Wins over Big Ten opponents, significant upsets, coaching debuts, and legendary coaching matchups — Bowling Green football has seen its fair share of intrigue in season-opening contests.
With the Falcons set to travel to Liberty on Saturday for what they hope is a memorable season opener, here is a look back at some significant season-opening games for Bowling Green over the years:
August 30, 2008: Bowling Green 27, Pittsburgh 17
Bowling Green fell behind 14-0 at Pittsburgh but rallied to win after quarterback Tyler Sheehan rushed in from 11 yards out early in the fourth quarter. The Falcons were out-gained 393-254, but took advantage of four turnovers by the Panthers. Pitt's LeSean McCoy rushed 23 times for 71 yards and a score.
September 1, 2007: Bowling Green 32, Minnesota 31 (OT)
Bowling Green quarterback Tyler Sheehan found Marques Parks on a 9-yard TD pass in overtime, and Freddie Barnes caught the game-winning two-point conversion pass. Sheehan was 34 of 51 for 388 yards and two touchdown passes for BG, and Barnes caught six passes for 99 yards. Running back Amir Pinnix had 183 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns for Minnesota.
September 1, 2001: Bowling Green 20, Missouri 13
In his first collegiate game as head coach, Urban Meyer, who was hired after serving as the Notre Dame wide receivers coach, earned his first win as the Falcons won at Missouri. Bowling Green's defense held Missouri to 234 yards of total offense and forced three turnovers. Of course, Meyer would go on to many more wins at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida, and Ohio State.
September 2, 1990: Bowling Green 34, Cincinnati 20
Played at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium in 90-degree heat, Bowling Green scorched the Bearcats on the ground with two 100-yard rushers in the game. LeRoy Smith rushed 16 times for 112 yards and a TD before leaving just before halftime with a sprained ankle. George Johnson took over in the second half with 108 yards rushing as the Falcons racked up 294 yards on the ground.
September 13, 1975: Bowling Green 23, BYU 21
Bowling Green got a fourth-quarter field goal from Don Taylor to pick up a win for head coach Don Nehlen over legendary BYU coach LaVell Edwards. Bowling Green rushed 54 times for 333 yards in the game led by 169 yards from Dan Saleet. Dave Preston and quarterback Mark Miller had touchdown runs. The Falcons intercepted BYU quarterback Mark Giles three times in the game and also recovered a fumble.
September 16, 1972: Bowling Green 17, Purdue 14
Bowling Green stunned the Boilermakers on the road as Purdue coughed up six fumbles, with the Falcons recovering five. Freshman walk-on kicker Don Taylor kicked a 29-yard field goal with 14:07 left that ended up being the game-winner. The Falcons were a heavy underdog entering the game but returned to Bowling Green with a momentum-building season-opening win.
First Published August 31, 2023, 4:43 p.m.
