Ohio and Bowling Green are both 2-2 overall right now, but both have had moments of brilliance already in 2025.
The Bobcats, the defending MAC champions, opened the year with a three-point loss at Rutgers, then earned a Power Four upset against West Virginia at home, 17-10. They lost at Ohio State 37-9 before bouncing back and defeating Gardner-Webb 52-35 at home.
Bowling Green has also lost to two programs from power conferences. The Falcons started the year with a 26-7 win over Lafayette and also beat Liberty 23-13, both games being at home. But BGSU also lost at Cincinnati and Louisville, both by double digits.
But now conference play begins for both programs, and both have the talent to compete for a spot in the league championship this year.
Bowling Green vs. Ohio Betting Odds
Ohio is a -7.5 college football betting odds favorite against Bowling Green, with the Over/Under being 50.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for Bowling Green is +250, while it’s -325 for Ohio.
Bowling Green vs. Ohio On TV
The matchup between Bowling Green and Ohio will be televised on CBSSN.
The game will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, Sept. 27. The contest is taking place at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio.
Bowling Green vs. Ohio Prediction
I predict Ohio will win and cover the 7.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 50.5 total points.
I like what Bowling Green has done so far, especially in that win over Liberty. But I don’t think the Falcons have what it takes on offense or defense to keep up with Ohio on the road.
The Bobcats’ offense begins with quarterback Parker Navarro. He’s thrown for 870 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 66% of his passes, and that’s with three of four games being against Power Four schools. He’s also second on the team with 255 rushing yards, and he’s also scored one touchdown on the ground.
Chase Hendricks has been Navarro’s favorite receiver. He’s caught 28 passes for 456 yards and three touchdowns. But Ohio can also be balanced with Sieh Bangura at running back. He’s rushed for 299 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
I have to admit: I was skeptical of this Ohio team following the coaching change during this past offseason. But with Brian Smith leading the program, the Bobcats have continued to play at a high level. I think they will continue to do so now that they’re entering conference play.
