For the 90th time, the Toledo Rockets (3-2, 1-1 MAC) and Bowling Green Falcons (2-3, 0-1 MAC) meet on the football field for what should be a very spirited contest. Both teams enter the game coming off a BYE week; Toledo’s last outing was a dominant 45-3 victory over Akron, while Bowling Green spent the week trying to get healthy after a 35-20 loss to Ohio which saw them lose multiple contributors.
The Falcons will have a chance to tie the all-time series with a victory, which could also serve as
the team’s first conference win.
Toledo will have plenty of motivation as well; they want to avoid a 1-2 start to league play after an unexpected loss in their MAC opener to Western Michigan.
The last time these two teams were on the field, BGSU smacked the Rockets to the tune of 41-26. After trading touchdowns in the first quarter, the Falcons would outscore the Rockets 34-19 over the remaining clock to take the win. Toledo outgained Bowling Green in yards 422-402, but two timely interceptions by Jordan Oladokun helped the Falcons win back-to-back games at the Glass Bowl for the first time since the 1990’s.
Suffice to say Saturday could prove to be another great game in the Battle of I-75 rivalry.
Game Notes
- Time and Date: Saturday, October 11th, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time
- Location: Doyt Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio
- Gambling considerations: Toledo (-10.5), over/under 48.5 per FanDuel.
- Viewing options: The game will be aired nationally on ESPNU; a valid subscription is required for viewing. Matt Schumacker (play-by-play) and Dustin Fox (color) will provide commentary.
- Radio options: For Bowling Green, Eagle FM 99 will broadcast with Todd Walker (play-by-play) and John Gibson (color) providing commentary. For Toledo, Mark Baier (play-by-play) and Jack Mewhort (color) will provide commentary on the Rockets Radio Network.
- All-time series: Toledo leads 43-42-4 all-time. Last time out, Bowling Green defeated Toledo 41-26.
About the Bowling Green Falcons
The Falcons had a rough go at Ohio, despite an eight-point halftime deficit. Their offense averages just over 21 points/game, while their defense allows almost 26 points/game.
Bowling Green is five games into the Drew Pyne experience, and it’s been rocky. He averages 166 yards per game, and to this point, has four touchdown passes and five interceptions. He’ll be facing a Rocket defense that allows an average of 12.4 points per game with several pro prospects in the defensive backfield. Despite his struggles, he’s still sixth in the MAC for passing yards. If Bowling Green can iron out their struggles in the passing game, this team will look a lot different.
RJ Garcia (168 yards), Finn Hogan (165 yards) and Jyrin Johnson (164 yards) continue to lead the Falcons receiving corps. No one has broken out yet, but any one of them could be candidates if the offense figures it out.
Chris McMillian leads the Falcons on the ground with 226 yards and two touchdowns. Cameron Pettaway follows with 194 yards. It hasn’t been uncommon for Eddie George to feature multiple running backs, and he will most likely continue to do it again.
Bowling Green’s defense has been very good despite staying on the field for extended amounts of time. Gideon Lampron leads the team with 44 tackles. Myles Bradley has three sacks to lead the team, and three players lead with one interception (JoJo Johnson, Kal-El Pascal, and Dorian Pringle). The Falcons defense has given them plenty of chances to win games, but a non-complimentary offense does not help their situation.
About the Toledo Rockets
Toledo is not off to the start they probably would have liked this year, but their MAC title hopes are still largely in their control.
Head coach Jason Candle is leading the team for his 10th Battle of I-75. This appearance will have him tied with Gary Pinkel (1991-2000) for games coached against Bowling Green. Toledo’s offense averages almost 444 yards per game. There will be good chances of a big game for the Rockets offense this week.
Quarterback Tucker Gleason will participate in his third Battle of I-75. In two games against the Falcons, he’s gone 52-for-85 for 649 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has 132 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Gleason has great qualities as a quarterback, and he’ll look to get over the hump and get his first win against the Falcons.
Chip Trayanum is still good as advertised. He’s third in the MAC for rushing yards (476) and he has six touchdowns on the season— not to mention he’s also got one receiving touchdown as well. With more playing time, he’s starting to show what many thought he could bring to the table.
Junior Vandeross III continues to be a force for their receiving corps. He is fourth in the MAC for yards (380) and leads the conference with six touchdowns. The closest receiver to him on the team is Javon Brown with 133 yards. While Vandeross is the favorite target, Toledo still has receivers waiting for a breakout.
Defensively, the Rockets are on top of the MAC. They rank first in total defense (223.8 yards per game), and points allowed. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Nasir Bowers, and Andre Fuller each have one interception. McNeil-Warren has also forced three fumbles. Malachi Davis leads the team with 2.5 sacks. This defense has been a force, and will be hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
Bowling Green has to put emphasis on improving the offense. Whether that’s by emphasizing the run to control the ball or switching up their passing concepts to make life easier on Drew Pyne, they’ll need to settle into a rhythm which works for them. The Falcons have struggled heavilty to stay consistent on that side of the ball, forcing the defense to be on the money more than they probably should.
Toledo, typically known for their high-octane offenses, has built this particular ship with a stifling defense. The last two contests against BGSU were lost because of gaps in defensive and special teams play, so if UT can keep BG limited on defense, it’ll could be a good day for them, as the offense is more than capable of being efficient with the ball.
