BOWLING GREEN — Ohio concludes its season with its game against Bowling Green on Friday afternoon.
The Bobcats (3-8, 3-4 Mid-American Conference) are at the end of their first season under coach Tim Albin. Their season has been marred with losses and missteps, but they have won two of their last three games.
The Falcons (3-8, 1-6 MAC) are in the middle of their sixth-straight losing season. They’ve won one conference game following the 2019 season, and have been blown out in their last two games.
Kickoff is set for noon at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Below is a guide to game day with how to follow along, depth charts, what to watch for, who has the edge, a reading guide and The Post’s predictions:
Following along
How to watch: Friday’s game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Chris Lewis and Donte Whitner will be on the call.
How to listen: Ohio’s game can be heard on the Ohio Sports Network from Learfield. Russ Eisenstein and Rob Cornelius will be behind the mic.
How to find stats: Stats are provided here.
Depth charts
Ohio Offense
Ohio Defense
Ohio Special Teams
Bowling Green Offense
Bowling Green Defense
Bowling Green Special Teams
Three things to watch for
Final game for Collins and Germano
Ohio’s defensive coordinator Ron Collins and co-defensive coordinator Pete Germano have both announced their intentions to retire after Ohio’s game against Bowling Green. After Friday, Ohio will be without two of the longest-tenured members of its coaching staff.
Collins and Germano combine for 27 years of coaching experience on Ohio’s staff, and Friday will be their final game with the program. Whether or not their careers end on a positive note is yet to be seen.
Injuries on Falcons defense
Bowling Green’s defense will be without one of its biggest contributors. Davon Ferguson, a cornerback, has been out due to injury since Bowling Green’s game against Eastern Michigan on Oct. 23. Ferguson recorded 45 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks in his eight games played this year.
In addition to Ferguson, linebacker Bryce Brand will also be out after suffering an injury against Buffalo on Oct. 30. Brand recorded 30 total tackles and three tackles for loss in his nine games this year.
Ohio’s touchdown troubles
Ohio faltered near the end zone in its most recent game against Toledo. It didn’t score a touchdown until the final minutes of the game, and it only scored as a result of field goals for the first three quarters.
If they want to end the season with a win, the Bobcats need to find the end zone. They can’t settle for field goals like they did last week.
The edge
When Ohio has the ball: Although Bowling Green ranks third in the MAC for pass defense, it fails when trying to contain the run. It allows 193.5 yards per game and has given up 29 rushing touchdowns this season.
Running back De’Montre Tuggle had one of the best games of his college career against Bowling Green last season, and he may be set up for another. If Ohio dips into its running backs room, it’ll run rampant through Bowling Green’s defense.
The edge: Ohio
When Bowling Green has the ball: The big focus for Ohio’s defense will be on quarterback Matt McDonald, who is responsible for the majority of Bowling Green’s total offensive yards. Ohio’s pass defense has struggled against quarterbacks like Eastern Michigan’s Ben Bryant but also performed decently against those like Toledo’s Dequan Finn. If Ohio has another good day and can lock down McDonald, Bowling Green will have to rely on its rushing attack, which averages just over 100 yards per game.
The edge: Ohio
Reading guide
Prediction
Sports Editor Jack Gleckler
Bowling Green has been the punching bag of the MAC for the last six years. Its offense ranks in the bottom of the conference, and it has been blown out in its last two games. Ohio, while reeling from its loss to Toledo, has still won two of its last three games against teams much better than Bowling Green. Ohio caps off its season with win No. 4. Ohio wins 35-17.
