BGSU football (3-8, 1-6) took on the Akron Zips (5-7, 4-4) Tuesday night at Doyt L. Perry Stadium for their final home match of the season in hopes of earning their first win in 37 days.
BG was unable to come away victorious, falling to the Zips 19-16. This was their fifth straight loss, three of which were only decided by one score.
“It’s hard, no question. The kids are working their tail off every week and being positive. It hurts because we’re in a position to win games,” said Mike and Jan Wilcox, Head Football Coach Eddie George at the press conference postgame.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Hunter Najm got the start again, even with sophomore quarterback Lucian Anderson III cleared from injury.
The first half was dominated by the defenses on both sides. Bowling Green forced two turnovers, one fumble and an interception. The fumble was recovered by freshman linebacker Andrew Hines III, and the interception was caught by junior cornerback MJ Cannon to end the half.
As a unit, the defense also had three sacks and held Akron to only 161 total yards and six points. Junior linebacker Gideon Lampron’s presence was felt, recording a sack.
“He’s settling in as the mike linebacker, making all the calls,” said George. “The game slows down for him, and he’s able to make plays.”
Offensively, the Falcons struggled to get much going. Najm had completed five of his 15 passes for 102 yards and one interception. He had also been sacked twice.
The bright spot for the Orange and Brown’s offense was senior tight end Jyrin Johnson, who hauled in two catches for 60 yards, providing a spark for the offense in a half where they couldn’t move the ball.
The score was tied up 6-6 after the first half, with much more football to be played.
On Akron’s opening drive of the third quarter, they were able to get a field goal to put themselves in the lead for the first time, 9-6. On the ensuing kickoff, senior running back Kaderris Roberts returned it to the 49-yard line, but Bowling Green was unable to capitalize.
The Falcons were able to get it going late in the third quarter, driving down the field, and Najm connected with sophomore tight end Jacob Harris for a 21-yard touchdown pass. BGSU captured the lead over the Zips once again, 13-9.
Akron wasted no time responding, with senior quarterback Ben Finley finding his receiver, Israel Polk, for a 75-yard touchdown pass. The Zips once again held the lead, 16-13.
The Zips put another field goal on the board early in the fourth to extend their lead to 19-13.
BGSU put together a drive of their own, with freshman running back Austyn Dendy carrying them down the field to kick a field goal. The drive burned 8:19 of the clock and put Bowling Green within three, 19-16. The Orange and Brown had the ball with under two minutes to go in the game, but an untimely interception by Najm sealed the game for Akron.
“Just so unfortunate that we didn’t have a chance to at least get them to overtime,” said George after the game.
The Falcons fell to the Zips 19-16 after a hard-fought game. Bowling Green played well defensively, allowing 323 yards and forcing three turnovers.
Najm struggled as well, completing 9 of his 26 passes for 176 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
“He’s gonna be a great player and an exceptional leader, a guy that you want on your team,” said Harris after the game.
BGSU now turns its attention to the winless UMass (0-11, 0-7) to finish off the 2025 season. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 25 at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium.
