All of the attention has been shining on Northern Illinois this week, with quarterback Jordan Lynch being discussed a s a Heisman Trophy candidate, but it is Bowling Green with the upper hand at halftime in Detroit. Bowling green leads Northern Illinois in the MAC Championship Game, 31-13, at the half.
The Falcons wasted no time in establishing their game plan and delivering a message to the Huskies. Bowling green marched right down field on the Huskies and struck first with a Matt Johnson touchdown pass to Tyler Beck, who found cracks in the defense on his way to the end zone from 28 yards out. Lynch and the Huskies responded to the early challenge though by responding with a 73 yard touchdown drive with a brilliant one-handed snag in the end zone by Juwan Brescacin.
Since then it has been just about all Bowling Green. The defense has been effective against Lynch and the Huskies offense, holding them to just 92 rushing yards at the half. The offense, meanwhile, has stayed in rhythm with three more touchdown passes from Johnson, including a late strike just before halftime to build the 31-13 lead. Johnson is 16 of 19 for 294 yards and four touchdowns. Lynch is 13 of 26 for 130 yards, one touchdown and one interception along with 35 rushing yards.
Bowling Green is playing with plenty of confidence against Northern Illinois, but how they keep the momentum in their favor in the second half will be the key. Remember that Northern Illinois had a battle with Toledo last season in the conference championship game with a BCS spot on the line. What the Falcons did in the first half was not a mistake, this is a solid team, but how long can they tie down Lynch? If Bowling Green forces Northern Illinois to throw the football, will that play in their favor?