BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — In a decisive game on Friday, Brett Gabbert led Miami (Ohio) to a convincing 28-12 victory over Bowling Green, thereby clinching a bid for the MAC championship game scheduled for December 7 in Detroit.

Gabbert’s performance included 255 passing yards and three touchdown throws. The first score came on a 30-yard connection to Cade McDonald during Miami’s second possession, which was set up by a short 13-yard punt from Bowling Green’s John Henderson.

Henderson later redeemed himself with a 45-yard punt that was downed at Miami’s 1-yard line. Shortly after, Bowling Green’s defense managed to earn two points with a safety after tackling Dylan Downing in the end zone, bringing the score to 7-2.

Bowling Green then narrowed the gap to 7-5 with a 41-yard field goal from Zach Long. Miami answered back with a strong offensive drive that covered 82 yards in eight plays, culminating in a 20-yard touchdown pass from Gabbert to Reggie Virgil.

The Falcons finally found the end zone when Jaison Patterson rushed in from 2 yards out, concluding an impressive 11-play, 92-yard series that closed the score to 14-12. However, Gabbert quickly responded, launching a 72-yard touchdown pass to Javon Tracy on the second play of the next drive, extending Miami’s lead to 21-12 with 10:35 remaining in the contest.

Keyon Mozee put the game out of reach with a 27-yard touchdown run, sealing up the victory with just 1:52 left on the clock.

For Bowling Green, Connor Bazelak contributed with 200 passing yards. The Falcons were aiming for their first seven-win season in the MAC since their 2015 campaign when they finished 7-1. A victory would have also marked their return to the MAC championship, a feat they achieved three consecutive years from 2013 to 2015.