For the first time since 2019, the Battle of I-75 takes place on a Saturday.
It’s the game we’ve all been waiting for: the Battle of I-75.
The Bowling Green Falcons (3-4, 2-1 MAC) and the Toledo Rockets (5-2, 2-1 MAC), playing for a rivalry trophy on a Saturday for the first time since 2019. Bowling Green looks to get back to the .500 mark and remain relevant in the MAC title race, while Toledo looks to become the first team in the conference to claim a postseason bid.
Game notes
- Time and Date: Saturday, October 26th at 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Glass Bowl in Toledo, Ohio
- Gambling considerations: Toledo (-2.5), over/under 49.5 per DraftKings.
- Viewing options: The game will be available on ESPN+. A valid subscription is required for viewing. Michael Reghi (play-by-play) and Je’Rod Cherry (color) will provide commentary.
- Radio options: For Toledo, Mark Beier (play-by-play) and Jack Mewhort (color) will provide the call on the Rocket Sports Radio Network. For BGSU, Todd Walker (play-by-play) and John Gibson (color) will provide the call on Eagle FM 99.
- All-time series: Toledo leads 43-41-4, with Toledo beating BG 32-31 in wild fashion last season in late November weeknight #MACtion.
What Happened Last Time?
The Falcons and Rockets faced off at Doyt Perry Stadium. The Falcons were flying high jumping out to a 28-10 halftime lead. Toledo got their act together to outscore BG 22-3. The Rockets won 32-31 in another classic Battle of I-75. Who could forget that game winning touchdown?
, ‼️@Dequanfinn5 ➡️ @jacquez_stuart
5⃣9⃣ YARDS FOR THE TOUCHDOWN‼️pic.twitter.com/CgtlJz1D3H
— Toledo Football (@ToledoFB) November 15, 2023
Getting to know the Falcons
Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images
The Falcons got back to their winning ways, defeating Kent State 27-6. A big part of that win was Bowling Green’s defense. Three late interceptions, and holding the Flashes to 78 passing yards, helped get the defense a confidence booster.
Connor Bazelak looked great despite a hurt ankle. Bazelak finished with a season high 313 passing yards on 23-of-27 passing, with two passing touchdowns. He still ranks first in the MAC with 1,644 passing yards overall. Bazelak will need to have another good game for the Falcons if they want the Battle of I-75 trophy back in their hands.
Harold Fannin, Jr. had another outstanding game finishing with 171 receiving yards. He now ranks third in FBS with 873 receiving yards, leading all tight ends. Toledo will have to minimize the Bazelak-Fannin connection.
Terion Stewart finished with 124 rushing yards against Kent State, only his second 100+ yard game this season. Stewart now sits at 458 rushing yards (5th in MAC) and four touchdowns.
Defensively, as mentioned previously, the Falcons finally earned a multiple turnover game. Todd Bumphis, Edward Rhambo, and Patrick Day each hauled in one interception. This brings the turnovers gained total to five. Charles Rosser leads the Falcons with 4.5 sacks, with Joseph Sipp right behind at four sacks. The Falcons rank third in the MAC with 21.4 average points allowed per game, 340.4 yards allowed per game, and 19 sacks.
Getting to know the Rockets
Matt Bush-Imagn Images
The Rockets had a game to grind out against Northern Illinois, ultimately winning 13-6. John Alan Richter earned his first career start after Tucker Gleason was ruled out. Despite being outgained 391-286 in yards, Richter’s touchdown connection to Jerjuan Newton was enough to get the Rockets the win.
Gleason leads the Rockets with 1,325 passing yards and 13 touchdown passes, with four interceptions. Gleason missed action in the Buffalo and NIU games with an undisclosed injury. If Gleason can’t go this weekend, Richter will most likely start again. In three games of action, Richter has thrown for 456 yards and four touchdowns. The Rockets are better with Gleason on paper.
The team rushing yards leader is Connor Walendzak with 267 yards. Willie Shaw III has three touchdowns, Gleason and Jacquez Stewart have two, and Walendzak has one. This is the part of the offense the Rockets need to get going.
Leading the receiving corps is Jerjuan Newton. So far he’s accumulated 581 yards and eight touchdowns. Junior Vandeross III follows up with 462 yards and three touchdowns. Anthony Torres also has five touchdowns. The one-two punch of Newton and Vandeross is one of the best in the MAC. We’re looking for them to be very involved this weekend.
Defensively, the Rockets are very good. Maxen Hook is fourth in the MAC with 63 tackles, adding one interception and fumble recovery. Braden Awls leads the Rockets with three interceptions, and Darius Alexander leads with 2.5 sacks. As a team, the Rockets average 18.9 points allowed/game, and 352 yards/game.
What Each Team Needs
The Falcons need the defense to have another great game. Depending on who starts for Toledo, they’ll have to defend the pass. Don’t overlook the Rockets running game either.
Toledo has to get the run game going. They rank eighth in the MAC averaging 114.4 yards per game at current. BG ranks ninth in the MAC for rushing defense, which could mean some open opportunities for a get-right game for the backfield. If they can succeed in establishing the line, it makes their passing game that much more dangerous.
Overall, with how the defenses are playing, this could be a low-scoring game. However, the offenses are capable of making this a shootout. It’s going to be interesting to see which side steps up.