Western Michigan bounces back, secures bowl eligibility in 23-10 win over Bowling Green
Broncos pick up their first win over Bowling Green since 2019.
Western Michigan entered Saturday in unfamiliar territory.
The Broncos hadn't come off a loss to a MAC opponent in an entire year. But after dropping a 45-38 thriller at Toledo, Western Michigan needed to respond against the Rockets' arch rival.
Bowling Green was a thorn in the Broncos' side throughout the 2020s, winning all three previous matchups in the decade. However, Western Michigan responded with its seventh consecutive conference victory in Kalamazoo, holding off Bowling Green in 23-10 fashion.
The Falcons struck first on their opening drive, traveling 69 yards in 11 plays to establish a 7-0 lead. Western Michigan's defense ensured Bowling Green would never reach the end zone for the final 52 minutes of action. The Falcons punted on each of their next five drives, including four three-and-outs, providing the Bronco offense enough opportunities to jump in front.
Western Michigan running back Cole Cabana only had 20 rushing yards on the season and 44 in his career before Saturday, Cabana nearly doubled that career total on one play, breaking free for an 82-yard touchdown in the first quarter to knot the game at seven apiece. The junior finished with a game-high 110 yards on seven carries, accounting for the majority of the Broncos' rushing production.
The Broncos claimed their first lead in the middle of the second quarter on a Broc Lowry touchdown strike to tight end Ryan Brotherton, and that 14-7 lead would never be relinquished. Lowry produced 146 passing yards in the victory, and 109 were distributed to star receiver Aveion Chenault, who recorded his second-straight 100-yard performance.
Western Michigan shut Bowling Green out in the second half. The Broncos didn't score a touchdown across the final 30 minutes of action, but they moved the ball enough to set up three field goal attempts for Dieter Kelly. The reliable kicker sunk all three, improving to 11-of-12 on the season, with makes of 32, 50, and 46 yards.
When Bowling Green got into desperation mode in the fourth quarter, the turnovers started to mount. The Falcons threw three interceptions in the final seven minutes of action with Justyce Betts, Amarian Louis, and Daeh McCullough as the recipients. McCullough was one of the stars for the Broncos' defense Saturday afternoon, securing a team-high eight tackles and a pass breakup in the low-scoring victory.
Bowling Green (2-7, 2-3 MAC) is denied of bowl eligibility for the second consecutive season. The Falcons have only finished above .500 twice in the past 11 seasons, faring 7-6 in 2023 and 2024. Eddie George's team now prepares for its upcoming midweek rivalry game with Kent State on Nov. 10, hoping to generate some late-season momentum.
Western Michigan (6-3, 4-1 MAC) is bowl eligible for the third consecutive year under Lance Taylor. The Broncos have now won 13 of their last 15 against MAC opponents, including last year's MAC Championship Game victory over Miami (OH). Western Michigan remains alive in the race to repeat, but it must emerge in a top-heavy race featuring undefeated Ohio and fellow one-loss teams Toledo, Buffalo, and Miami (OH).
