FACTS & STATS: Site: Doyt L. Perry Stadium (23,529) -- Bowling Green, Ohio. Television: Local. Home Record: Ohio 2-2, BGSU 2-0. Away Record: Ohio 1-3, BGSU 2-3. Neutral Record: Ohio 0-0, BGSU 0-0. Conference Record: Ohio 1-3, BGSU 2-1. Series Record: Bowling Green leads, 35-21-2.

GAME NOTES: The Bowling Green Falcons will try to remain in the win column when they host the Ohio Bobcats this Saturday evening in a Mid-American Conference showdown at Perry Stadium. After winning their first two games of the season the Bobcats have dropped five of their last six games, including a heartbreaking, 43-40 loss to Toledo this past weekend. Since the 2004-05 season the Bobcats have struggled on the road, posting a meager 9-14 ledger, and that includes this year's 1-3 mark. As for the Falcons, they snapped a small two-game losing skid with a 31-20 victory over Kent State this past weekend. BGSU has done a solid job against league competition since the 2004-05 season, posting a 16-11 mark against conference foes. The Falcons have a commanding, 35-21-2 edge over Ohio in the all-time series and that includes a 21-9 victory over the Bobcats this past season.

The Bobcats punished Toledo this past weekend for 560 total yards, including an outstanding 271 rushing yards. It was possibly the best performance by Ohio all year. The main threat in the loss was Kalvin McRae, as the tailback rumbled for 182 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries (7.3 ypc). McRae has been tremendous for the Bobcats this season, rushing for 862 yards and 13 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per touch. Unfortunately quarterback Brad Bower had an atrocious outing, completing just 9-of-17 passes for only 163 yards, while throwing for one score and four interceptions. It has been a rough season for the signal-caller, as he heads into this contest with a 56.2 completion percentage. In eight games, Bower has thrown for only 1,359 yards and seven scores against 10 interceptions.

While the Bobcats had no trouble running against Toledo, the defense had its hands full with the Rockets running game, as the unit was gashed for 269 yards on 5.5 ypc. Overall Ohio was abused for 473 total yards, and that led to a whopping 43 points. Stopping the run has been a major issue for Ohio all season, as the team is surrendering 215.2 ypg on the ground. Fortunately the defense has been able to make big plays throughout the year, as the unit has record 15 turnovers, while collecting 28 sacks. The Bobcats have also had some trouble inside its own 20-yard line, as opponents have converted 83 percent of their redzone chances. Kris Luchsinger has done a terrific job this season and heads into this game with 8.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks, both of which are team highs.

The Falcons' offensive success is due to the team's ability to throw the football, as BGSU is currently averaging 307.3 ypg with the pass. Overall the unit is producing 400.6 total ypg, and that has led to 29.6 ppg. In the recent victory over Kent State this past weekend the Falcons aerial assault was only good for 184 yards. Tyler Sheehan completed 14-of-25 passes in the win and also tossed two touchdowns. Sheehan has done an impressive job throughout the year, completing 64.6 percent of his throws for 1,903 yards and 13 touchdowns. While the passing attack was solid against KSU, it was surprisingly the ground game that led the Falcons to the win. The leader in the backfield was Willie Geter, who gashed KSU for 203 yards and one score on 9.2 ypc. Hopefully Geter will be just what BGSU has needed in the backfield which is averaging a pathetic 93.3 ypg.

What has plagued the Falcons all season has been their inability to stop the run, as teams are churning out 209 ypg. Overall this unit is being abused for a whopping 427.4 total ypg, and that has led to 33.9 ppg. In the victory over the Golden Flashes this past weekend, the Falcons still had trouble stuffing the ground game for KSU, as the defense was gashed for 254 yards on 56 carries (4.5 ypc). The defense only forced one turnover in the win, but was able to collect three sacks. The Falcons have forced 17 turnovers on the year, but they have struggled to put pressure on the QB, racking up just 15 sacks on the year. John Haneline has done a solid job all season and comes into this matchup with a team-best 77 tackles.

The Falcons have the offensive firepower to slip past Ohio, but to do so the team must continue to produce on the ground. If BGSU puts forth a balanced attack this Saturday expect the Falcons to move to 3-1 in league action.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Bowling Green 31, Ohio University 28