Game Preview: Bowling Green versus the Buffalo Bulls

It’s here! It's finally here!

The game that's been circled on all Bulls fans calendars for the past few weeks is about to get underway.

A winner takes all contest to see who can go to the MAC Championship.

That's what on the line when Buffalo hosts Bowling Green at Ralph Wilson Stadium on UB Senior Day this Friday.

A game in which both teams enter with identical records and similar playing styles, there isn't a better way to decide who will win the MAC East.

The Falcons (8-3) have a very good offense (35.4 ppg) and an elite defense (14.4 ppg).

Since losing to Toledo 28-25 on October 26th, Bowling Green is 3-0, outscoring its opponents 152-10.

Sophomore quarterback Matt Johnson leads the Falcons offense, winning the job over three-year starter Matt Schilz in fall camp.

Johnson has had a big year, passing for 2,572 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

He does a good job of spreading the ball out. Six Falcons players have 20+ receptions on the year, led by Shaun Joplin who has 41 receptions for 658 yards and two touchdowns.

Bowling Green's biggest offensive weapon is sophomore running back Travis Greene. Leading the team in carries, Greene has 1,293 yards and nine touchdowns on the year.

Statistically the best offense in the MAC that Buffalo has faced this year, the Bulls are in for a big challenge against the Falcons.

The one thing going against Bowling Green is that they've struggled in close games.

The Falcons are 0-2 in games decided by 10 or less points. That also shows that Bowling Green just doesn’t play in close games.

They have completely dominated their opponents for the most part. Bowling Green averages 21 points more per game than they allow.

Since their disappointing 42-10 loss to Indiana back in September, the Falcons haven't allowed more than 28 points in a single game.

This is a very good team. A team that is probably much better than their record indicates considering that all of their losses have come on the road against decent competition.

Buffalo will be in for a good game but the Bulls are definitely talented enough to take on the Falcons.

Looking at the MAC rankings:

It's Bowling Green's first ranked MAC defense versus Buffalo's second ranked MAC defense.

It's Bowling Green's third ranked MAC offense versus Buffalo's fifth ranked MAC offense.

Both of these teams are solid on both sides of the ball. Both defenses have been dominant at times while both offenses have very good running games with talented young quarterbacks leading the way.

It's going to be fun to watch. It'll be even cooler based on the fact that a division title and a trip to the MAC Championship is on the line.

Look for a close game that will be decided in the trenches. The team that wins in the trenches should take this game.

I'd say look for a low scoring game in which both teams rushing attacks will be their main focus but with MACtion, sometimes you never know.

On this glorious Black Friday in Buffalo, look for UB fans to be celebrating as the Bulls will clinch a berth to Detroit for the first time since 2008.

Prediction: Buffalo 27-24