KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Bowling Green State University’s football team will look to end the regular season on a winning note before preparing for a bowl game when the Falcons take on Western Michigan in Mid-American Conference play.
BASICS
■ Who: BGSU (6-5, 4-3 MAC) at Western Michigan (4-7, 3-4 MAC)
■ When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.
■ Where: Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, Michigan
■ Spread: BGSU by 1½
■ TV: ESPNU
■ Follow: Michael Burwell
PLAYERS TO WATCH
■ BGSU: Sophomore tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has continued his stellar play on the field during the second half of the season. Fannin (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) has at least one touchdown reception in four straight games, including two in the Falcons’ 32-31 loss to Toledo last week. In the past four games, Fannin has 16 catches for 307 yards and five scores. Amongst tight ends in the country this season, Fannin ranks tied for third in touchdown receptions (six), ninth in receiving yards (474), and tied for 20th in receptions (31), according to Pro Football Focus.
■ Western Michigan: Jalen Buckley is a big-time playmaker. The 5-11, 210-pound running back is third in the MAC with 918 rushing yards and tied for third with nine rushing touchdowns. He has eclipsed 100 rushing yards in four games, including two of his last three, and has recorded multiple touchdowns in three games as well.
STATS TO KNOW
7: With a win, BGSU can get to seven wins in a season for the first time since going 10-4 in 2015. A victory over the Broncos would solidify the Falcons’ first winning season in eight years as well.
33.8: After being shut out by Miami (Ohio) 27-0 on Oct. 7 – it was the first time BGSU was shut out since a 52-0 loss at Notre Dame in 2019 – the Falcons have been productive in putting points on the board. BGSU has averaged 33.8 points per game in five contests since the loss to Miami, including a season-high 49 against Kent State two weeks ago and 41 two games prior against Akron.
45.7: Western Michigan is not afraid to go for it on fourth down. The Broncos have converted 45.7 percent (16 of 35) of their fourth downs this season; the 16 conversions are the most in the MAC while the 35 attempts are tied with Buffalo for the most.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Western Michigan’s offense vs. BGSU’s defense: A solid BGSU defense that has an FBS-leading 25 turnovers gained and 28 total sacks will be put to the test against a Western Michigan offense that can light up the scoreboard as well (fourth in MAC in scoring at 24.9 points per game). The Broncos are also one of the best teams in the country in protecting the ball; their 11 turnovers lost are tied for 19th in the FBS.
PREDICTION
BGSU still has a lot to play for with a chance at clinching a winning season, while Western Michigan won’t be able to become bowl eligible with a victory. Either way, this should still be a pretty close battle on what could be a cold and rainy night in Kalamazoo. BGSU standout running backs Terion Stewart and Ta’ron Keith are game-time decisions again due to right leg injuries, but if Keith is able to play like he did last week against Toledo, that should help the Falcons out tremendously. BGSU 31, Western Michigan 30.
First Published November 21, 2023, 1:00 p.m.
