coming off a loss against the Ohio Bobcats.
Game notes
- Time and Date: Saturday, October 5th at 3:30 p.m.
- Location: InfoCision Stadium in Akron, OH
- Viewing options: The game will be available on ESPN+. A valid subscription is required for viewing. Anthony Lima (play-by-play) and Ryan Cavanaugh (color) will provide commentary.
- Radio options: For Bowling Green, Todd Walker (play-by-play) and John Gibson (color) will provide commentary on Eagle FM 99. For Akron, Dave Skoczen (play-by-play) and Joe Dunn (color) will provide commentary on WHLO-AM 640.
- Gambling considerations: Bowling Green (-15), over/under 51 per DraftKings.
- All-time series: Bowling Green leads 20-10, Bowling Green has won four of the last six contests.
What Happened Last Time?
The Zips traveled to Bowling Green. After Akron took a 7-3 lead in the first quarter, Terion Stewart led the Falcons with three rushing touchdowns and 131 yards. Neither team surpassed 300 yards of offense, but four Akron turnovers would plague the Zips in a 41-14 loss.
Getting to know the Falcons
Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images
The Falcons are coming off a tough loss on homecoming to Old Dominion. Bowling Green held a 27-23 lead with 3:01 left in the game, but Old Dominion would march down the field to take the 30-27 win.
Harold Fannin, Jr. is playing lights out. With 12 receptions, 192 yards and two touchdowns last week, he was added to the Biletnikoff Award watch list. He was also named the East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive Player of the Week, and Mackey Award Player of the Week. He also etched his name into the BGSU record book for career touchdown receptions by a tight end.
Connor Bazelak threw for a season high 303 yards last week, adding two touchdowns and one interception. He’s thrown four interceptions in three games, all of them being game changing plays. Bazelak will look to make the right throws.
Terion Stewart still leads the Falcons with 270 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He’s played in three of the four games for the Falcons so far. The Falcons are facing a weak run defense, so they’ll want to establish that run game early.
Defensively, the Falcons haven’t been as turnover-focused like last year. Despite this, they still give their team a chance to win (with the exception of the last drive against Old Dominion). Jacorey Benjamin still has the only interception, while Edward Rhambo has the only fumble recovery. The Falcons have done well minimizing the passing attack, allowing 185 passing yards per game. On the flip side, they are allowing 210 rushing yards per game. The Falcons will need to stand strong on defense to walk away with the win. The Falcons also have 12 sacks on the year. Considering Ben Finley has been sacked 11 times, the D-Line will need to take advantage of this.
Getting to know the Zips
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The Zips are coming off a 20-point loss at Ohio. After leading 10-7 late in the first half, Ohio would score 23 unanswered points to win 30-10.
Ben Finley leads the way with 855 passing yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s also been sacked 11 times. If the Zips are to find any success against the Falcons, they have to protect him.
The rushing attack has been fairly quiet to start 2024. Jordon Simmons leads the team with 182 yards and one touchdown. Like the Falcons, the Zips need to get the running game going, especially with the Falcons allowing over 200 rushing yards per game.
Adrian Norton leads the receiving corps with 295 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Bobby Golden follows up with 217 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, Akron has seven sacks. CJ Nunnally IV and Bennett Adler lead the way with two a piece. Darrian Lewis and Daymon David each have one interception. The Zips have also recovered four fumbles. If the Zips can find a way to affect Bazelak, this game will be very interesting.
What Each Team Needs
As mentioned previously, the Falcons need to get the running game going. Bowling Green has been held under 100 rushing yards in each of the past two games. Akron allows 209.6 rushing yards/game. If the Falcons can run the ball, they’ll be in a good spot to win the game.
While the defense has to play well, the Zips just have to find ways to score points. They’re averaging only 12 points per game. Outside of Colgate, the Zips have struggled to score against their FBS opponents. Yes they’ve played Ohio State, Rutgers, and South Carolina, but they struggled against Ohio.