The Bowling Green Falcons (2-7) head east to take on the Buffalo Bulls (3-6). After hosting the Falcons, the Bulls then head to Muncie to take on Ball State. If they win those two, they have a season ending game against the Bobcats. Could the Bulls close out the season with 3 straight wins and bowl eligibility? Stranger things have happened.

When the Falcons Have The Ball

The Bulls defense has been surprisingly solid this season, considering the gaping holes last year. The 24.7 points per game is a little misleading, since 71 points came in the 7 overtime game against Western Michigan. Linebacker Khalil Hodge is have a fantastic season, but the weakness in the Bulls defense is against the run. They are giving up 210 yards per game on the ground. Considering the level of play of the linebackers, it’s a telling stat.

The Falcons are hurt along the offensive line, but do get quarterback Jarrett Doege back from injury. Their rushing attack has been solid all season, with Josh Cleveland and Andrew Clair nearing 600 yards on the season. The freshman Clair is a big play threat and averaging 8 yards per carry. Look for him to have some big runs against the Bulls.

With the return of Doege and Bowling Green’s ability to run going against the weakness of the Bulls defense, I do expect the Falcons to score some points.

When The Bulls Have The Ball

The four losses in the MAC by the Bulls have come by a combined 15 points. Other than the marathon overtime game against Western Michigan, a lack of scoring was a major problem. Their starting QB, and then the back up, going down with injury is a big reason for that. Starting QB Tyree Jackson was back for last week’s game against Akron and was able to throw for over 300 yards.

Rushing the football has been a problem for the Bulls all season, and likewise, stopping the run has been a huge problem for the Falcons. I think adds up to Buffalo moving the ball and then being able to punch it in once they get to the red zone.

Prediction

Bowling Green gained some confidence when they blasted Kent last week, and I expect some of that momentum to carry over into this game. Buffalo is at home, and with the return of Jackson, I look for him to hook up with receiver Anthony Johnson early and often. I think Buffalo wins in a bit of a shootout, 44-28.