Bowling Green, Ohio - The Bowling Green Men's Rugby team (2-0 Overall, 1-0 MAC) will play their home opener this Saturday, September 20th, against Ohio State (0-1 Overall) over Homecoming Weekend. The match will be played at Roger Mazzarella Rugby Field.
"I obviously don't have the same history with Ohio State as Roger, Tony, and Brad, however I know that this game definitely means something to our club. I understand that there is a lot of pride on the line for this one and I know a lot of guys on each side were teammates throughout high school. It gives an exciting dynamic to have them play against some of their peers from high school," said Assistant Coach Austin Morris. "I'm excited to see how competitive all of our games will be with them. As a coach, I really want to push the development of the players and this match for OSU gives a great opportunity to boost the development of both our sides."
Last Time on the Field
Last week, BGSU (2-0) left Cincinnati with two victories, 26-10 and 49-14, on the road. While the Falcons still have a bit of rust to knock off, it was a strong result. Cincinnati has historically been a tough side to face. However, this year, while still tough, Bowling Green controlled the game. BG jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half through Wing Griffin Wilson and Eight Man Phil Tracey, and two conversions from Fullback Joey Apel. BG continued to control the game throughout the rest of the first half, limiting the Bearcat's opportunities and keeping a first half shutout. In the second half, it was more balanced and back and forth. Each time scored two tries, with Center Gianpaolo Sferrella and Hooker Gino Carlo scoring BG's tries and Apel converting one of the two conversions.
"Ohio State brings a different kind of game because they have a full team of intelligent players that are going to test our mental fortitude and decision making," said Senior Joey Apel. "I am excited to see how our team works to ensure we get our first home win this Saturday."
Milestone Markers
? Bowling Green aims to secure their first home win of the season
About Ohio State
Last fall, Ohio State went 7-3 Overall and 4-1 in the Big 10. The Buckeyes were eventually crowned Big 10 champions after wins over Indiana, 33-27 in the semi-final and Notre Dame, 21-17 in the Big 10 Final. Throughout the fall, OSU faced some tough non-conference competition such as Davenport, (a 32-0 loss) and Adrian (a 22-29 loss). In the regular season, only Notre Dame prevented OSU from an undefeated Big 10 regular season after a narrow 40-39 victory for the Fighting Irish. In the spring, OSU defeated NCR D1AA Champions Kentucky 31-10, then lost to Mount St. Mary's 52-7, and defeated Penn State 41-34. OSU then found themselves in the CRA D1A Men Challenger Cup Play-in Round, where they defeated Air Force 31-28. However, the Buckeye's run was ended by Mary Washington in the semi-final round with a 71-0 loss. Ultimately, the Buckeyes lost to the eventual D1A Men Challenger Cup winners, after Mary Washington defeated Grand Canyon 40-25. Finally, OSU ended their spring season with a 55-19 win against Bowling Green.
This season, Ohio State has begun 0-1, following a tough 48-17 loss in their week 1 matchup with Tenneseee from the SCRC.
Bowling Green vs. Ohio State
Bowling Green, Ohio | The Roger Mazzarella Rugby Field
Saturday, September 13th | 1:00 p.m.
Up Next
Bowling Green will play its MAC Home Opener vs. Louisville on Saturday, September 20th.
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 Rugb
