BGSU football kickstarted the Eddie George era with a 26-7 win over Lafayette in the first-ever matchup between the two programs.
“We knew it was going to be a tough challenge for us, given that we’ve been through a lot of obstacles with a lot of turnover and trying to figure out who we are,” George said postgame. “I had to find out a lot about who we are under the lights and under pressure and facing adversity. We responded through a lot of adversity tonight. This is just the start. We just stepped up and did a great job.”
The start of the season would once again begin in spectacular fashion, shades of last year. Bowling Green would open up with a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown from freshman running back Cameron Pettaway, beginning the season with a kick return touchdown on the first play for the second straight year.
Despite the adrenaline pumping start, it would be cut short just a few drives later as weather in the area would put the game under a delay for about 45 minutes. Teams and spectators took cover under the bleachers of Doyt L. Perry Stadium during this timely break.
After the delay, BG’s defense took care of the Leopards offense in a very strong fashion. The Falcons’ offence, however, was an interesting factor, as the squad led by quarterback Drew Pyne would primarily be on the running attack, at one point with 14 rushing attempts compared to passing four times.
The next score of the game would come once again from the Orange and Brown in the second quarter, as junior kicker Jackson Kleather nailed a 30-yard field goal try, making it a 10-0 score.
As the Leopards tried to find an ounce of daylight on the offensive side of the ball, BG’s defense continued to show its worth time in and time out, led by sophomore linebacker Dorian Pringle. Pringle had eight tackles, half a sack and several tackles for loss before halftime.
“Dorian has come on since the spring,” George said. “He just has a knack for getting to the ball.”
The rushing attack would continue to be the strong suit, the Falcons running room would run for a combined total of 105 yards in the first half between Pettaway, junior Chris McMillian, freshman Mar’Kel Porter and senior Kaderris Roberts. This would then lead to BG’s first offensive touchdown of the night from Porter, moving the deficit to a three-score advantage, 17-0, right as halftime commenced.
“Let the running backs eat!” Pettaway said, smiling. “As long as one of them is successful, I will cheer for them all game if I have to.”
The second half of the contest would have the same rhythm as before, with Lafayette struggling to push the ball upfield, while Bowling Green’s defense stopped every chance in the books against the Leopards. Another Falcons offensive drive early in the quarter would result in another Kleather field goal, from a career-long 56 yards. BG added onto the lead yet again, 20-0.
“It was awesome,” Kleather said. “I might not have the same leg power as others; I just go out there and play to my strengths.”
With over seven minutes to go in the third, the Leopards would finally be able to march down the field in a 15-play drive. Senior quarterback Dean DeNobile delivered a pass to the endzone to senior receiver Elijah Steward for their first points of the game after going for it on fourth down, 20-7.
Pyne and the Falcons offense would try to respond but failed to reach the endzone, resulting in another field goal from Kleather from 39-yards, 23-7.
Late stages of the game remained at the same tempo, although Lafayette seemed to find some momentum, their struggles of moving the ball were seen yet again. Kleather for the Falcons would cap off another offensive drive with a 35-yard field goal, having a perfect night, making all four attempts.
That last three-point addition would be the last of the game, giving George’s first game as the Falcons’ head coach a 26-7 victory over the Leopards.
The Falcons, off to a fresh start in the best way possible, will face their next challenge down south against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6. Kickoff begins at 3:30 p.m.
