The Falcons were impressive defensively throughout the game, limiting the Murray State offense to 201 total yards and intercepting two passes. They kept the Racers scoreless in the second half, clinching the victory by getting a red-zone stop on fourth down. The BGSU offense, meanwhile, gained 339 total yards, including a season-best 118 rushing yards.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- On the third play of the game, cornerback Devin Taylor jarred the ball loose from a Murray State receiver as he attempted to complete a catch. The ball landed in the arms of linebacker Brock Horne, giving the sophomore the first interception of his career.
- The Falcons scored on the ensuing possession, with running back Jaison Patterson punching it in from two yards out. The five-play, 29-yard drive gave the Orange and Brown an early 7-0 lead.
- The next three possessions ended with punts, with Bowling Green getting the ball back at the 3:24 mark of the first quarter. In a drive that spanned the rest of the opening quarter and part of the second, BGSU extended their lead to 10-0 after a 43-yard field goal by Nate Needham.
- Murray State responded on the next possession, driving 75 yards in just over five minutes. Running back Damonta Witherspoon scored on a six-yard rush, capping an 11-play drive to make the game 10-7 in favor of the Falcons.
- The Racers intercepted Matt McDonald on the next possession, starting the drive on their own 45-yard line. After picking up a first down on a Preston Rice scramble, Aaron Baum tied the game at 10-10 with a 47-yard field goal.
- On the opening drive of the second half, Bowling Green drove 71 yards in 11 plays. McDonald completed third-down passes to Christian Sims and Cavan Croom to keep the drive alive, then McDonald scrambled and ran in from one yard out to give the Falcons a 17-10 lead.
- Both defenses were strong for the next three possessions, forcing a three-and-out each time. BGSU started a drive on their own 22-yard line and traveled 60 yards, with another Needham field goal stretching the BGSU lead to 20-10. McDonald was a perfect 4-for-4 on that drive, including a 33-yard completion to Austin Osborne.
- After forcing a punt on the next Racers' possession, the Falcons completed another lengthy drive. A 27-yard run by Nick Mosley put the Falcons at the 22-yard line, and McDonald's five-yard touchdown pass to Taron Keith capped the 11-play, 70-yard drive.
- The Racers converted on third down early on their ensuing possession, but Sy Dabney intercepted a pass on the sideline with 5:58 remaining. The Falcons took some time off the clock before punting on their next possession, then Murray State drove to the BGSU 16-yard line before turning the ball over on downs.
STAT LEADERS
- QB Matt McDonald – 22-of-28 passing, 221 passing yards, 1 touchdown
- RB Jaison Patterson – 14 carries, 35 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
- WR Austin Osborne – 6 receptions, 69 receiving yards
- LB Darren Anders – 7 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
- LB Diego Neri – 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss
- CB Davon Ferguson – 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 pass break-ups