#24 San Jose State vs. Bowling Green State University
Another game with a school losing their head coach, San Jose State. Seems like there isn't an early game without someone jumping on or off the coaching carousel.
The Spartans show up with a high scoring offense while the Falcons look to keep it close. Close it was with SJSU getting the first score, a couple field goals for Bowling Green and another Spartan field goal to end the half 10-6. Just the kind of game Bowling Green needed.
Special teams in this game were horrendous, especially punting. The SJSU punter was hit hard on a play and was ranting at the officials for not getting a flag. Turns out the guy was more than hot, he was hurt and had to leave for the locker room by the half.
Bowling Green moved ahead 13-10, both teams playing good defense but not able to take advantage of punting mistakes. The Falcons punter had kicks of 12 and 15 yards in the second half while they blocked a punt to set up a score.
Another blocked punt for SJSU that turned into a safety (a break for BGSU) and then, finally a touchdown following the safety kick off. Bowling Green answered thanks to a long run to go up 20-19. More shaky special teams play helped SDSU grab the two final scores including a late touchdown for the 29-20 win.
SDSU won despite having -17 yards rushing. QB David Fales was the difference, passing for 395 yards and two touchdowns. A lot of yards considering the Spartans didn't have an offensive series of more than five players until midway through the third quarter.
There will not be a game this bowl season with worse special teams play.
Game notes
-Not exactly a big crowd for this tilt. That's not a practice, that's the game at RFK Stadium.
-San Jose State's Cullen Newsome was pretty excited to be at this game. That had to take a while.
-Bowl swag: Apple iPad mini, Timely watch, beanie. The iPad alone makes this a winner. A whole lot better than a commemorative football.
-Northrop Grumman is the sponsor of this bowl. I like to patronize sponsors of the games as much as possible so this year I'm looking at picking up one of these.
It's an LEMV Airship built for the Army. Should look pretty spiffy putting this down in the work parking lot in Norwood.
I had San Jose State in this one, upping my bowl record to 6-3. High confidence points on this one.
Two more games today, Belk Bowl and Holiday Bowl.
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