Bowling Green State University (BGSU) football will take on Central Michigan during Family Weekend at Doyt L. Perry Stadium this Saturday at noon. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams at the Doyt since 2019.
Fans can tune in to Falcon Media Sports Network, where Tyler Kavalecz and Carter Leonard will be calling the game on Falcon Radio. The pregame show, hosted by Nate Hinners, Adam Duffin, and Gavin Gill, starts at 11:35 a.m. They will also cover halftime and postgame analysis, alongside real-time updates throughout the event.
In their history, this will be the 45th encounter between the Falcons and Chippewas. Bowling Green leads the all-time series with 25 wins to Central Michigan’s 19, dating back to their first clash in 1924. In recent years, Bowling Green has had the upper hand, winning four of the last five matchups and nine of the last twelve. However, the Chippewas won the last contest held at the Doyt in 2019, securing a 38-20 victory.
Bowling Green enters the game with a 3-3 overall record and a 1-1 standing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), currently tied for fourth place. The Falcons are fresh off an impressive win against arch-rival Toledo, overcoming a 21-point deficit for the largest comeback in the program’s history, finishing with a 28-23 scoreline. Coach Eddie George expressed the importance of this victory for the team and the community, emphasizing the need to maintain momentum heading into this game against Central Michigan.
In a crucial development for Bowling Green, the team’s starting quarterback Drew Pyne is uncertain for the matchup due to an injury sustained in late September, leading to redshirt freshman Lucian Anderson III making his first career start last week. George stated that Pyne’s status remains “day-to-day,” adding to the anticipation surrounding the game.
The Falcons have faced some challenges offensively this season, ranking seventh in the MAC with 22.3 points per game, and ninth with an average of 306.5 yards gained. The defense, although solid, has allowed 25.3 points and 378.2 yards per game, positioning them sixth in the conference. Notably, Bowling Green leads the MAC with seven recovered fumbles, but their discipline has been an issue, with an average of 6.5 penalties for 53.2 yards per game, ranking third-worst in the MAC.
On the other hand, Central Michigan shares a similar record with a 3-3 overall and 1-1 conference mark as they also sit tied for fourth in the MAC standings. The Chippewas are coming off a bye week, having started their conference schedule strong with a 24-13 win over Eastern Michigan, followed by a narrow loss against Akron.
Coach Drinkall highlighted the importance of readiness and execution for Central Michigan, expressing frustration over their slow start in last week’s game. The Chippewas boast the most efficient offense in the MAC, with a 146.5 efficiency rating, and excel on the ground, averaging 188.5 rushing yards per game — the third-highest in the conference.
Central Michigan utilizes a two-quarterback system with Joe Labas, primarily a passer, and Angel Flores, who poses a significant rushing threat. Coach George has noted the need to prepare for both styles of play as they could present challenges for Bowling Green’s defense.
Defensively, Central Michigan ranks seventh in the MAC by allowing 381.8 yards per game and eighth with an average of 28.8 points allowed, but they have also managed to secure seven interceptions, tying them for the most in the conference.
Key players to watch this weekend include Bowling Green’s Cameron Pettaway, an explosive running back who leads the nation in kick return yards, and Gideon Lampron, a middle linebacker recognized for his impressive performance against Toledo. On Central Michigan’s side, Flores is a dynamic force in the rushing game, while defensive lineman Michael Heldman stands as a significant presence with multiple tackles for loss and quarterback hurries to his name.
With both teams eager to secure a decisive victory as they engage in this historic rivalry, fans can expect an intense and physical game, underscoring the spirit of college football.