Not the start to the season Bowling Green had hoped for. They came out flat and turned the ball over 6 times to a stingy Georgia Southern Defense. It was clear from the start that Georgia Southern had a clear game plan and that was to suffocate the Bowling green tight end who was expected to be a focal point of the offense. Connor Bazelak went 14-26 for 197 yards. 2 TD and 5 Int. There was a lot of hype surrounding Bazelak to start the season and obviously this was not an ideal start but there were some positives to take away. He made some really great throws but also had some poor reads.
Bowling Green will hit a bye week for week 2 and then have a tough out of conference battle against USF.
Georgia Southern Defeats Bowling Green 45-17 in Dominant Victory
Statesboro, GA – March 2, 2025
Georgia Southern put on a defensive clinic in their 45-17 victory over Bowling Green, securing a decisive win that saw their defense dominate with an impressive five interceptions. The Eagles showcased their ability to lock down the opposition and capitalize on turnovers, further cementing their status as one of the most dangerous teams in college football this season.
A Stellar Defensive Performance
The story of the game was Georgia Southern’s defense, which had a breakout performance. The Eagles’ secondary was relentless, intercepting Bowling Green quarterbacks five times throughout the game. Each interception was pivotal in preventing any momentum shifts and gave the offense a short field to work with.
The Eagles' defense came up big early in the game, as senior cornerback Xavier Anderson picked off Bowling Green’s starting quarterback, Sam Johnson, on the opening drive. This set the tone for the rest of the game, as the defense continued to stifle Bowling Green’s air attack, forcing three more interceptions in the second half alone.
Freshman safety Marcus Harris played a key role, securing two of those five interceptions, with one returned for a 35-yard touchdown. Harris’ ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and react quickly was a highlight of the defensive unit’s overall success. The Eagles' ability to consistently disrupt Bowling Green's rhythm was a testament to their improved coverage and disciplined pass rush.
Offense Capitalizes on Turnovers
While the defense was busy picking off passes, the Georgia Southern offense made sure to make the most of the turnovers. Quarterback Jalen Thomas was efficient, connecting with star wide receiver Dalen Cobb for two touchdowns, including a 40-yard strike in the second quarter that helped extend the lead. Cobb, who has been one of the top receivers in the nation this season, finished the game with 125 receiving yards and two touchdowns, continuing his dominance.
Running back Devin Johnson added a pair of rushing touchdowns, helping to wear down Bowling Green’s defense and keeping the offense balanced. Georgia Southern’s ability to mix the passing and rushing attacks allowed them to consistently move the ball and keep Bowling Green’s defense on their heels.
Key Plays and Impactful Moments
The Eagles’ defense made several key plays at crucial moments in the game. In the third quarter, with Bowling Green trying to mount a comeback, Xavier Anderson intercepted a pass in the end zone, halting the Falcons’ drive and preventing a potential touchdown. This interception, along with Harris’s pick-six, crushed any hopes Bowling Green had of making a competitive game out of it.
Additionally, the Eagles’ defensive line was disruptive, getting consistent pressure on the quarterback, which forced several errant throws that led to turnovers. The relentless pass rush, combined with strong coverage in the secondary, left Bowling Green little chance to develop any offensive flow.
Looking Ahead
Georgia Southern’s 45-17 victory over Bowling Green is a statement win for the program. The defense’s performance, particularly their five interceptions, is a reflection of the team’s growth under first-year head coach Big_red1300. With a potent offense and now a defense that can take control of games, Georgia Southern is looking like a team to watch as they approach their bowl game and look to break into the top 25 rankings.
As the team prepares for their next challenge, there is no doubt that Georgia Southern’s defense will be a major point of focus, especially as they continue to improve and fine-tune their game for the postseason.
Final Score:
Georgia Southern 45
Bowling Green 17
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