University of Toledo senior quarterback Mitch Guadagni has yet to play a significant role in the Battle of I-75 game against rival Bowling Green.
He backed up Logan Woodside for much of his early career at Toledo and he was in line to start last year's game as a junior but suffered a concussion the week prior at Fresno State and was unavailable for the team's home win.
Guadagni entered the 2017 game in a reserve role and completed one pass for 16 yards.
But just because he has seen very limited time on the field in the rivalry doesn't mean Guadagni is any less aware of the history or the tradition of the game and what it means to the northwest Ohio community.
“I think the history and the players that came before you make it special and seeing what it means to them and then growing from a freshman to a junior and a senior and seeing how much more important it gets to you,” Guadagni said. “Coming in I think you know about the rivalry, but I don't think you know how much it means to past players and to the team. ... I haven't really gotten the opportunity to play in the BG game yet, so I'm definitely looking forward to that and that atmosphere.”
Toledo has won nine straight games over Bowling Green and comes into Saturday's game at Doyt Perry Stadium as heavy road favorites.
Guadagni said his team is well aware of the recent history and thinks in the offseason about not being the team that breaks the winning streak. But once the teams are out on the field, he expects it to be much like any other game.
“I think it's in the back of your mind going into the preseason,” Guadagni said. “During the game you are focusing on doing your job and everything you can to help your team win no matter what team you are going against. Obviously it's a huge game for us and a huge game for the rivalry.”
For fifth-year senior offensive lineman Cameron Bell, this year's game is one more chance to step out on the field in the rivalry.
“I grew up in Cleveland, so I was kind of on the outside of it,” Bell said. “I always knew about it but didn't really dig deeper on it. Being here it's incredible to see how much both communities are excited about their programs. You go to a Kroger and the BG colors and Toledo colors come together. It's really nice to see and it's cool to be a part of a rivalry like that.”
For the younger players set to experience their first taste of the rivalry, Bell says it's a mix of taking advice from the older players and simply having to experience it for yourself.
“I think it's a mix of both,” Bell said. “Some of the older guys pass it down that it is a rivalry game. It's no bigger than any other game, but there is a little extra element to it. Some of the younger guys experience that through the years. Coming in you are always told that it's a big game. It's a game that you have focus on because there will be a lot of hype around it. You get both sides of it with words being passed down and also your own experiences in the rivalry.”
Senior defensive tackle Nate Childress, who went to Rossford High School, said he remembers going to I-75 games as a fan with his dad and his brother.
“I always remember them being great games,” Childress recalled. “That's what it has been even when I've been here no matter our record or their record. Each team is going to bring it. Each team knows what the games means to them. It's just about the small details and you'll see those come up throughout the game.”
As far as advice Childress has for young players new to the rivalry:
“Stay focused. There is going to be some smack talk and you can't buy into it too much. Just stay focused and do the small detail things when it comes to the game. You don't have to do any more or any less than what you've done in the past. Just do what you are coached to do and figure it out on the field.”
First Published October 7, 2019, 8:34 p.m.
