2016 Week 6 Preview: Ohio Bobcats vs. Bowling Green Falcons

Ohio enters its homecoming game against Bowling Green coming off consecutive wins for the first time this season and with a defense in MAC championship form.

Bowling Green, on the other hand, has been less than stellar thus far, with an average scoring margin of less than -32 points per game. – worst in the FBS.

In the passing game, Ohio has had far more success on the arm, and legs, of dual-threat quarterback Greg Windham. Ohio is averaging 231 yards per game through the air on an average of 37 attempts, whereas Bowling Green is averaging 15 less yards on six more attempts per contest.

The real struggle for the Bowling Green offense has been turnovers, throwing nearly three interceptions per game, again worst in the FBS. The tale of two James’ has not been kind to the Falcon offense. Entering the season Knapke was named the starter and has split snaps with James Morgan. The two signal-callers have combined for just four touchdowns and have committed 13 interceptions.

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Look for Sebastian Smith and the Ohio receiving core to be open early and often in this game, as Bowling Green has struggled against the pass thus far. Granted that the Falcons have played Ohio State and Memphis, both aerial juggernauts, Ohio could have equally as much success as we have seen thus far.

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The Ohio defense is arguably the best unit in the conference and will give Bowling Green plenty of headaches come Saturday. The Bobcats are averaging over four sacks a game, which is third best in the nation. On top of that, Ohio is holding opponents to just 37 percent on third down, while the Falcons are allowing teams to convert half of third down conversions.

The question mark heading into the game will be the health of Ohio’s backfield. With the status in question for both Dorian Brown and Papi White, it appears the duo of Maleek Irons and Bo Hardy will be the main choice for Frank Solich’s squad.

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Despite the injuries, Ohio is still picking up over 200 yards per game on the ground, a huge credit to the offensive line.

Kickoff from Peden Stadium in Athens is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be aired on ESPN3.