Three reactions from Bowling Green's loss at Toledo

10/7/2018

Bowling Green made things interesting during Saturday’s game at Toledo, but again the Falcons couldn’t finish off the Rockets in a 52-36 loss, their ninth straight in the Battle of I-75 rivalry series.

BG is now 1-5 at the midway point of the 2018 season.

Three reactions after BG’s loss at UT:

1. There were glimmers of hope on both sides of the ball. At last, Bowling Green found its long-lost running game. At last, the light bulb appears to be coming on for the defense. The Falcons found a groove offensively — they actually outgained Toledo 481-472 — and played their most promising defense of the season. This offered some measure of hope that the Falcons can turn in a better second half.

2. But moral victories don’t pay the bills. Bowling Green showed resolve after falling behind 17-0, they proved to be a challenge for Rockets, and there were tangible signs of growth — but that feels hollow after a loss, especially a ninth consecutive one to Toledo. Bowling Green has just seven wins since the start of 2016, and improvement is measured most by wins and losses.

3. Andrew Clair is one of the top players in the MAC. The sophomore running back is so difficult to tackle, and BG’s offense is more dangerous when he is given space to work. Clair ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns, caught a 60-yard touchdown, and was the Falcons’ biggest weapon. With a few more games like that, he’ll be in the All-MAC conversation.

Contact Nicholas Piotrowicz at: npiotrowicz@theblade.com, 419-724-6110, or on Twitter @NickPiotrowicz.