Neither Ohio nor Bowling Green did all that well in 2021 as they combined for 5 conference wins and seven victories overall. They have, however, bounced back with impressive campaigns. The Bobcats are currently riding a six-game winning streak. Their only conference loss was back on Oct. 1 when Kent State edged the 'Cats 31-24 in overtime.
That same KSU team handed Bowling Green its only loss in the Falcons last five outings, although the Flashes blitzed BGSU 40-6 in that Nov. 9 tilt.
This is the 74th meeting between the Falcons and the Bobcats in a series that started in 1945. BGSU leads the all-time series with the Bobcats, 41- 30-2, however, OU has won five of the last six meetings and eight of the last 13 contests. Bowling Green prevailed 21-10 last year, with both teams scoring just one TD. However, Nate Needham booted four field goals and the Falcons also registered a safety to claim the victory.
Here's more on the two teams . . .
OHIO BOBCATS (6-1 MAC, 8-3 OVERALL)
~~ The Bobcats secured bowl eligibility Nov. 1 when they defeated Buffalo 45-24 for win No. 6.
~~ Ohio is still in search of its first overall MAC title since 1968, although the Bobcats won East Division titles 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2016.
~~ The 'Cats have been impressive during a six-game winning streak. The most recent victory was a 32-18 decision at Ball State. However, junior QB Kevin Rourke was helped off the field with an injury just before intermission. His availability/capability for Bowling Green is uncertain.
~~ Rourke is the MAC leader is passing (296.0 ypg), passing TDs (25), (least) inteceptions (4) and passing efficiency.
~~ In his one half against Ball State, Rourke completed 12-of-16 attempts, good for 169 yards with one TD. He was replaced by sophomore CJ Harris, who completed 5-of-8 passes totaling 34 yards. He also ran eight times for a total of 38 yards.
~~ Ohio totaled 203 yards through the air and 224 rushing. Jacoby Jones and Sam Wiglusz combined for 11 catches 167 yards and one TD to lead receivers. Sieh Bangura was the ground game workhorse, carrying 23 times for a total of 148 yards with one touchdown.
~~ The Bobcat defense limited Ball State to 94 yards rushing. Carson Steele, the Cardinals top rusher, was injured late in the first half after carrying 14 times for 96 yards.
~~ Alvin Ford topped Ohio defenders with 12 tackles. He also had an interception and return for 43 yards.
~~ Ohio won the turnover battle with BSU, 3-1.
BOWLING GREEN FALCONS (5-2 MAC, 6-5 OVERALL)
~~ The Falcons 42-35 win over arch-rival Toledo last week secured bowl eligibility for the Falcons.
~~ BGSU jumped out to a 21-0 lead over Toledo and remained in front until two fourth quarter touchdowns put the Rockets in front 35-34. Taking over with less than a minute left, Bowling Green scored a game-winning touchdown when Matt McDonald hit Ta'Ron Keith with a 42-yard pass at the :09 mark.
~~ McDonald completed 20-of-35 passes, good for 395 yards, with four TDs and one interception.
~~ Senior WR Odieu Hiliare had a huge game, catching eight balls totaling 246 yards with two TDs. he averaged 30.8 ypc.
~~ BGSU picked up the win despite rushing for just 61 yards. Jaison Patterson contributed 49 of those yards on 15 carries.
~~ Deshawn Jones Jr. and Trent Simms recorded interceptions.
~~ The Falcons are scoring 24.2 ppg and allowing 32.8.
~~ The Bowling Green offense ranks 11th (MAC) in rushing (105.6 ypg) and third in passing (237.5 ypg). The Falcons are also third in pass offense efficiency.