ATHENS, Ohio—All offseason, the Bowling Green State University football team has used the phrase, “Close The Deal.” The Falcons did exactly that, and more, in a 26-14 win over the Ohio Bobcats on Wednesday night. The game was televised nationally on ESPN2.
The Falcon defense continued to be dominant all night long, allowing just 77 yards for the game on non-scoring drives by the Bobcats.
The Bobcats started the game strong, moving right down the field on the opening drive, going 72 yards in just 11 plays. Tyler Tettleton capped off the drive with a five yard touchdown run, giving Ohio a 7-0 lead.
After falling behind 7-0, the Falcons would score the next 19 points to put some breathing room between them and Ohio. Opponents entered the game outscoring the Falcons 72-34 in the second quarter this season, but a combination of stifling defense, stellar special teams play, and some razzle-dazzle by the offense, found the Falcons ahead 19-7 at the half.
Anthon Samuel got the scoring started on the night for the Falcons, carrying multiple Ohio defenders the final 10 yards of his 15-yard touchdown rush, to tie the game. Then, a few minutes later, Matt Schilz found Chris Gallon wide open on a Statue-of-Liberty type play for a 55-yard touchdown.
After a Tyler Tate 35-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-7, Ohio would mishandle a snap on a fourth down punt. Ohio’s punter would beat the BGSU special teams unit to the ball, but would have to fall on it for a safety in the endzone.
Ohio’s special teams struggled all night, as they mishandled two snaps on punts, had two punts blocked by the Falcons, and also muffed a punt return.
The Falcons would come out of the locker room feeling good, especially having outscored teams 86-22 in the third quarter on the year. Ohio, however, would steal momentum from the Falcons, going 95 yards in 5:24 to creep within five, at 19-14.
The Falcon offense would weather the storm, though, and the defense held strong, allowing the Falcons to "Close The Deal." On the first play of the fourth quarter, Samuel would add his second touchdown of the night, this time a four yard run.
Ohio would have a late chance, driving down to the Bowling Green red zone, but a sack by Aaron Foster would precede a fourth down stop by the BGSU defense to give the ball back to the offense with 2:24 to play.
On third and five from the BGSU 26, and 2:09 to play, Samuel would rush for 31 yards and give the Falcons the 12 point victory.
On the night, Samuel rushed for 181 yards on 29 carries, both career highs.
The Falcon defense sacked Tettleton four times on the night, led by Bryan Thomas with two sacks.
The Falcons move to 7-3 on the season, 5-1 in the Mid-American Conference. Ohio falls to 8-2, 4-2 MAC with the loss.
The Falcons will return to Doyt Perry Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 17 for a noon kick with Kent State. That game could very well decide the MAC East champion, as Kent State currently stands at 8-1, 5-0 MAC.