Butler, PA - The Bowling Green Men's Rugby Team (9-3 Overall, 5-1 MAC, 2-0 Nationals) will continue their quest for another National Title against Louisville (7-0 Overall, 6-0 MAC, 1-0 Nationals) in a neutral site match on Saturday, December 6th at 11 AM on the Pullman Rec Center Reserve Field in Butler, Pennsylvania.

"We know the team we are up against. There are not many times that two teams face each other three times in a year. They got two on us so far this year, we don't intend on letting it become a third," said Club President Kosta Anderson. "We respect all but fear none so this is really just another 80 minutes with the chance to earn 80 more."

Bowling Green has managed to make it to the NCR Semifinal after a 71-24 win over Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference back-to-back-to-back winners Virginia Tech on Saturday, November 22nd. The Falcons now face the MAC Champions Louisville. Bowling Green goes into the match with ample information on the Cardinals. However, the Falcons will need to be ready and keep the momentum moving. BGSU needs to keep their heads up and minds cool in order to make their return to the National Championship final.

Last Time on the Field

Bowling Green arrived in Butler with a chip on their shoulder. The team knew that Virginia Tech was looking for revenge from the previous year's Semifinal elimination in Reading. However, the Falcons started the game with their foot on the gas. Within the first five minutes, All-American Fullback Joey Apel opened the scoring and made the first conversion attempt of the game. From there BG took off, exploding to a 28 point lead going into the half. In the second half Bg started right where they left off, with another four tires and two conversions making it 47 unanswered points . However the Hokies managed to get two in conversions and a try to make it 47-12. The Falcons emptied the bench before getting another try to make it 53-12. Virginia Tech pulled one back to make it 47-19. BG would get another 14 points from two tries and conversions. Virginia Tech would get one last try to make it 67-24. Center John-Luke would score the final try for the Falcons to round out the scoring 71-24 and finalize the victory. Overall, the Falcons played a very strong game and had solid execution throughout. 

Milestone Markers

• BG has qualified for Nations from 1986-1988, 2001-2004, 2008-2021, 2024, and 2025.

• BG won the National Championship in 2018 under Head Coach Tony Mazzarella. 

• BG finished runners-up in the 2021 National Championship in a 31-36 loss to Tennessee and in 2024 in a 57-14 loss to Kentucky. 

About Louisville:

Last season, Louisville finished 2nd in the MAC Conference with 26 points from a record of 5-1, with only a loss to Bowling Green. They finished first for points for (309), second for points against (84) and points differential (+225). The Cardinals also lost the 2024 MAC Tournament after a 34-10 victory over Western Michigan (No. 3) in the semi-finals and a 34-33 loss to Bowling Green (No. 1) in the MAC Final. 

This season, Louisville are 6-0 in the MAC. The Cardinals started with a 28-0 victory over University of Dayton following a match cancellation. In response Louisville defeated Ohio University 106-5 the following week. They next defeated Bowling Green early in the season 32-22 on the road. In the weeks following, the Cardinals defeated Western Michigan 61-17, Pittsburgh 77-3, and Cincinnati 58-3. Louisville started their MAC Tournament at home against University of Cincinnati and won 38-19 to secure a Home MAC Final against Bowling Green. In the MAC Final, Louisville gave Bowling Green a 32-22 defeat. 

In the 2025 NCR D-AA National Tournament, Louisville earned a Quarterfinal entry into the tournament and skipped the Play-In round. As a result, their first match in the tournament was against Boston College, who they defeated 22-13. 

Bowling Green vs. Louisville

Butler, PA | Pullman Rec Center

Saturday, December 6th | @ 11 AM

Up Next

Bowling Green is playing for the opportunity to play another 80 minutes against the winner of Tennessee and Texas A&M in the 2025 NCR 15s Championship Final in Houston, Texas, on December 13th.

Follow the Falcons

Be sure to follow the Falcons Rugby team on social media for schedule updates and any information:

• Instagram: @rugbgofficial

• Facebook: BGSU Men's Rugby