Bowling Green Falcons:
Scot Loeffler had his first winning season in his fifth year in the program last season and got Bowling Green its first winning record since 2015. The Falcons ended their season with a defeat in the Quick Lane Bowl for the second year in a row, but clearly there appears to be upward momentum.
Prior to that loss to Minnesota in the Quick Lane Bowl, Bowling Green lost five games to opponents with a combined 60-10 record (Michigan 15-0, Liberty 13-1, Miami (OH) 11-3, Toledo 11-3, and Ohio 10-3). The 2024 schedule appears slightly less daunting.
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Offense
Connor Bazelak (Indiana, Missouri) is in his sixth year of college football and returns for a second season with Bowling Green. Due to a leg injury last season which kept him out of spring ball, Bazelak (1935 yards, 12/7 TD/INT) shared duties with Camden Orth (486, 5/5; 5 rushing TDs) and may do the same this season for an offense that rated 108th nationally but returns leading rusher Terion Stewart (762 yards, 8 TD) and leading receiver Harold Fannin (623 yards, 6 TD).
Fannin is the only receiver of note that returns, but the group adds Malcolm Johnson Jr (Auburn) and RJ Garcia (Kansas State) and four offensive line starters are back for an offense that wants to be evenly balanced with the run and pass.
Defense
Bowling Green finished tied for first in the nation (Clemson, Cal) for most turnovers forced with 28. Seven starters return for this group including the entire defensive line.
The Falcons were an aggressive defense that put good pressure on opposing quarterbacks but could occasionally give up big pass plays. The loss of edge rusher Cashius Howell and his 10 sacks will hurt, but the line is senior-laden and experienced.
The secondary will be led by Northern Illinois transfer C.J. Brown (2021 1st Team All-MAC), safety Darius Lorfils and corner Jordan Oladokun (4 INT).
Outlook
Bowling Green faced a tough schedule last year but did have a highlight of beating a Power 4 school on the road as they defeated Georgia Tech 38-27 as three-touchdown underdogs starting a 6-2 run to finish the regular season.
This year, they have to face Penn State and Texas A&M on the road and have one of the tougher schedules in the MAC. However, they will not face the national champion or the Group of 5 New Year’s Six representative like last season.
Nevertheless, this club looks to be heading for either a six or seven-win season again.
Pick: Over 6.5 Wins
