The Falcons return to Bowling Green for homecoming against the Liberty Flames, looking to avenge their loss from 2023.
Bowling Green is coming off a 34-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats, of which included a very slow start offensively. Bowling Green ended better than they started, outscoring Cincinnati 17-13 in the second half.
Liberty fell to Jacksonville State 34-24 last week. Despite the Flames having 534 yards on offense, the Gamecocks set the ground on fire with 338 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Both teams look to start their second half of non-conference play with a win to gain momentum for the rest of their season.
Game Notes
- Time and Date: Saturday, September 13th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time
- Location: Doyt Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio
- Gambling considerations: Liberty (-6.5), over/under 51.5 per FanDuel.
- Viewing options: The game will be available on ESPN+. A valid subscription is required for viewing. Michael Reghi (play-by-play) and Marcus Ray (color) will provide commentary
- Radio options: Todd Walker (play-by-play) and John Gibson (color) will provide the BGSU call for Eagle FM 99.
- All-time series: Series tied 1-1, with Liberty taking a 34-24 victory on Sept. 2. 2023.
What Happened Last Time?
The Falcons and Flames met in Lynchburg for their second-ever matchup in 2023. In a game highlighted by a touchdown from a blocked field goal, Connor Bazelak and Camden Orth combined for five interceptions on the way to the 34-24 loss. Despite running for 191 yards, the Falcons could not match the dual threat of Kaidon Salter (now at Colorado), who finished with 225 total yards (82 yards on the ground). Of course, this was the first win for the Flames in a campaign that ended with a Fiesta Bowl appearance.
About the Bowling Green Falcons
Despite losing by two touchdowns at Cincinnati, the Falcons showed what they are capable of this season.
Drew Pyne finally got his passing game working, more than doubling his production from Week 1 against Lafayette. It was evident that his comfort level had gone up. Liberty’s defense allows an average of 92 passing yards/game, so Pyne needs to be able to exploit the defense
The running backs may have a hidden gem in Cameron Pettaway. He finished with 72 rushing yards against the Bearcats. He’s also a special teams demon, having returned the season-opening kick. It would be safe to assume early on that the Falcons will try to expose the Flames on the run again.
Jyrin Johnson has a reception streak of 35 games going. He showed his athleticism finishing with 80 yards and a touchdown last week. He’s definitely one to watch out for as the season rolls on.
Defensively, Dorian Pringle has been excellent the first two games. He’s racked up 20 tackles, one-half sack, and forced one fumble. The linebacker corps of Pringle and Gideon Lampron will only continue to get better as the season goes on.
About the Liberty Flames
Head coach Jamey Chadwell is in his third season at helm of the Flames. After Liberty’s appearance in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon, his record has been 9-5 in the last 14 games.
Quarterback Ethan Vasko is starting for the Flames after transferring in from Coastal Carolina, Caldwell’s former program. Vasko is averaging 266 passing yards and 42.5 rushing yards per game on the young season. He’s a dual-threat that could give Liberty an edge this week.
Running the ball is Evan Dickens, who has 148 yards and one touchdown on the season. Against Jacksonville State, he ran for 114 yards. Close behind him is Caden Williams with 91 yards. Dickens (23 carries) and Williams (17 carries) have most of the touches outside of Vasko, and they’ll need to make sure to utilize them efficiently against a run defense that has allowed an average of 82.5 yards/game
Donte Lee, Jr. leads Liberty in receiving with 110 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Falcons need to be aware of running back Julian Gray. Gray has 87 receiving yards and 57 rushing yards, so it’s not unreasonable to see him do both on Saturday. Jamari Person could also be of interest with 86 receiving yards.
The Flames defense took a gut punch last week against the rush. The Falcons will have to watch out for former Buffalo Bull CJ Bazile (team leader in sacks) and Amarian Williams (one interception). Allowing 353 yards per game, the defense will have to stop the Falcon offense that looks to be getting better.
What Each Team Needs
Bowling Green showed flashes of what the team plays like against Cincinnati. The key for the Falcons is to avoid the slow start. Lafayette hung around a little closer than BG would have liked because the passing offense needed time to get going, while the against Cincinnati, BG couldn’t get scores until the second half. If they can hit the ground running in this game, it will be a marked improvement. The Falcons want the win to go 2-1 in non-conference play for the first time since 2014, and their first homecoming win since 2022.
Liberty’s run defense will be tested yet again. They were just obliterated last week, and they know they’ll have to be better. Will the Falcons get to 300 like Jacksonville State? Maybe not, but there are some capable runners for Bowling Green if Liberty is not paying attention to them. Should the Flames be able to lock down on defense, they match up well in other places and have the coaching advantage to be able to take home a win.
