BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (WLIO) — Bowling Green State University opened its 2025 football season with a jolt of déjà vu and a dominating performance on special teams, defeating its opponent 26-7 in front of a home crowd that included former head coach Urban Meyer.

For the second consecutive year, the Falcons (1-0) began their season with a kickoff return for a touchdown. This time, it was Cameron Petteway who provided the fireworks, taking the opening kickoff 98 yards to the end zone after fielding the ball at his own 2-yard line. The electric return set the tone for Bowling Green’s special teams' dominance.

The offense managed just one touchdown, a 4-yard run from Mar'Kel Porter with under a minute left in the first half to give BGSU a 17-0 lead at the break. But it was kicker Jackson Kleather who stole the show, going a perfect 4-for-4 on field goal attempts, including a booming 56-yarder. He also converted both extra points.

Bowling Green relied heavily on field position and special teams throughout the night, building a comfortable lead while limiting scoring opportunities for the visiting team. The Falcons' defense held strong, allowing just one touchdown in the second half.

The win marked a successful start to the Eddie George era in Bowling Green, with the Falcons moving to 1-0.

Tags