Bowling Green State University (BGSU) football is set to host the University at Buffalo on Saturday at noon at Doyt L. Perry Stadium, highlighting both Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day. Fans can tune in to the game coverage provided by Falcon Media Sports Network, with Sean Connelly and Kevin Hutchinson calling the action on Falcon Radio, along with an in-studio pregame, halftime, and postgame show hosted by Artie Abrego, Ben Corak, and Brendan Feighan starting at 11:35 a.m. Additional coverage will be available on bgfalconmedia.com and @BG_FMSN on social media.
In terms of match history, BGSU and Buffalo have faced each other 21 times since Buffalo joined the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 2000, with the Falcons leading the all-time series 13-8. However, the Bulls have demonstrated strength in recent matchups, winning five of the last seven contests. The last encounter saw Bowling Green outperform Buffalo with a score of 24-14 in 2023. Notably, the Falcons have struggled at home against the Bulls, losing three consecutive games at Doyt L. Perry Stadium, while the visiting team has won the last four encounters.
Currently, Bowling Green holds a 3-5 overall record and has a MAC record of 1-3, dimming hopes for a conference championship berth. In the preceding game, BGSU experienced a heartbreaking 24-21 loss to Kent State, after leading by 21 points. This weekend’s quarterback situation remains uncertain, with the potential return of Drew Pyne, the original starting quarterback who has missed the past three games due to a leg injury, and Lucian Anderson III, who has been sidelined by a knee issue. If both cannot play, Hunter Najm, a redshirt freshman and fourth-string quarterback, could make his collegiate debut.
In addition to the quarterback uncertainties, Bowling Green faces injury concerns at running back and on the offensive line. Redshirt freshman Cameron Pettaway’s status is questionable after missing last week’s game, while graduate student Jake Burns may also be sidelined. Following a tough situation dealing with injuries, the Falcons have managed to rank eighth in the MAC in offensive scoring with 20.1 points per game, while defensively, they rank slightly higher, allowing 25.4 points per game.
Buffalo enters this matchup with a record of 4-4 overall and a strong 3-1 in MAC play, demonstrating their fight for maintaining a position in contention for the conference championship. The Bulls recently lost to Akron, 24-16, but their previous close wins illustrate their resilience in the conference. Buffalo’s offensive efficiency ranks third in the MAC with 367.1 yards per game and fifth in scoring with 24.4 points per game.
Key players to watch include Bowling Green’s Gideon Lampron, recognized as one of the top linebackers in the nation for his impressive tackling statistics, and Jackson Kleather, an outstanding kicker looking to rebound from a recent miss. For Buffalo, defensive powerhouse Khalil Murdock, coming off a strong prior season, continues to be a critical player, alongside quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson, who leads the MAC in passing yardage.
With the backdrop of Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day, this matchup not only promises an exciting clash between the Falcons and the Bulls but also serves to honor those who have served, adding a layer of significance to the day’s events at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. Fans and players alike will be looking for a spirited performance, hoping to turn the tide against their historical rivals.