The Bowling Green State University football team is marking a significant turnaround this season, as they prepare for the 68 Ventures Bowl against Arkansas State on Thursday. Coach Scot Loeffler has expressed immense pride for his players who endured what he described as the program's "dark era," particularly the senior class who are eager to conclude their collegiate careers with a notable victory.
The Falcons finished their regular season with a respectable 7-5 record, their first winning season since 2015, breaking free from seven consecutive losing seasons. According to the Toledo Blade, Loeffler stated, "I'm super proud of the guys who have been part of this program for four, five, and six years. They were part of the dark era, as I would say, and they really have made this place competitive, hard-working, and do-right program." Their hard work and resilience have finally yielded fruit, and with the bowl game on the horizon, their focus is sharper than ever.
A pivotal storyline leading up to the game involves star tight end Harold Fannin Jr. He enters the bowl with impressive stats, boasting 100 receptions totaling 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns this season. With only 11 yards needed, Fannin stands at the cusp of breaking the single-season receiving yard record for tight ends, previously held by Jace Amaro since 2013. Beyond aspirations for individual accolades, Fannin's contribution has been invaluable to the Falcons. Linebacker Brock Horne remarked, "He's phenomenal. A phenomenal athlete, really good guy, too. Obviously, he helped out the team a ton, and I’m just looking forward to him putting the orange and brown on one more time and having a good bowl game." Loeffler added, "He needs to go to the National Football League as fast as he can."
On the opposing side, Arkansas State also boasts a 7-5 record, securing four wins out of their last six games, marking their best season under veteran coach Butch Jones. Under his guidance, the Red Wolves ended their previous three seasons with losses but enter the bowl game with renewed energy. Jones emphasized the importance of focusing on fundamentals, noting, "We have to be much improved from our Monday practice, from a fundamental execution standpoint, from habit standpoint. All this goes to playing winning football. But I like our mindset so far."
Offensively, Arkansas State has demonstrated versatility, with quarterback Jaylen Raynor generating 2,562 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. The running game is anchored by Zak Wallace, who amassed 622 yards and 10 touchdowns. Thankfully for the Red Wolves, they have some momentum going their way, though they come with concerns on defense, which has allowed 32.3 points per game—ranking sixth-worst nationally. Jones noted, "We've been decimated up front on the defensive line with some season-ending injuries. But right now, we're as healthy as we can possibly be, going forward after long season."
Conversely, Bowling Green's defense has proven to be stout, conceding just 20.3 points per game. Quarterback Connor Bazelak has effectively helmed the offense, throwing for 2,654 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, supported by Terion Stewart, who led the team with 890 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
At halftime of the 68 Ventures Bowl, Bowling Green trailed Arkansas State 24-21, but Fannin's record-setting achievement remained fresh in the narrative throughout the contest. Fannin did break the single-season receiving yards record for tight ends during the game, solidifying his place within college football history. Such achievements symbolize the successes the Falcons sought to stride toward as they enter the post-season era.
This year's Ventures Bowl not only serves as the culmination of the season for Bowling Green but also as the launchpad for Fannin's expected transition to the NFL. His performance, alongside the growth of the Falcons program, indicates brighter horizons past the shadows of the past. Regardless of the game's outcome, the legacy of this season and Fannin's contributions will resonate for years to come.
