Up until a week or two ago, saying this game would be huge for the MAC East race would have been met with scoffs and guffaws. But here we are. Bowling Green pulled out a win against the RedHawks when it seemed as though Miami was heading in for the game winning field goal.

Meanwhile, the Bobcats lost to Central Michigan during Homecoming. The Bobcats had 4 turnovers, all attributed to sophomore quarterback Nathan Rourke. Growing pains.

Both teams come into the game 1-1 in the conference, and East leading Akron(2-0) faces a huge test against Western Michigan.

When The Bobcats Have The Ball

Rourke threw his first pick on the season against Central Michigan and lost 3 fumbles. That doesn’t diminish just how impressive he has been this season. He is only a sophomore and will probably have a few more bad games, but the good far outweighs the bad.

The Ohio offense has been a pleasant surprise this season, considering the youth and injuries. Papi White, who has one of the best names in the country and is also a big play threat, is questionable for this game. A.J. Oullette, finally healthy, has been tearing it up on the ground this season. He has rushed for 533 yards and 3 scores with an impressive 6.3 yards per carry.

The Bowling Green defense was active against Miami but also blew some coverages. Like the entire team, they are a work in progress.

I expect the Falcons defense, along with some deft punting by Joseph Davidson, to win some battles. In the end, I do think the OU offense will win the war.

When The Falcons Have The Ball

The Falcons have been all over the place on offense, and have had multiple starting Quarterbacks. James Morgan was good enough in the win against Miami, but he still struggled. He missed on more passes than he connected with. The Falcons stable of backs were great in the game and really were the story, along with the fumble return.

While the Bobcats defense isn’t as good as it was last season, it’s still pretty good. I think they are going to stuff the box and force Morgan and company to throw the ball. I am guessing he will have some successes, but in the end the Bobcats defense will have the edge.

Prediction

I think it will be a relatively entertaining game, and the home field advantage will keep the Falcons in it for most of the game. The Bobcats are the better team, and by the time the final whistle sounds, the scoreboard will reflect that. Bobcats win, 34-28.