The Bowling Green Falcons play host to the Miami (OH) RedHawks in a MAC showdown on Saturday afternoon from Doyt L. Perry Stadium. Both picked to finish outside the top of the conference, both have had up and down seasons thus far. The RedHawks are coming off a win last week at home and having alternated results each week, they'll be looking to make it back-to-back wins in this one. For the Falcons, a loss last week at home has this team hoping for their own bounce back at home in this one. Miami (OH) has won three straight in the series overall, with a strong chance that they'll make it four in a row on Saturday.
The RedHawks have losses that are far from disappointing this season and are hoping that their non-conference experience gives them the ability to come away with the win in this one. September meetings with Cincinnati and Kentucky saw this group struggle, while a close loss two weeks ago to Buffalo dealt them their second loss. Home has been key to this group finding success and even though they'll be favored on the road, it still could be a tough start for them to overcome. It doesn't hurt that this group hasn't lost to Bowling Green since 2017 and that confidence internally could go a long way toward finding success on Saturday.
The RedHawks have two injuries to backups, though they'll be thankful no starts are out as they head into the weekend. Backup quarterback Brett Gabbert (upper body) is out for the season, though hasn't seemed to be missed so far. Depth is key for this group and as they co ntinue to remain healthy, they hope the wins continue as well.
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Miami is currently 10th IN THE NATION in total rushing defense??#RiseUpRedHawks | ???? pic.twitter.com/Y0vgAN8yBX
— Miami Football (@MiamiOHFootball) October 12, 2022
Miami's offense has been difficult to watch at times this season but the hope is that they can break out against one of the country's worst defenses as well. The RedHawks rank 116th nationally in yardage, though they peak at 46th in rushing yards per game. Considering Bowling Green's own struggles stopping the run, this could be the key advantage for fans to keep an eye on. Aveon Smith has been decent in the pocket but his ability to team up with a pair of talented running backs is what could put this game out of reach.
The defensive side of things hasn't been what has held back Miami this season and the RedHawks will like their chances against a Bowling Gren team that has struggled with offensive consistency this season. Ranked tenth nationally against the run, their ability to control the clock and keep the Falcons from drawing out lengthy possessions, could be key. Ryan McWood (53 tackles) has done everything at lineb acker but the secondary is also key towards this groups success, especially with their tendency to swarm to the ball.