Bowling Green earned a much-needed win on Saturday as they bounced back after last week’s loss to Northern Illinois, defeating Kent State 27-6.

A major part of their win? The big three on the offensive side of the ball—quarterback Connor Bazelak, tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and running back Terion Stewart.

All three players were clicking on all cylinders in BG’s win at Doyt L. Perry Stadium.

Despite being listed as questionable leading up to the game and not practicing much at all this week, Bazelak started against the Golden Flashes, completed over 23 of 27 pass attempts and threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns.

“He knows where to go with the football. He’s highly accurate,” said head coach Scot Loeffler after the game. “He played hurt, which is what our job description is at that position and played really well.”

Bazelak set a single-game record for BG by notching an 85.2% completion percentage in a game with at least 15 pass attempts.

“I thought I played well, just did my job. Moved the football with the team, took what was open, didn’t try to force anything,” said Bazelak about his performance. “I feel like when I do that, good things happen.”

His favorite target also had himself a game, as Fannin had 171 yards on 10 catches.

“I think it’s awesome. I think he’s leading the tight ends in the country by a mile, which is cool to see him have so much success,” Bazelak said on his connection with Fannin. “It’s not like I’m forcing him the ball into double coverage, but he just does his job.”

Fannin now stands alone in the record books as he broke the BG record for career receiving yards by a tight end (1,714).

“He’s a really good player, and really good players show up. I don’t think he’s missed a practice this year. He’s a great talent; there’s not one time that I’m complaining about him lining up wrong,” said Loeffler about Fannin. “There’s not one time that I’m complaining about his depth, and then after he catches the football, that’s what makes him different.”

The third leg of the explosiveness on offense came on the ground as Stewart had 25 carries for 124 yards.
Stewart had been held to under 65 yards in every game after his dominant week one performance.

Loeffler felt like Stewart played more disciplined today, which helped his success.

“I thought he played really well. “I thought he was more disciplined than what he’s ever been in terms of making the right cut,” said Loeffler. “So I thought he played well.”

With these three having themselves a Saturday, they know they can compete against and beat anyone in the country.

“It doesn’t matter who the opponent is: Toledo, Ohio State, Cleveland Browns, whoever,” said Bazelak. “Just trying to go 1-0, have a great week of practice, get healthy, and I think we know we’re capable of beating anybody in the country.”

These three and the rest of the Falcons know the test they have coming next week at the Glass Bowl in Toledo.