Bowling Green vs Buffalo Recap and Takeaways 2023

BG Rebounds and Bullies Buffalo Behind 218 Rush Yards



RB Terion Stewart had his 3rd 100 yard rushing game of the year. (photo via BG Athletics)

Takeaways


    As I expected going into this game, BG was going to do the opposite of whatever happened last week. This Falcons team that was 0-2 in MAC play with a legacy P5 upset sandwiched in between, was going to once again be inconsistent but in a positive way this week. In a torrential downpour, this team looked like the better football team in all three phases of the game. This was a HUGE win, as BG was 0-2 in the MAC while Buffalo was 2-0 despite losing all 4 non-conference games. Buffalo whooped us 38-7 at home last year. Their QB Cole Snyder entered the game 1st in pass yards per game in the MAC, 3rd in TDs, and 1st in completions. He went 5/15, 30 yards and 2 interceptions. That is an INSANE turnaround from how the QBs for Ohio and Miami OH looked against this defense. 24-14 is not a dominant win by any stretch but the weather was terrible, Cam Orth was in his first MAC start, and this team got a massive win. BG ran down Buffalo's throat with Terion Stewart and Cam Orth combining for 195 yards. The team ran for 218 including sacks, it is unheard of for a BG team since 2016 to be running for over 200 yards and it was what needed to be done on offense to win.

    The defense forced 5 turnovers! Buffalo was just 9/29 passing for 1 score and 4 interceptions. Unreal job by the defense to contain the air attack and suffocate the Bulls. Avi McGary had a career day with an interception and a blocked punt that PaSean Wimberly took for a touchdown. I would say 200 yards on the ground, 5 turnovers, and a special team score is the definition of a complete game. Now, 3 turnovers for BG and 10 penalties usually will led to a loss but it goes to show how much better this team is than in years past because those mistakes can be overcome, BG is hopefully past the point where they have to play perfect football to win games against the mid to lower tier of the MAC. 

Looking Forward

Check out my state of the program blog for my thoughts moving forward from this huge win. 

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