2013 Bowling Green Falcons football team

The 2013 Bowling Green Falcons football team represented Bowling Green State University in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Through the 2013 MAC Championship Game, the Falcons were led by fifth-year head coach Dave Clawson. On December 10, Clawson left to become the new head coach at Wake Forest; the school named special teams coordinator Adam Scheier as interim head coach for the 2013 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.

The Falcons played their home games at Doyt Perry Stadium. They were a member of the East Division of the Mid-American Conference.

Tulsa
Bowling Green opened its season with a 34-7 victory on August 29 against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane who were the reigning Conference USA champions in front of a crowd of 18,142 at Doyt Perry Stadium. After just 26 yards gained on the first two drives, Bowling Green starting quarterback Matt Schilz was replaced by Matt Johnson who led the Falcons on an eight play 41 yard drive which resulted in a Tyler Tate 34 yard field goal. Late in the first quarter, the Golden Hurricane's were in Bowling Green's territory where Gabe Martin would deflect a would-be third down completion in the end zone. Tulsa's kicker Carl Salazar would miss a 37 yard field goal attempt the next play wide right.

In the second quarter, Tulsa's Dwight Dobbins would intercept quarterback Matt Johnson's pass resulting in the first turnover of the game. With Tulsa driving inside the 20 yard line, Cody Green completed a pass to Derek Patterson for 16 yards, who fumbled, and recovered by Aaron Foster at the BwGrn 2 yard line. After a Bowling Green punt, Tulsa started their drive at the BwGrn 33 yard line. However, Tulsa could not turn the drive into points as kicker Carl Salazar would miss a 34 yard field goal, once again wide right. Bowling Green would then drive 70 yards on 15 plays, resulting in a Tyler Tate 28 yard field goal to make the score 6-0 at halftime.

Bowling Green received the second half kickoff and marched right down the field for the first touchdown of the game. A six play, 75 yard drive was sparked by a 37 yard Ronnie Moore rush, followed by a 12 yard Travis Greene rush who was tackled at the 1 yard line. Former preferred Ohio State walk-on William Houston would score a 1 yard touchdown the following play. Both teams would punt their next two possessions. With nine seconds remaining in the third quarter, Tulsa was lining up to punt on their own 16 yard line facing a 4th and one but decided to run a fake punt with their punter Cole Way who was stopped by Cameron Truss for no gain. Houston would score his second one yard touchdown of the game giving Bowling Green a 20-0 lead with 13:52 remaining in the game. After a Tulsa turnover on downs, Bowling Green was forced to punt, but the punt was fumbled by Tulsa's Trey Watts inside their own 10 yard line and recovered by BwGrn. Two plays later, Houston would score his third one yard rushing touchdown. The following drive, Dane Evans came in at quarterback for Tulsa. After a three and out, returner Ryan Burbrink would score on a 67 yard punt return. Evans would throw a 27 yard touchdown pass to Derek Patterson to get Tulsa on the scoreboard with 5:56 remaining. Bowling Green would run out the remainder of the clock, to earn their first victory of the season.

At Kent State
In the 81st career meeting, Bowling Green led the series 55-19-6 all-time vs Kent State, despite dropping the last three. The Golden Flashes would be without Heisman hopeful running back Dri Archer who sustained a leg injury the previous week vs Liberty. Quarterback Matt Johnson would start his first career game for Bowling Green. Johnson took the Orange and Brown right down the field on the first drive of the game. The nine play 77 yard drive was capped off by a Travis Greene 1 yard touchdown run. On Kent State's first drive, quarterback Colin Reardon connected with wide receiver Chris Humphrey on a 42 yard play-action touchdown pass. Humphrey then took a direct snap and converted the two-point conversion to give the Golden Flashes a 8-7 lead.

After both teams traded punts, Bowling Green kicker Tyler Tate connected on a 30 yard field goal, giving BG the lead 10-8. Kent State followed with a 12 yard touchdown pass on 3rd and 8 when Colin Reardon connected with tight end Casey Pierce. The play originally seemed to be a speed option to the right out of shotgun formation, but Reardon then dropped back to pass finding Pierce on the left seem. Bowling Green responded with a 6 play 75 yard touchdown drive which ended in a 3 yard Andre Givens touchdown run. The following Kent State drive, Reardon had a 42 yard scamper on a read-option down to the BG 21 yard line. Two plays later, running back Trayion Durham would score on a two yard rushing touchdown. With just 54 seconds left in the half, Johnson would find wide receiver Jared Cohen on the front right pylon for a 7 yard touchdown. The play was originally called down at the one yard line, but was overturned to a touchdown after video review, giving the Falcons a 24-22 lead entering the break.

After Kent State's opening drive stalled in the second half, Bowling Green kicker Tyler Tate would make a 41 yard field increasing the lead to five. After another Golden Flashes punt, the Falcons were facing a 3rd and 15 from their own eight yard line when Johnson connected with Ryan Burbrink on a 92 yard touchdown pass extending the lead to a two possession game. BGSU William Houston scored a 1 yard touchdown to cap of the scoring in the 4th quarter, making the score 41-22. The Falcons defense shutout Kent State's offense in the second half. Bowling Green advanced to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in MAC play.

At Kent State
The undefeated Bowling Green Falcons traveled into Memorial Stadium where they would play he Indiana Hoosiers in front of 41,869. Indiana went right down the field their first drive, but were stopped at the goal line by BGSU's defense. Following a BG punt in their own territory, IU running back Tevin Coleman scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the season from one yard out. A promising second drive by the Falcons resulted in no points when kicker Tyler Tate missed a 47 yard field goal. Following a Hoosier's three and out, Bowling Green's Paul Senn blocked and returned a 56 yard punt in the same motion, making the score 7-7 with 4:36 in the first quarter. Indiana was once again stopped on the goal line when they substituted starting quarterback Nate Sudfeld for Tre Roberson on fourth and goal from the one yard line when he fumbled the snap. Bowling Green would then go on a 11 play 72 yard drive which resulted in a Tate 45 yard field goal to make the score 10-7 BG. Indiana would fumble the ensuing kick off, however Bowling Green was stopped on a fourth and one from the 21 yard line when quarterback Matt Johnson was stopped on a draw from shotgun formation. Indiana would take advantage of the turnover when Coleman scored on a 43 yard option pitch. The Falcons next drive stalled at midfield where they would punt to Indiana. Sudfeld would connect with Kofi Hughes on an eight yard fade right to the back right pylon making the score 21-10 with 2:44 in the second quarter. Johnson led the Falcons down the field with under a minute until the break where Tate would miss a 32 yard field goal attempt off the left upright.

Indiana would attempt an onside kick to start the second half, but the ball went out of bounces untouched giving BGSU the ball at IU's 42 yard line. Threatening inside the 20 yard line, Johnson's pass was intercepted after hitting the hands of wide receiver Chris Gallon. Indiana would take advantage of the turnover when Sudfeld connected with wide receiver Cody Latimer on a 33 yard touchdown pass, increasing IU's lead to 28-10. With three minutes to go in the third quarter, Bowling Green was stopped on another fourth and one on IU's 19 yard line. Indiana would then go on a nine play 80 yard drive drive capped off by a 1 yard read option keeper by Sudfeld. Bowling Green did not have an answer as wide receiver Shaun Joplin would fumble a catch on their second play of the drive. Roberson would end the scoring with a three yard touchdown. Indiana would surpass over 600 yards of total offense. Running back Tevin Coleman had 19 carries for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Stephen Houston had 155 yards on just 13 carries.

Murray State
The Bowling Green Falcons hosted the Murray State Racers in their fourth game of the season at Doyt Perry Stadium. Both teams punted on their first possession of the game. The Falcons started the scoring off on a four yard touchdown catch by Chris Gallon from quarterback Matt Johnson on third and goal. Kicker Tyler Tate missed the extra point, leaving the score at 6-0 with 7:40 remaining. The first turnover of the game came on a Matt Johnson interception. Following the turnover, the Racers would return the favor when quarterback Maikhail Miller fumbled the ball at Bowling Green's one yard line. Bowling Green would capitalize off of the turnover driving 99 yards on a 11 play drive, capped off by a Travis Greene eight yard run touchdown run. After a Racers three and out, Bowling Green scored a touchdown on their second consecutive drive. Matt Johnson scored on a seven yard touchdown run out of the pistol formation. After another Racers punt, Bowling Green would start their next drive from their own three yard line. The orange and brown would drive 97 yards on 16 plays scoring a touchdown with just seven seconds remaining in the half. Gallon caught a one yard touchdown pass from Johnson, his second of the game.

Bowling Green started the second half with 376 total yards of offense and 20 first downs. After a Racers punt, the Falcons would score a touchdown on their fourth consecutive drive. The drive was highlighted with a Alex Bayer 37 yard catch. On the following play, Andre Givens would score on a 9 yard touchdown run. Murray State would respond with a 83 yard 13 play touchdown drive of their own, which was capped off by Ohio State transfer Jaamal Berry's two yard touchdown run. The Falcons would go on to score two more touchdowns on the day. The first came on a William Houston one yard touchdown run, making it five consecutive drives with a touchdown. After Bowling Green's Jude Adjei-Barimah sack on third down, Racers kicker Jeremy Brackett missed 33 yard field goal attempt. BG Backup quarterback James Knapke would throw his first collegiate touchdown pass to Ronnie Moore late in the fourth quarter to end the scoring. Murray State's star receiver Walt Powell was held to just 17 yards on three catches.

Akron
The Akron Zips came into Doyt Perry Stadium trailing the Bowling Green Falcons 7-12 all time. After a Falcons three and out, the Zips' connected on a 51 yard touchdown pass from Kyle Pohl to L.T. Smith to start the scoring. Running back Travis Greene started the Falcons next drive with two carries for 46 yards with a long of 32. The drive would result in a Tyler Tate 29 yard field goal, making the score 7-3. Akron responded with a 12 play 72 yard touchdown drive which resulted with a three yard touchdown run from Pohl on a keeper. After six consecutive punts, three from each team, the Falcons would respond with a 22 yard juggling touchdown catch to receiver Shaun Joplin to make the score 14-10 heading into the half.

After a Zips three and out to start the half, Bowling Green would go on a 11 play 69 yard touchdown drive which was capped off by a two yard William Houston touchdown run. After another Zips punt, the Falcons would increase their lead the following possession when Matt Johnson would connect with Travis Greene on a 30 yard touchdown pass making the score 24-14. Akron's following drive was stalled at the BG one yard line, when Zips kicker Robert Stein would miss a 17 yard field goal attempt off the left upright. Bowling Green Running back Travis Greene would score from 11 yards out which would end a 13 play 80 yard drive and make the score 31-14.

Greene was the game's leading rusher with 142 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. Greene's game total, in 28 touches, was 213 yards and two scores. He led BGSU to a 167-97 edge in rushing yards. On defense, Aaron Foster led the way with ten tackles, including one of the team's three tackles for loss. Akron's loss dropped their record to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in the Mid-American Conference. Bowling Green's victory gave the Falcons a 4-1 record overall and a 2-0 mark in the MAC.

Massachusetts
Bowling Green hosted Massachusetts for their 2013 Homecoming. After a slow start by both teams, Bowling Green quarterback Matt Johnson connected with Ronnie Moore on a 51 yard touchdown pass to give the Falcons a 7-0 lead with 7:51 remaining in the first half. BGSU running back William Houston expanded the lead to 14 with just 1:15 remaining in the half on a one yard touchdown run for his team high seventh touchdown on the year.

After a UMass punt to start the second half, Johnson would throw a 23 yard touchdown pass to Tyler Beck making the score 21-0. On the Falcons next possession, Johnson would throw his third touchdown pass of the game to Heath Jackson on a nine yard score. In the late third quarter, Massachusetts quarterback A.J. Doyle would be replaced by Mike Wegzyn. Driving in BG territory, cornerback Ryland Ward would intercept Wegzyn for the Falcons first interception of the season. UMass would reach the end zone on their final possession of the game when Wegzyn connected with wide receiver Tajae Sharpe on a 24 yard touchdown catch.

At Mississippi State
In the first head-to-head matchup in school history, the Bowling Green Falcons would travel to Davis Wade Stadium to face the Dan Mullen led Mississippi State Bulldogs. 55,148 fans were in attendance for MSU's 2013 homecoming. The Bulldogs went 75 yards on their first drive of the game and scored on a one yard touchdown rush from LaDarius Perkins. After a Bowling Green punt, defensive back Jerry "Boo Boo" Gates would intercept quarterback Dak Prescott's pass and return it to the MSU 13 yard line. The turnover would turn into a Tyler Tate 35 yard field goal. On the first play of the Bulldogs next possession, Prescott scored on a 75 yard touchdown run, making the score 14-3. In the second quarter, BG went on a six play 96 yard touchdown drive that was capped off by a seven yard Andre Givens touchdown run. Prescott would score his second rushing touchdown of the game on a 10 yard scamper to the pylon to make the score 21-10 with 1:04 remaining in the half. BGSU quarterback Matt Johnson would lead the Falcons down the field where Tyler Tate would connect on a 45 yard field goal as time expired. Gates was ejected in the second quarter for targeting.

Bowling Green's Tate missed a 45 yard field goal to start the second half. After a Bulldogs punt, the Falcons would go on a seven play 76 yard drive that ended in a Johnson two yard touchdown run. The following MSU drive, kicker Devon Bell would miss a 44 yard field goal that hit off the right upright. With nine minutes remaining, the Falcons were stopped on the Bulldogs 42 yard line on a fourth down and two following an incomplete pass. Mississippi State would also be stopped on downs when Prescott was stopped on two yard gain on fourth and three from Bowling Green's eight yard line. BG's next drive stalled on their on 45 yard line when a forth and 11 pass fell incomplete to Ryan Burbrink with under two minutes remaining.

Toledo
In the 78th Battle of I 75 rivalry, Bowling Green came in leading the series 39-34-4. The Falcons first drive would stall when they could not convert on a forth and eight from Toledo's 23 yard line. The Rockets quickly took advantage of the turnover on downs and went 77 yards on seven plays. Running back Kareem Hunt would score on a one yard touchdown run. The Rockets would keep the positive momentum and score on their next two drives which included back to back touchdown passes from quarterback Terrance Owens to Alonzo Russell and Bernard Reedy to give UT a 21-0 lead. BG responded with a 12 play 81 yard touchdown drive that was capped off by a one yard Matt Johnson touchdown run.

Bowling Green linebacker Gabe Martin forced a fumble on a sack that was recovered by D.J. Lynch on the Rockets first drive of the second half. Falcons kicker Tyler Tate connected on a 23 yard field goal following the fumble, making the score 21-10. Following a Toledo punt, Bowling Green went on a nine play 77 yard drive that was ended in a Travis Greene seven yard touchdown run. Johnson would connect with tight end Alex Bayer for the two-point conversion, making the score 21-18. The Falcon's defense forced another punt and proceeded to drive 84 yards on 10 plays to take a 25-21 lead on another seven yard touchdown run by Greene. Toledo would regain the lead for good on a forth and nine from the BG 11 yard line where Owens would find Russell in the end zone, making the score 28-25. With just over one minute remaining, the Falcons failed to convert on fourth and 13 from their own 32 yard line. Both teams went to 5-3 on the season and 3-1 in MAC play.

At Miami (OH)
The Bowling Green Falcons traveled to Yager Stadium to play the winless Miami RedHawks. The RedHawks were without starting quarterback Austin Boucher who tore his ACL the previous week against Ohio. It was the 70th meeting between the two teams with the RedHawks leading the series 42-22-5. Freshman quarterback Austin Gearing earned his first start for Miami, who came into the game leading the team with 270 rushing yards. A promising first drive was stalled when Gearing took a 14 yard sack by linebacker Paul Senn that pushed the RedHawks back to the BG 44 yard line. After a Miami punt, Bowling Green marched 80 yards on nine plays for the games first touchdown. Quarterback Matt Johnson connected with a Shaun Joplin on a six yard touchdown pass. Miami would respond with a 50 yard field goal from Kaleb Patterson to make the score 7-3. Bowling Green would answer with an impressive drive of their own when Johnson appeared to find Ryan Burbrink for a 18 yard juggling touchdown on third and three. However, after video review, the call was overturned. The Falcons would settle for a Tyler Tate 29 yard field goal. The following RedHawks drive, running back Spencer McInnis fumbled on a Paul Swan hit that was recovered by Jerry "Boo Boo" Gates to the Miami 29 yard line. The Falcons would cash in on the turnover in just four plays on a William Houston two yard touchdown run. After a Miami punt, the Falcons would score on their forth consecutive possession on a nine play 69 yard drive that was capped off by a Alex Bayer 18 yard touchdown catch.

The Falcons would receive to start the second half, however the drive would end in a Johnson interception. Trying to gain momentum, the RedHawks called a jet-sweep pass where wide receiver David Frazier was sacked by Ted Ouellet while he was attempting to wind up and throw, which was recovered by BG's Bryan Thomas. Johnson scored on a one yard touchdown run to increase the Falcons' lead to 31-3. Following the kickoff, the RedHawks ran a screen pass to wide receiver Dawan Scott who caught and fumbled the ball on a hit by Justin Ford. Gates would return the fumble for a 11 yard defensive scoop and score. The scoring was capped off when Chris Pohlman made a tough catch in traffic and shrugged off multiple tackles on a 38 yard touchdown catch from Johnson, the first in his collegiate career. This was BG's largest margin of victory in the 70-game rivalry. The Falcons also became bowl eligible with the 42 point victory.

Gates became the first Falcon in school history to score on a fumble recovery, interception return, kickoff return and punt return. Gates and Swan also went over 200 career tackles. Travis Greene's 112 yards put him over 1,000 rushing yards on the season. The Falcons advanced to 4-1 in MAC play and trail just 5-0 Buffalo in the standings, but the teams are set to play in the season finale.

Ohio
After a Bobcats three and out, Falcons quarterback Matt Johnson connected with Shaun Joplin for 43 yards. Travis Greene would score the next play from 11 yards out. Ohio's next possession ended with a failed fake punt that resulted for a gain of just two yards on forth and 12. Bowling Green would score on their first play of the drive when Johnson would find Heath Jackson on a 32 yard touchdown. The Falcons led 14-0 with 11:49 remaining in the first quarter. Following another Bobcat three and out, the Falcons would march 72 yards on 11 plays where William Houston would score from one yard out. The Falcons defense would force another Bobcat punt after just three plays and their next drive also resulted in a one yard touchdown from Houston, making the score 28-0. Ohio quarterback Tyler Tettleton would find Donte Foster on a pass play passing mid-field, but linebacker Paul Swan forced a fumbled that was recovered by Ryland Ward. Travis Greene would later score on a 16 yard rushing touchdown, his second of the game.

Johnson threw a 57 yard touchdown pass to Alex Bayer on the Falcons first drive of the second half. One of the Bobcats only chance to score was halted when Tettleton's pass was intercepted by Jerry "Boo Boo" Gates in the red zone. Bowling Green backup quarterback Matt Schilz would throw his first touchdown of the season to Ronnie Moore on a 24 yard strike.

This was Bowling Green's largest win since October 1, 2005 vs Temple. Ohio managed just 172 yards in 62 plays from scrimmage. Cameron Truss led the team with seven tackles. Ward forced a fumble and also recovered one.

At Eastern Michigan
The (2-8) Eastern Michigan Eagles were coming off of a thrilling 35-32 (OT) victory over Western Michigan Broncos. Interim coach Stan Parrish made his Eagles debut in the win. Bowling Green Falcons quarterback Matt Johnson came into the game leading the MAC with a 154.1 pass efficiency rating. BG's first drive of the game resulted in a Tyler Tate 30 yard field goal to start the scoring. EMU Freshman quarterback Brogan Roback made his third start of the season on the Eagles senior day. The Eagles first drive of the game resulted in a punt that was downed on the Falcons one yard line. Inside their own 10 yard line, Johnson was intercepted by linebacker Sean Kurtz who scored on a 10 yard interception return. On the second play of the Falcons ensuing drive, Ronnie Moore caught a 74 yard touchdown pass from Johnson. Following an Eagles punt, Moore scored his second touchdown of the game on a 22 yard touchdown pass from Johnson, making the score 17-7. In the second quarter, Tate would connect on a 34 yard field goal to increase the lead to 13. Flacons running back Travis Greene came into the game averaging 116.7 rushing YPG, which ranked fourth in the MAC. Greene scored on a 28 yard touchdown run, making the score 27-7. With under two minutes remaining in the half, the Johnson to Moore connection resulted in their third touchdown of the game on a 34 yard touchdown pass.

In the second half, the Falcons would score 17 points for the third consecutive quarter. The scoring started on a Greene two yard touchdown run. Tate then connected for his career best third field goal of the game coming from 29 yards out. Leading 44-7, Roback was sacked by Izaah Lunsford, who caused a fumbled that was picked up returned by Will Watson for a 37 yard score. In the fourth quarter, running back William Houston ran for a career long 44 yard touchdown making the score 58-7.

The Eagles were only 1-of-18 passing. Defensive backs Ryland Ward and Isaiah Gourdine also had interceptions. The Orange and Brown only allowed 65 yards of total offense and four passing yards. This made it the third straight game the defense had not allowed a touchdown. Bowling Green improved to 8-3 overall and 6-1 in MAC play. The Falcons are now set to play Buffalo for the MAC East Division title.

At Buffalo
The Bowling Green Falcons led the head-to-head series 10-2 against the Buffalo Bulls in a matchup that would determine the MAC East Division champion. This was the first meeting at Ralph Wilson Stadium. On the first drive of the game, Buffalo quarterback Joe Licata was sacked by Paul Swan and Paul Senn on third and ten from the BwGrn 46 yard line. Following a punt, the Falcons were at a crucial third and six from the Bulls 45 yard line where running back Jordan Hopgood was stopped short of the yard to gain by defensive end Khalil Mack, which forced a punt. After a Bulls three and out, the Falcons ran a draw to running back Travis Greene who broke free for a 33 yard rush down to the UB 30 yard line. The Falcons would later score on a Tyler Tate 40 yard field goal, giving them a 3-0 lead. The Orange and Brown held the Bulls offense to another punt which was downed on their one yard line. The Falcons were not able to move the ball which resulted in a Brian Schmiedebusch punt. However, Bulls punt returner Devin Campbell fumbled the punt that was recovered by BG long snapper Greg Hohenstein on their own 41 yard line. Looking to capitalize on the turnover, the Falcons were stopped on downs from the Bulls 32 yard line following an incompletion. Buffalo then went on a nine play 66 yard touchdown drive that was ignited by a 30 yard completion to Campbell that was tackled down to the BG five yard line. Three plays later, running back Branden Oliver would score from two yards out on third and goal. The remaining eight minutes of the half resulted in five punts, three of which came from the Falcons.

Trailing 7-3, the Falcons received the second half kick off that was returned by Jerry "Boo Boo" Gates to their 37 yard line. Falcons quarterback Matt Johnson found wide receiver Shaun Joplin on a 31 yard completion down to the UB 19 yard line on third and 10 from midfield. The next play, Johnson's pass was altered at the line by Mack which resulted in an interception by Lee Skinner. The Bulls were faced with a third and 10 from their 28 yard line when defensive lineman Ted Ouellet sacked Licatta for the Falcons third sack of the game. Following a UB punt, Johnson connected with tight end Alex Bayer on a 48 yard completion who caught a contested catch in-between two UB defenders on a third and nine from the BG 31 yard line. Johnson then found Joplin on a third and 12 which resulted for a 23 yard touchdown that was upheld by video review for his third touchdown of the season. The Bulls next drive resulted in just five yards on three plays that caused another punt. The Falcons then went 93 yards on seven plays that was capped off by a Travis Greene 14 yard touchdown run. Johnson also legged out a season long 56 yard rush on the drive. After three consecutive punts, two from UB, Johnson scored a seven yard touchdown making the score 24-7 with 8:18 remaining. The Bulls were unable to score again, giving the Falcons the victory. The Orange and Brown held Buffalo to 15 yards rushing and just 236 total yards of offense. With the win, Bowling Green won the MAC East Division and advanced to the MAC Championship game.

Vs. #14 Northern Illinois (MAC Championship Game)
The Bowling Green Falcons went to Ford Field to play the undefeated #14 Northern Illinois Huskies. Entering the game, the Huskies were one of just three undefeated teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision. On the opening drive of the game, BG quarterback Matt Johnson connected with tight end Tyler Beck on a 28 yard touchdown. Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch responded by finding wide receiver Juwan Brescacin on 14 yard touchdown pass. The Falcons would retake the lead on their following drive with a Tyler Tate 26 yard field goal. Following a NIU punt, Johnson found wide receiver Ronnie Moore for a 36 yard touchdown to make the score 17-7. NIU kicker Mathew Sims would make a pair of fields goals from 51 and 45 yards out to make the score 17-13 with 11:22 remaining in the half. Bowling Green extended their lead on a 22 yard touchdown pass to Heath Jackson from Johnson. Following a missed 58 yard field goal attempt from Sims, the Falcons had to punt. With NIU driving at midfield, lineman Ted Ouellet intercepted Lynch's pass off of a deflection. Johnson then found tight end Alex Bayer with just 13 seconds remaining in the half, making the score 31-13 entering the break.

The Huskies would score on their first drive of the second half on an eight yard touchdown run from Lynch. The following Falcons drive resulted in no points when Tate missed a 26 yard field goal attempt wide left. NIU would then settle for a 44 yard field goal attempt their next drive which also sailed wide left from Sims. Tate would extend the Falcons lead to 14 their next possession with a season long 52 yard field goal. With 13 minutes remaining, Lynch was intercepted by Aaron Foster who returned the ball 37 yards to the Huskies 20 yard line. Four plays later, Johnson found running back Travis Greene on a six yard shovel pass for a touchdown. Trailing by 20 points, the Huskies were held on downs at the BwGrn 41 yard line. The Falcons then went on a 10 play 56 yard touchdown drive to seal the game. Greene scored a 16 yard touchdown run to convert a 4th and 13 to give BG a 47-20 lead. Lynch would score a consolation rushing touchdown with 14 seconds remaining. This was Bowling Greens first MAC championship since 1992. The 10 wins on the season was the first double-digit win total since the 2003 season. The 47-27 victory also snapped a three-game losing streak to NIU and first win since 2003. Quarterback Matt Johnson was named Most Valuable Player after throwing for career high 393 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Vs. Pittsburgh (Little Caesars Pizza Bowl)
The Bowling Green Falcons played the Pittsburgh Panthers in the  Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. The game was played at Ford Field with a game attendance of 26,259. Bowling Green interim Head Coach Adam Scheier took over for former Head Coach Dave Clawson after accepting the Head Coaching position at Wake Forest.

After three punts to start the game, the Falcons took the early advantage on a Tyler Tate 28 yard field goal. The Panthers responded with a James Conner 15 yard touchdown run. Following a BG punt, PITT would increase their lead on a Chris Blewitt 25 yard field goal their following drive. Punter returner Tyler Boyd broke the game open when he returned Brian Schmiedebusch's punt 54 yards to increase the Panthers lead to 17-3. Quarterback Matt Johnson led the Falcons on an important 67 yard touchdown drive right before halftime where he connected with tight end Alex Bayer on a 29 yard touchdown pass following a 4th and one. Panthers Quarterback Tom Savage would go down with an injury under a minute remaining in the half where he would not return. He would be replaced by redshirt Freshman Chad Voytik for the remainder of the game.

Jerry "Boo Boo" Gates returned the opening half kickoff for a 94 yard touchdown to tie the game at 17-17. On the Panthers next drive, Conner evaded Flacon defenders for 45 yard gain to the BwGrn 21 yard line. The drive would stall and Blewitt missed a would be go ahead 39 yard field goal wide left. The Falcons would take advantage of the miss when Tate made a 46 yard field goal to take a 20-17 lead midway through the third quarter. Conner recorded 45 rushing yards on five attempts the following drive for the Panthers. Blewitt connected on a 28 yard field goal to make the score 20-20. In the 4th quarter, the Panthers went 98 yards on six plays following a Falcons punt. Boyd had a 68 yard reception that was then capped off by a five yard touchdown run by Voytik. Bowling Green responded with a 15 yard touchdown pass from Johnson to Ryan Burbrink to tie the game at 27-27. With just over three minutes remaining, Conner broke lose at midfield for a 20 yard gain to the BwGrn 30 yard line. Blewitt would make the 39 yard go ahead kick to make the score 30-27 with 1:17 remaining. Following an incompletion and a holding penalty, Panthers defensive lineman Aaron Donald would sack Johnson to nearly end the game. The Falcons attempted multiple laterals on their last play, but were unable to score. Panthers running back James Conner was named Most Valuable Player of the game with 229 rushing yards.

All-MAC awards
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