BOWLING GREEN, OH (WLIO) - College football returned to Doyt L. Perry Stadium on Saturday as Bowling Green State University opened its season with a new head coach, a familiar legend honored, and even a feline mascot stealing some attention.

The Falcons, 21.5-point favorites entering the matchup against Lafayette, kicked off a new chapter under first-year head coach Eddie George, the former Ohio State and NFL star. Hired in March, George has spent the offseason reshaping the program’s identity and preparing his team for the long season ahead.

“This is my number one job — to get this team prepared,” George said before kickoff. “We’ve been intentional with everything from practice structure to learning the logistics of game day. The adversity we’ve put them through was meant to show us who we are and how we respond.”

Saturday also featured a special moment for another Ohio State icon, as BGSU paid tribute to Urban Meyer — a former Falcons and Buckeyes head coach — who was recently named to the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame class.

Adding to the day’s buzz was “Pudge,” a campus cat that has become a semi-official locker room fixture, capturing hearts and headlines during fall camp.

With preseason buildup, new leadership, and program tradition on full display, Bowling Green fans had no shortage of storylines as the Eddie George era officially began.

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