Ventures Bowl Preview: Arkansas State (7-5) vs. Bowling Green (7-5) on December 26 at 9 p.m. EST
BetMGM College Football Odds favor Bowling Green by 6.5 points.
KEY MATCHUP
The Bowling Green Falcons boast an average of 4.3 yards gained per rushing attempt, placing them 73rd in the nation, while the Arkansas State Red Wolves struggle defensively, allowing 5.9 yards per carry, which ranks 132nd in the FBS.
On the offensive side, Arkansas State has averaged 24.8 points per game this season, positioning them 93rd in the FBS, as they prepare to challenge Bowling Green’s defense, which holds an average of 20.3 points allowed per game, ranking 22nd nationally.
LAST GAME
In their most recent matchup, Bowling Green faced a defeat, losing 28-12 against Miami (OH). Quarterback Connor Bazelak threw for 201 yards, completing 26 out of 41 attempts (63.4%), but did not throw any touchdowns and had one interception. Running back Jamal Johnson carried the ball three times for 36 yards, while adding three catches for an additional 11 yards. Malcolm Johnson Jr. led the receiving corps with 75 yards on eight receptions.
Arkansas State suffered a 40-32 loss to Old Dominion. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor passed for 261 yards with a 61.1% completion rate (22 out of 36 attempts), throwing three touchdown passes against one interception. Running back Zak Wallace contributed significantly, rushing for 89 yards on 15 carries with one touchdown. Wide receiver Corey Rucker was a standout performer, recording 115 yards on eight receptions, including one touchdown.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
For Bowling Green, Connor Bazelak has accumulated 2,654 passing yards, averaging 221.2 yards per game, with a completion rate of 67.1%, totaling 15 touchdown passes and five interceptions. Terion Stewart has been a solid contributor on the ground with 160 carries for 895 rushing yards and six touchdowns, averaging 81.4 yards per game. Harold Fannin leads the team and ranks third nationally with 100 receptions totaling 1,337 yards (an average of 111.4 yards per game) and has scored nine touchdowns, placing him 17th in the country.
From Arkansas State, Jaylen Raynor has racked up 2,562 passing yards, averaging 213.5 yards per game with a completion rate of 61.8%, alongside 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Additionally, Raynor has contributed on the ground with 392 rushing yards and two touchdowns, averaging 32.7 yards per game. Zak Wallace is another key player, with 139 carries for 622 rushing yards (51.8 yards per game) and 10 touchdowns. He also has 14 receptions totaling 96 yards. Corey Rucker has made significant contributions with 65 catches for 946 yards (an average of 78.8 yards per game) and five touchdowns.
FACTS & FIGURES
Bowling Green has averaged a margin of victory, outscoring opponents by 6.5 points per game. In contrast, Arkansas State has encountered difficulties, being outscored by 7.5 points per game throughout the season.
Bowling Green has a turnover margin ranking of plus 3, having forced 13 turnovers, which places them at 98th in college football, against 10 turnovers committed, ranking them 16th. Meanwhile, Arkansas State has a turnover margin of plus 2, tallying 19 forced turnovers (39th in college football) and committing 17 turnovers (63rd in college football).
