Cincinnati, Ohio - The Bowling Green Men's Rugby team will play their first MAC game of the season this Saturday, September 6th, against University of Cincinnati. The match will be played at Brimlow Field. 

"It's a big game, Cincinnati is a big test for how well we want to feel going into Ohio State and Louisville over the next two weeks," said Captain Jake Capel. "It's important because Cincinnati has made leaps and bounds as a club the last few years, especially giving us a run for our money in the playoffs last year. I'm excited to get out there with our guys and play our game. It should be a good one."

Last Time on the Field

Last week BGSU (1-0) left Buffalo with a 48-7 win on the road. The Falcons were given the chance to start knocking off the rust with a non-conference match. Senior Colton Crabiel and 5th year Phil Tracey were able to combine for 20 points, each scoring a brace. The Falcons showed some quality play throughout the match. While BG was in control throughout the match, there was still much room for improvement. 

"There is definitely a different feeling in the air knowing that the big boys are starting to play and the MAC season has begun," said 6th year, Kosta Anderson. "This is where it begins for the year. Cincinnati is a good strong athletic team and I know they will show up ready to go."

Milestone Markers

• Bowling Green will look to extend its 14 game undefeated run in MAC regular season play. The streak began following a 91-0 victory away against Pitt. 

• Bowling Green begins the hunt to win their 43rd MAC title

• It is the 50th anniversary of BGSU Men's Club Rugby winning their first MAC Title in 1975

About Cincinnati

Last season,  Cincinnati (4-4, 3-3 MAC) again finished as the No. 4 Seed in the MAC on 17 points. Cincinnati finished 4th for points for (164), points against (106), and points differential (+11). The Bearcats went 1-1 in preseason with a 5-14 loss to Michigan in Ann Arbor, and a 55-5 win over Xavier, the now NCR ranked No. 20 in DIII. From there Bearcats would start the MAC 0-1 with a 38-5 away loss at Bowling Green. Then the Bearcats would jump to 3-1 after a three game win streak with wins over Pittsburg (49-21), Ohio University (27-12), and a forfeit win over Dayton (28-0). Finally, the Bearcats would close out their 2024 MAC season with back to back losses, from a narrow 32-26 loss to Western Michigan and a 50-29 loss to Louisville. Cincinnati qualified as the No. 4 seed for the 2024 MAC tournament, losing to eventual MAC Champions Bowling Green 30-19.

This season Cincinnati (1-1) have started out with matches against Queen City Rugby, a D3 Men's League side, and St. Thomas More, from the D1 Big-Rivers Rugby Conference. Cincinnati made easy work of Queen City with a 43-5 win in Cleves, Ohio. However, the match away against St. Thomas More was a different story. St. Thomas More defeated the Bearcats 59-10.

Bowling Green vs. Buffalo

Fairfield, Ohio | Brimlow Field

Saturday, September 6th | 1:00 p.m.

Up Next

Bowling Green will play its Home Opener vs. Ohio State on Saturday, September 13th on Homecoming Weekend.

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