Kent State vs Bowling Green Recap and Takeaways 2024


Bowling Green Gets Rebound Win and Keeps Anniversary Award!



(photo via Toledo Blade)




(Sorry for the short recap, had field exercises for Uncle Sam and just now am blogging about the first 3 games!)

Takeaways


    This game was a get right game for BG's offense. Unfortunately, just about everyone in the WR room is hurt but before he got hurt Malcolm Johnson Jr caught a long score. Harold Fannin had another awesome day and Jamal Johnson caught a touchdown. Terion Stewart rushed for 125 on 25 carries and Connor Bazelak ended up playing and was lights out. 23/27 for 313 and 2 scores, arguably his best MAC performance at BG. 

    The defense was nothing short of perfect. Only 6 points allowed, Kent was just 2/14 on 3rd downs. Tommy Ulatowski was an abysmal 7/27 with 2 INTs and less than 100 yards. Kent's big 2 receivers combined for less than 60 yards and just 5 catches. Todd Bumphis, Pat Day, and Ed Rhambo all had interceptions in the 4th quarter, much needed confidence boost for the BG defense. Branch-Haynes, Brown, and Saad were as sturdy on the D line as ever with Oladokun and company locking up the secondary. Just an all around amazing performance. 

Looking Forward

Check out my state of the program blog for my thoughts moving forward from this huge win. In short, this win was huge. It was decisive, it was over a rival, and it was much needed. I know Kent State is terrible but again, this is the MAC. Anyone can win in any week. Now, Toledo is next week. A win would not only ease the terrible pain from last year's loss but it would squarely save BG's season. A bowl game would be much more realistic as would the MAC title race. Next week, on a Saturday (first since 2019) should be a crazy, championship like atmosphere. Must, win. 

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