Bowling Green State University Athletics
2019 BGSU Football Schedule Announced
February 20, 2019 | Football
Cleveland, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference today announced dates for all 2019 MAC football games. Among Bowling Green's six home games are four Saturday games and a Thursday night season opener under the lights of Doyt L. Perry Stadium.
Homecoming has been announced for the weekend of the Sept. 14 football game against Louisiana Tech, while the Oct. 12 football game against rival Toledo will serve as Family Weekend.
PURCHASE SEASON TICKETS
FULL SEASON TICKET INFORMATION
An updated football schedule will be released in June with kick times and a television schedule for the first three weeks of the regular season and midweek games during November. All other game kick times and television will be announced 12 days prior to the scheduled game.
BGSU will open the season at home for the first time since beating Tulsa 34-7 to open the 2013 MAC Championship season. Bowling Green will host Morgan State Thursday, Aug. 29 as the Falcons look to extend their winning streak in home season openers – which has lasted since 1995.
The Falcons will then head to Kansas State before returning home the next week to host Louisiana Tech for Homecoming on Saturday, Sept. 14. Bowling Green will then open conference play at Kent State on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The Falcons will have two weeks to prepare for a pair of featured games in back-to-back weeks. BGSU will play at Notre Dame on Saturday, Oct. 5 before the Battle of I-75 returns to The Doyt. Bowling Green will host Toledo for Family Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 12 in an all-time series that is separated by just one victory (Toledo leads 40-39-4). That contest will be just nine days removed from the 100th anniversary of the first football game in program history, which also happened to be against Toledo on Oct. 3, 1919.
The Falcons will stay in Northwest Ohio to host Central Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 19 before playing at Western Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 26. The final Saturday game of the season will come at home when Bowling Green hosts Akron on Saturday, Nov. 2.
The Falcons will then have 11 days off before beginning midweek #MACtion at Miami on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Bowling Green will then have a short turnaround, hosting Ohio six days later on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The Falcons close the season at Buffalo on Friday, Nov. 29 – the day after Thanksgiving.
"We are excited for the season to begin August 29 under the lights at The Doyt," first-year BGSU Head Coach Scot Loeffler said. "Since I've arrived, everyone in the program has been working relentlessly to make 2019 a memorable season and to build the foundation for sustained success. We have Oct. 12 circled on the calendar and I can't wait to coach in my first BGSU/Toledo game. With home games against Louisiana Tech, Central Michigan, Akron and Ohio on the schedule, we will have an exciting home slate. We need our fans to support us, buy season tickets and come out and cheer on the Falcons every step of the way."
The regular season concludes with the 23rd Marathon MAC Football Championship game on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Ford Field in Detroit. This will mark the 16th Marathon MAC Football Championship game at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, Super Bowl XL, and the 2009 NCAA Men's Final Four.
BGSU season are on sale now. Fans can purchase season tickets online at BGSUFalcons.com/buytickets, in-person at the Stroh Center ticket office, or via phone (877-BGSU TICKET).
MAC 150TH ANNIVERSARY INFORMATION
The MAC will be the only collegiate football conference to host a game on the 150th anniversary of college football – Wednesday, Nov. 6 – as the Miami RedHawks travel to face the Ohio Bobcats at 8:00 pm ET on ESPN2.
The Conference will join NCAA and NAIA institutions in celebrating 150 years of college football during the 2019 season and the MAC has created a specific celebration plan in collaboration with all 12 MAC football programs. The MAC's celebration program will also run in addition with the national 150th platform for all FBS programs.
MAC athletic programs will engage local, regional and national fan base with customized institutional plans. MAC programs will use Spring football practices, annual Spring games, summer events and training camp dates to engage fans with individual institutional polls to gather greatest moments, games, teams, coaches, student-athletes in each program's history via social media via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, along with website content and engagement of corporate partners. Each institution will also tailor their own creative video, graphics and lists to create voting metrics and video support within their individual plan.
A full promotional schedule will be available on BGSUFalcons.com soon.
Information on each BGSU Football game in 2019 is listed below.
2019 BGSU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Thursday Aug. 29 – MORGAN STATE
Saturday, Sept. 7 – at Kansas State
Saturday, Sept. 14 – LOUISIANA TECH (HOMECOMING)
Saturday, Sept. 21 – at Kent State
Saturday, Oct. 5 – at Notre Dame
Saturday, Oct. 12 – TOLEDO (FAMILY WEEKEND)
Saturday, Oct. 19 – CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Saturday, Oct. 26 – at Western Michigan
Saturday, Nov. 2 – AKRON
Wednesday, Nov. 13 – at Miami (ESPN2/ESPNU)
Tuesday, Nov. 19 – OHIO (ESPN2/ESPNU)
Friday, Nov. 29 – at Buffalo (ESPNU/CBSSN/ESPN3/ESPN+)
Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Morgan State
All-time series: BGSU leads, 1-0
Only meeting: 9/10/2011, BGSU 58-13
Notable: Morgan State went 4-7 a year ago, including a 3-4 campaign in the MEAC … The Bears faced MAC rival Akron a year ago, losing 41-7 … Tyrone Wheatley was named the new head coach at Morgan State on Feb. 7 … In the only meeting between the two schools, Matt Schilz threw four first-quarter touchdown passes and Eugene Cooper had six catches for 134 yards and four TD receptions in the win … That game is the only meeting between Bowling Green and any current member of the MEAC … Bowling Green defeated FCS opponent Eastern Kentucky, 42-35, a year ago … Morgan State returns Dante Small, who ranked ninth in all of FCS in passes defended last year.
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Kansas State
All-time series: KSU leads, 1-0
Only meeting: 9/27/1997, Kansas State 58-0
Notable: Kansas State went 5-7 in 2018, including 3-6 in the Big 12 … Kansas State named Chris Klieman as head coach in December … In the lone meeting against Kansas State, the Wildcats entered the game ranked No. 17 in the country and ended the season in the top 10 with an 11-1 record … Bowling Green is 1-10 all-time against current members of the Big 12, picking up a 39-16 win at Kansas in 2002 … BGSU has lost six straight contests against members of Power Five schools since defeating both Purdue and Maryland in 2015 … Kansas State will look for a replacement for Alex Barnes, who left for the NFL a year earlier after rushing for 1,355 yards.
Saturday, Sept. 14 vs. Louisiana Tech
HOMECOMING
All-time series: Louisiana Tech leads, 2-0
First meeting: 8/31/1995, Louisiana Tech 28-21
Last meeting: 8/30/1997, Louisiana Tech 30-23
Notable: Louisiana Tech went 8-5 a year ago, including 5-3 in Conference USA … The Bulldogs beat Hawaii in the Hawai'i Bowl 31-14 … Skip Holtz, son of legendary coach Lou Holtz, has completed six years at the helm of Louisiana Tech … He has guided Louisiana Tech to five consecutive bowl games, winning each of those contests … In two previous meetings in the 1990s, Louisiana Tech won each game by a touchdown … In 1997, BGSU led 17-0 before Louisiana Tech rallied behind a 21-3 second-half … In 1995, the two teams played in just the fourth night game in Doyt L. Perry Stadium history but the Falcons had seven turnovers as the Bulldogs overcame a 14-7 third-quarter deficit … This meeting is the first of a home-and-home series between the two programs. The next meeting will be at Louisiana Tech on Sept. 30, 2023 … Bowling Green is 28-14 all-time against current members of CUSA, with most of those meetings coming against Marshall, against whom the Falcons are 21-8 … Louisiana Tech ranked fourth nationally in quarterback sacks a year ago and 12th in tackles for loss.
Saturday, Sept. 21 at Kent State
All-time series: Bowling Green leads, 60-20-6
First meeting: 11/6/1920, BGSU 7-0
Last meeting: 10/30/2018, Kent State 35-28
Notable: Bowling Green will open Mid-American Conference play at Kent State and second-year head coach Sean Lewis, a former offensive coordinator at BGSU … Lewis' staff includes a number of former BGSU staffers, including Tom Kaufman, Andrew Sowder, Jeff Sobol and Dan Conwell. Former BGSU quarterback Matt Johnson is also on staff … Kent State went 2-10 a year ago and 1-7 in MAC play … The two programs have played 87 times and the Falcons' 60 wins are easily the most against any other team in school history … A year ago, Jarret Doege found Noah Massey for a 12-yard touchdown with 5:34 to play that tied the score, but Kent State drove for the game-winning touchdown with less than two minutes to play … That loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Falcons over Kent State, in which BG had outscored the Golden Flashes 205-65 … Kent State was one of the best teams in the country in the red zone a year ago, ranking 12th nationally in red zone offense and seventh in red zone defense.
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Notre Dame
All-time series: First meeting
Notable: Bowling Green and Notre Dame will meet for the first time in program history in 2019 … The Falcons will be coming off of a bye week for this contest … Head Coach Brian Kelly has completed nine seasons at Notre Dame and led the 2018 team to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the College Football Playoff … This will be the first time Bowling Green has played a team coming off a CFP appearance … Notre Dame defeated MAC foe Ball State 24-16 a year ago … Defensive Coordinator Clark Lea was the Linebackers Coach at Bowling Green in 2012 … BGSU is 6-1 all-time against current FBS independent schools, including a 4-0 mark against Massachusetts, a 1-1 record against BYU and a 1-0 ledger against Liberty … Quarterback Ian Book was one of the most efficient throwers in the country a year ago, ranking eighth in completion percentage and 17th in yards per pass attempt.
Saturday, Oct. 12 vs. Toledo
FAMILY WEEKEND
All-time series: Toledo leads, 40-39-4
First meeting: 10/3/1919, Toledo 6-0
Last meeting: 10/6/2018, Toledo 52-36
Notable: BGSU and Toledo will meet for the 84th time with the Falcons looking for a win to tie the all-time series between the two schools … Toledo has won the last nine meetings … Toledo Head Coach Jason Candle has been at the helm for three years, serving as an assistant coach for the Rockets since 2009 … Candle led the Rockets to a 7-6 record a year ago, including 5-3 in the MAC … Toledo lost to FIU in the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl, 35-32 … A year ago, Bowling Green trailed Toledo 24-21 at the half and 31-28 after three quarters, but the Rockets pulled away late … Jarret Doege threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns, while Andrew Clair rushed for 118 yards in the loss … Toledo ranked ninth nationally in scoring offense a year ago at 40.4 points per game.
Saturday, Oct. 19 vs. Central Michigan
All-time series: BGSU leads, 23-18
First meeting: 10/31/1924, Central Michigan 21-0
Last meeting: 11/10/2018, BGSU 24-13
Notable: Jim McElwain was hired in December to take over as head coach at Central Michigan … CMU went 1-11 a year ago and 0-8 in conference play … The team's only victory was a 17-5 win over FCS Maine, but the Chippewas did play five games within 10 points or less … Last year, Bowling Green overcame a 13-0 halftime deficit to outscore CMU 24-0 in the second half for the win … The BGSU defense held Central Michigan to just 29 yards of offense in the second half shutout … Prior to last year, Bowling Green and Central Michigan had not played since the Falcons posted a 17-14 victory in 2010 … Central Michigan ranked fourth in nation in passing yards allowed in 2018 … The Chippewas will look to replace senior Malik Fountain, who ranked second in the country in solo tackles and total tackles.
Saturday, Oct. 26 at Western Michigan
All-time series: BGSU leads, 32-19-3
First meeting: 10/9/1954, Western Michigan 20-15
Last meeting: 10/13/2018, Western Michigan 42-35
Notable: Tim Lester has completed two seasons as the head coach at Western Michigan … WMU went 7-6 a year ago with a 5-3 record in the Mid-American Conference … The Broncos played in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, losing to BYU 49-18 … A year ago, Bowling Green led Western Michigan 28-14 in the third quarter and 35-28 in the fourth but the Broncos rallied for the win … Jarret Doege threw for 379 yards in the defeat and Scott Miller had 206 receiving yards … BGSU won the last meeting between the two teams in Kalamazoo, posting a 41-27 victory in 2015 … The Broncos will look to find a way to replace running back Jamari Bogan, who scored 16 rushing touchdowns, ninth-most in the nation.
Saturday, Nov. 2 vs. Akron
All-time series: BGSU leads, 17-8
First meeting: 10/3/1941, Akron 8-0
Last meeting: 11/17/2018, BGSU 21-6
Notable: Tom Arth was named the new head coach at Akron in December after the Zips finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in Mid-American Conference play a year ago … Akron lost its final five games of the season … Andrew Clair rushed for 112 yards and the BG defense kept Akron out of the end zone in a 21-6 road victory a year ago … The Falcons have won nine of the past 10 meetings with the Zips … Akron did pick up a victory the last time the two teams played in Doyt L. Perry Stadium, winning 34-23 in 2017 … Akron found success a year ago by being opportunistic, ranking second in the nation in red zone offense and sixth in the country in defensive touchdowns.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Miami
All-time series: Miami leads, 44-24-5
First meeting: 10/11/1941, BGSU 9-0
Last meeting: 9/22/2018, Miami 38-23
Notable: Chuck Martin has been the head coach at Miami since 2013 and led the team to a 6-6 record a year ago, including 6-2 in Mid-American Conference play … Miami won its final three games of the year to finish the season .500 … A year ago, Miami jumped out to a 31-3 lead over Bowling Green and held on 38-23 … Jarret Doege complete 30-of-45 passes in the loss … Bowling Green won the last game at Miami in dramatic fashion, returning a late fumble for a 96-yard touchdown in a 37-29 win … BGSU has not lost a game at Miami since 2007 … Offensively, Miami was very efficient, leading the nation in red zone offense and committing just 10 turnovers, third-fewest in the country.
Tuesday, Nov. 19 vs. Ohio
All-time series: BGSU leads, 40-28-2
First meeting: 9/29/1945, BGSU 6-0
Last meeting: 10/20/2018, Ohio 49-14
Notable: Frank Solich is the dean of MAC coaches, beginning his 14th year at the helm of Ohio … The Bobcats went 9-4 a year ago, defeating San Diego State in the DXL Frisco Bowl 27-0 … Ohio went 6-1 to finish out the 2018 campaign … A year ago, BGSU and Ohio were tied at 14-14 but the Bobcats scored 35 unanswered points for a 49-14 win … Jarret Doege was 19-of-24 passing in the contest with two touchdowns … Ohio has won three straight in the all-time series since a 62-24 Bowling Green win in 2015 … That contest was the conclusion of a four-game win streak in the series for BGSU in which the Falcons outscored Ohio 168-51 … Ohio led the country in 2018 by forcing 32 turnovers.
Friday, Nov. 29 at Buffalo
All-time series: BGSU leads, 11-5
First meeting: 9/23/2000, Buffalo 20-17
Last meeting: 11/23/2018, Buffalo 44-14
Notable: Bowling Green and Buffalo have met in the final game of the regular season in five of the past eight seasons … The Bulls are coached by Lance Leipold, who has completed four years with the Bulls … Buffalo went 10-4 a year ago and represented the East Division in the MAC Championship game, losing to Northern Illinois 30-29 … Buffalo then lost to Troy 42-32 in the Dollar General Bowl … BGSU and Buffalo were tied at 7-7 a year ago before the Bulls scored 34 straight on the way to a 44-14 win … Bowling Green last defeated the Bulls in 2016, posting a 27-19 win that capped a six-game win streak in the series for BGSU … Buffalo must replace dynamic quarterback Tyree Jackson as well as his top two offensive weapons, wide receivers Anthony Johnson and KJ Osborn.
Homecoming has been announced for the weekend of the Sept. 14 football game against Louisiana Tech, while the Oct. 12 football game against rival Toledo will serve as Family Weekend.
PURCHASE SEASON TICKETS
FULL SEASON TICKET INFORMATION
Who's ready? #RelentlessEffort #AyZiggy pic.twitter.com/2ec9s85RWL
— BG Football (@BG_Football) February 20, 2019
An updated football schedule will be released in June with kick times and a television schedule for the first three weeks of the regular season and midweek games during November. All other game kick times and television will be announced 12 days prior to the scheduled game.
BGSU will open the season at home for the first time since beating Tulsa 34-7 to open the 2013 MAC Championship season. Bowling Green will host Morgan State Thursday, Aug. 29 as the Falcons look to extend their winning streak in home season openers – which has lasted since 1995.
The Falcons will then head to Kansas State before returning home the next week to host Louisiana Tech for Homecoming on Saturday, Sept. 14. Bowling Green will then open conference play at Kent State on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The Falcons will have two weeks to prepare for a pair of featured games in back-to-back weeks. BGSU will play at Notre Dame on Saturday, Oct. 5 before the Battle of I-75 returns to The Doyt. Bowling Green will host Toledo for Family Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 12 in an all-time series that is separated by just one victory (Toledo leads 40-39-4). That contest will be just nine days removed from the 100th anniversary of the first football game in program history, which also happened to be against Toledo on Oct. 3, 1919.
The Falcons will stay in Northwest Ohio to host Central Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 19 before playing at Western Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 26. The final Saturday game of the season will come at home when Bowling Green hosts Akron on Saturday, Nov. 2.
The Falcons will then have 11 days off before beginning midweek #MACtion at Miami on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Bowling Green will then have a short turnaround, hosting Ohio six days later on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The Falcons close the season at Buffalo on Friday, Nov. 29 – the day after Thanksgiving.
"We are excited for the season to begin August 29 under the lights at The Doyt," first-year BGSU Head Coach Scot Loeffler said. "Since I've arrived, everyone in the program has been working relentlessly to make 2019 a memorable season and to build the foundation for sustained success. We have Oct. 12 circled on the calendar and I can't wait to coach in my first BGSU/Toledo game. With home games against Louisiana Tech, Central Michigan, Akron and Ohio on the schedule, we will have an exciting home slate. We need our fans to support us, buy season tickets and come out and cheer on the Falcons every step of the way."
The regular season concludes with the 23rd Marathon MAC Football Championship game on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Ford Field in Detroit. This will mark the 16th Marathon MAC Football Championship game at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, Super Bowl XL, and the 2009 NCAA Men's Final Four.
BGSU season are on sale now. Fans can purchase season tickets online at BGSUFalcons.com/buytickets, in-person at the Stroh Center ticket office, or via phone (877-BGSU TICKET).
MAC 150TH ANNIVERSARY INFORMATION
The MAC will be the only collegiate football conference to host a game on the 150th anniversary of college football – Wednesday, Nov. 6 – as the Miami RedHawks travel to face the Ohio Bobcats at 8:00 pm ET on ESPN2.
The Conference will join NCAA and NAIA institutions in celebrating 150 years of college football during the 2019 season and the MAC has created a specific celebration plan in collaboration with all 12 MAC football programs. The MAC's celebration program will also run in addition with the national 150th platform for all FBS programs.
MAC athletic programs will engage local, regional and national fan base with customized institutional plans. MAC programs will use Spring football practices, annual Spring games, summer events and training camp dates to engage fans with individual institutional polls to gather greatest moments, games, teams, coaches, student-athletes in each program's history via social media via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, along with website content and engagement of corporate partners. Each institution will also tailor their own creative video, graphics and lists to create voting metrics and video support within their individual plan.
A full promotional schedule will be available on BGSUFalcons.com soon.
Information on each BGSU Football game in 2019 is listed below.
2019 BGSU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Thursday Aug. 29 – MORGAN STATE
Saturday, Sept. 7 – at Kansas State
Saturday, Sept. 14 – LOUISIANA TECH (HOMECOMING)
Saturday, Sept. 21 – at Kent State
Saturday, Oct. 5 – at Notre Dame
Saturday, Oct. 12 – TOLEDO (FAMILY WEEKEND)
Saturday, Oct. 19 – CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Saturday, Oct. 26 – at Western Michigan
Saturday, Nov. 2 – AKRON
Wednesday, Nov. 13 – at Miami (ESPN2/ESPNU)
Tuesday, Nov. 19 – OHIO (ESPN2/ESPNU)
Friday, Nov. 29 – at Buffalo (ESPNU/CBSSN/ESPN3/ESPN+)
Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Morgan State
All-time series: BGSU leads, 1-0
Only meeting: 9/10/2011, BGSU 58-13
Notable: Morgan State went 4-7 a year ago, including a 3-4 campaign in the MEAC … The Bears faced MAC rival Akron a year ago, losing 41-7 … Tyrone Wheatley was named the new head coach at Morgan State on Feb. 7 … In the only meeting between the two schools, Matt Schilz threw four first-quarter touchdown passes and Eugene Cooper had six catches for 134 yards and four TD receptions in the win … That game is the only meeting between Bowling Green and any current member of the MEAC … Bowling Green defeated FCS opponent Eastern Kentucky, 42-35, a year ago … Morgan State returns Dante Small, who ranked ninth in all of FCS in passes defended last year.
Saturday, Sept. 7 at Kansas State
All-time series: KSU leads, 1-0
Only meeting: 9/27/1997, Kansas State 58-0
Notable: Kansas State went 5-7 in 2018, including 3-6 in the Big 12 … Kansas State named Chris Klieman as head coach in December … In the lone meeting against Kansas State, the Wildcats entered the game ranked No. 17 in the country and ended the season in the top 10 with an 11-1 record … Bowling Green is 1-10 all-time against current members of the Big 12, picking up a 39-16 win at Kansas in 2002 … BGSU has lost six straight contests against members of Power Five schools since defeating both Purdue and Maryland in 2015 … Kansas State will look for a replacement for Alex Barnes, who left for the NFL a year earlier after rushing for 1,355 yards.
Saturday, Sept. 14 vs. Louisiana Tech
HOMECOMING
All-time series: Louisiana Tech leads, 2-0
First meeting: 8/31/1995, Louisiana Tech 28-21
Last meeting: 8/30/1997, Louisiana Tech 30-23
Notable: Louisiana Tech went 8-5 a year ago, including 5-3 in Conference USA … The Bulldogs beat Hawaii in the Hawai'i Bowl 31-14 … Skip Holtz, son of legendary coach Lou Holtz, has completed six years at the helm of Louisiana Tech … He has guided Louisiana Tech to five consecutive bowl games, winning each of those contests … In two previous meetings in the 1990s, Louisiana Tech won each game by a touchdown … In 1997, BGSU led 17-0 before Louisiana Tech rallied behind a 21-3 second-half … In 1995, the two teams played in just the fourth night game in Doyt L. Perry Stadium history but the Falcons had seven turnovers as the Bulldogs overcame a 14-7 third-quarter deficit … This meeting is the first of a home-and-home series between the two programs. The next meeting will be at Louisiana Tech on Sept. 30, 2023 … Bowling Green is 28-14 all-time against current members of CUSA, with most of those meetings coming against Marshall, against whom the Falcons are 21-8 … Louisiana Tech ranked fourth nationally in quarterback sacks a year ago and 12th in tackles for loss.
Saturday, Sept. 21 at Kent State
All-time series: Bowling Green leads, 60-20-6
First meeting: 11/6/1920, BGSU 7-0
Last meeting: 10/30/2018, Kent State 35-28
Notable: Bowling Green will open Mid-American Conference play at Kent State and second-year head coach Sean Lewis, a former offensive coordinator at BGSU … Lewis' staff includes a number of former BGSU staffers, including Tom Kaufman, Andrew Sowder, Jeff Sobol and Dan Conwell. Former BGSU quarterback Matt Johnson is also on staff … Kent State went 2-10 a year ago and 1-7 in MAC play … The two programs have played 87 times and the Falcons' 60 wins are easily the most against any other team in school history … A year ago, Jarret Doege found Noah Massey for a 12-yard touchdown with 5:34 to play that tied the score, but Kent State drove for the game-winning touchdown with less than two minutes to play … That loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Falcons over Kent State, in which BG had outscored the Golden Flashes 205-65 … Kent State was one of the best teams in the country in the red zone a year ago, ranking 12th nationally in red zone offense and seventh in red zone defense.
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Notre Dame
All-time series: First meeting
Notable: Bowling Green and Notre Dame will meet for the first time in program history in 2019 … The Falcons will be coming off of a bye week for this contest … Head Coach Brian Kelly has completed nine seasons at Notre Dame and led the 2018 team to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the College Football Playoff … This will be the first time Bowling Green has played a team coming off a CFP appearance … Notre Dame defeated MAC foe Ball State 24-16 a year ago … Defensive Coordinator Clark Lea was the Linebackers Coach at Bowling Green in 2012 … BGSU is 6-1 all-time against current FBS independent schools, including a 4-0 mark against Massachusetts, a 1-1 record against BYU and a 1-0 ledger against Liberty … Quarterback Ian Book was one of the most efficient throwers in the country a year ago, ranking eighth in completion percentage and 17th in yards per pass attempt.
Saturday, Oct. 12 vs. Toledo
FAMILY WEEKEND
All-time series: Toledo leads, 40-39-4
First meeting: 10/3/1919, Toledo 6-0
Last meeting: 10/6/2018, Toledo 52-36
Notable: BGSU and Toledo will meet for the 84th time with the Falcons looking for a win to tie the all-time series between the two schools … Toledo has won the last nine meetings … Toledo Head Coach Jason Candle has been at the helm for three years, serving as an assistant coach for the Rockets since 2009 … Candle led the Rockets to a 7-6 record a year ago, including 5-3 in the MAC … Toledo lost to FIU in the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl, 35-32 … A year ago, Bowling Green trailed Toledo 24-21 at the half and 31-28 after three quarters, but the Rockets pulled away late … Jarret Doege threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns, while Andrew Clair rushed for 118 yards in the loss … Toledo ranked ninth nationally in scoring offense a year ago at 40.4 points per game.
Saturday, Oct. 19 vs. Central Michigan
All-time series: BGSU leads, 23-18
First meeting: 10/31/1924, Central Michigan 21-0
Last meeting: 11/10/2018, BGSU 24-13
Notable: Jim McElwain was hired in December to take over as head coach at Central Michigan … CMU went 1-11 a year ago and 0-8 in conference play … The team's only victory was a 17-5 win over FCS Maine, but the Chippewas did play five games within 10 points or less … Last year, Bowling Green overcame a 13-0 halftime deficit to outscore CMU 24-0 in the second half for the win … The BGSU defense held Central Michigan to just 29 yards of offense in the second half shutout … Prior to last year, Bowling Green and Central Michigan had not played since the Falcons posted a 17-14 victory in 2010 … Central Michigan ranked fourth in nation in passing yards allowed in 2018 … The Chippewas will look to replace senior Malik Fountain, who ranked second in the country in solo tackles and total tackles.
Saturday, Oct. 26 at Western Michigan
All-time series: BGSU leads, 32-19-3
First meeting: 10/9/1954, Western Michigan 20-15
Last meeting: 10/13/2018, Western Michigan 42-35
Notable: Tim Lester has completed two seasons as the head coach at Western Michigan … WMU went 7-6 a year ago with a 5-3 record in the Mid-American Conference … The Broncos played in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, losing to BYU 49-18 … A year ago, Bowling Green led Western Michigan 28-14 in the third quarter and 35-28 in the fourth but the Broncos rallied for the win … Jarret Doege threw for 379 yards in the defeat and Scott Miller had 206 receiving yards … BGSU won the last meeting between the two teams in Kalamazoo, posting a 41-27 victory in 2015 … The Broncos will look to find a way to replace running back Jamari Bogan, who scored 16 rushing touchdowns, ninth-most in the nation.
Saturday, Nov. 2 vs. Akron
All-time series: BGSU leads, 17-8
First meeting: 10/3/1941, Akron 8-0
Last meeting: 11/17/2018, BGSU 21-6
Notable: Tom Arth was named the new head coach at Akron in December after the Zips finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in Mid-American Conference play a year ago … Akron lost its final five games of the season … Andrew Clair rushed for 112 yards and the BG defense kept Akron out of the end zone in a 21-6 road victory a year ago … The Falcons have won nine of the past 10 meetings with the Zips … Akron did pick up a victory the last time the two teams played in Doyt L. Perry Stadium, winning 34-23 in 2017 … Akron found success a year ago by being opportunistic, ranking second in the nation in red zone offense and sixth in the country in defensive touchdowns.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Miami
All-time series: Miami leads, 44-24-5
First meeting: 10/11/1941, BGSU 9-0
Last meeting: 9/22/2018, Miami 38-23
Notable: Chuck Martin has been the head coach at Miami since 2013 and led the team to a 6-6 record a year ago, including 6-2 in Mid-American Conference play … Miami won its final three games of the year to finish the season .500 … A year ago, Miami jumped out to a 31-3 lead over Bowling Green and held on 38-23 … Jarret Doege complete 30-of-45 passes in the loss … Bowling Green won the last game at Miami in dramatic fashion, returning a late fumble for a 96-yard touchdown in a 37-29 win … BGSU has not lost a game at Miami since 2007 … Offensively, Miami was very efficient, leading the nation in red zone offense and committing just 10 turnovers, third-fewest in the country.
Tuesday, Nov. 19 vs. Ohio
All-time series: BGSU leads, 40-28-2
First meeting: 9/29/1945, BGSU 6-0
Last meeting: 10/20/2018, Ohio 49-14
Notable: Frank Solich is the dean of MAC coaches, beginning his 14th year at the helm of Ohio … The Bobcats went 9-4 a year ago, defeating San Diego State in the DXL Frisco Bowl 27-0 … Ohio went 6-1 to finish out the 2018 campaign … A year ago, BGSU and Ohio were tied at 14-14 but the Bobcats scored 35 unanswered points for a 49-14 win … Jarret Doege was 19-of-24 passing in the contest with two touchdowns … Ohio has won three straight in the all-time series since a 62-24 Bowling Green win in 2015 … That contest was the conclusion of a four-game win streak in the series for BGSU in which the Falcons outscored Ohio 168-51 … Ohio led the country in 2018 by forcing 32 turnovers.
Friday, Nov. 29 at Buffalo
All-time series: BGSU leads, 11-5
First meeting: 9/23/2000, Buffalo 20-17
Last meeting: 11/23/2018, Buffalo 44-14
Notable: Bowling Green and Buffalo have met in the final game of the regular season in five of the past eight seasons … The Bulls are coached by Lance Leipold, who has completed four years with the Bulls … Buffalo went 10-4 a year ago and represented the East Division in the MAC Championship game, losing to Northern Illinois 30-29 … Buffalo then lost to Troy 42-32 in the Dollar General Bowl … BGSU and Buffalo were tied at 7-7 a year ago before the Bulls scored 34 straight on the way to a 44-14 win … Bowling Green last defeated the Bulls in 2016, posting a 27-19 win that capped a six-game win streak in the series for BGSU … Buffalo must replace dynamic quarterback Tyree Jackson as well as his top two offensive weapons, wide receivers Anthony Johnson and KJ Osborn.
Players Mentioned
RB
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QB
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DL
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WR
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WR
/ FootballBG Football Press Conference vs Buffalo 10.27
Monday, October 27
BG Football Postgame vs Kent State 10.25
Sunday, October 26
BG Football Press Conference 10.20
Monday, October 20
BG FB Postgame vs CMU 10.18
Saturday, October 18