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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Black Friday Bash
‘Black Friday Bash’ takes Bowling Green on the road to play final game of season at Columbus Crew Stadium
The Bowling Green State University Falcons are taking the unusual step of playing their final home game of the season away from home – at Columbus Crew Stadium – the day after Thanksgiving on Black Friday. They will face Mid-American Conference (MAC) rival Buffalo in the first regular-season Division I football game ever in Crew Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.The Falcons are in hot pursuit of a bowl bid. BGSU’s defense is one of the top performers in the nation and leads the MAC in scoring defense, total yards, rushing defense and passing defense.
Leading this defensive juggernaut is senior defensive tackle and All-American candidate Chris Jones, who is third in the nation in sacks with 11.5 and is 11th in tackles for loss with 17. (Click here for more on Jones)
On the offensive side, junior quarterback Matt Schilz has thrown for 7,445 yards and 49 touchdowns in his career. For most of the year the wide receivers have been pretty balanced, but last weekend, Chris Gallon had a game for the ages, posting career-bests in receptions (10), yards (213) and touchdowns (2). Gallon leads the team with 42 grabs, followed closely by Shaun Joplin (36), Ryan Burbrink (33) and Alex Bayer (32).
At running back the Falcons will depend on Anthon Samuel. Samuel, the reigning MAC Freshman of the Year, has already surpassed 1,800 yards in his career and has 10 100-yard games in his first 19 contests. On the year Samuel has 970 yards on the ground, while averaging 5.5 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns.
Close ties to the Columbus area
The idea of taking BG on the road to Columbus made sense for a number of reasons. First, the area boasts one of BGSU’s strongest alumni bases, with tens of thousands of the University’s finest within easy driving distance of Crew Stadium.
BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey makes it a point to attend all home football games and this will be no exception. The importance of the Columbus area to BGSU is also reflected in the support and buy-in across University stakeholders: From the President’s Office to Admissions to Student Affairs to the Alumni Association and the Board of Trustees, there has been overwhelming support for the Black Friday Bash at Columbus Crew Stadium.
Also of note: Columbus has long been a crucial recruiting base for the Falcons, and Coach Dave Clawson and his staff maintain good relationships with many area high school coaches. Six BGSU players from the area have been major contributors to the team’s success this season:
• Jude Adjei-Barimah – Northland
• DeVon McKoy – Reynoldsburg
• Ryland Ward – Brookhaven
• Alex Bayer, Jairus Campbell and Alex Huettel – Pickerington North
A great alternative to a day of battling long lines at the mall
You can expect a high level of play from these MAC rivals, playing in a powerhouse conference that a number of college football sites have ranked as the fifth strongest in the country. In addition, BGSU’s formidable marching band and nationally ranked cheer and dance teams will be on hand to make the game-day atmosphere extra special. A number of promotions and contests will also add to the family-friendly fun.
A “taste of BG” can be had in the Falcon Club area with legendary Pollyeyes breadsticks and Myles pizza … all freshly prepared for the Falcon faithful. And Falcon Team Store gear will be available for purchase if shopping is still on your Black Friday agenda.
In addition to thousands of Columbus-area alumni, expect to see a good number of current students and their families in the stands. As with all home athletic events students get in free, and family and friends enjoy a student guest discount. But whether directly affiliated with the University or not, the Black Friday Bash – The Clash In Columbus is a great opportunity to enjoy live Division I football during the holiday weekend.
To order tickets, call 877-BGSU-TICKET or visit bgsufalcons.com.
Ticketmaster link