The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Drops 36-20 Decision at Bowling Green
November 21 | Football
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Akron led 10-9 at half and showcased an impressive run game. However, Bowling Green's Tyler Sheehan and Freddie Barnes led the Falcons to 27 second-half points and a 36-20 decision Friday night at Perry Stadium.
Barnes, the nation's leading receiver, caught 12 passes for 197 yards and two scores, while Sheehan completed 23-of-32 passes for 338 yards. Akron too had a good quarterback and receiver tandem as Patrick Nicely completed 22-of-32 for 259 yards and two scores, while Andre Jones had eight receptions for 114 yards.
Akron took the opening kickoff and drove 65 yards before Bronko Rogovic split the uprights from 27 yards out for an early 3-0 UA lead. During the drive, the Zips had three rushes over 20 yards, including a 22-yarder by Broderick Alexander, a 21-yarder by Dashan Miller and a 20-yarder by Nicely. (In Akron's first 10 games, the Zips only had five runs of over 20 yards.)
Bowling Green answered back, getting a 33-yard Sheehan to Barnes completion on its first play from scrimmage. A third down conversion and a defensive holding gave BGSU first and goal and got a four-yard Willie Geter touchdown run for a 7-3 advantage.
Alex Allen showed his old form early in the second quarter, getting a season-long run of 21 yards. After converting a fourth down, Nicely hit Jeremy Bruce in the right corner of the endzone for a 10-7 lead. The score was the first of the season for Bruce and the second of his career. Also, the 17-play, 86-yard drive was the most for Akron this season, as was the time of the drive (9:27). The Zips' previous longs were 12 plays (versus Morgan State), 78 yards (versus Temple) and 6:18 (versus Morgan State).
The Falcons once again answered right back. Sheehan hit Barnes on a an impressive 24-yard pass on third-and-10. Three completions put the Falcons in first and goal. Chris Bullock gained two yards and Sheehan five to the UA two. Barnes took the direct snap to gain one yard, but was inside the one yard line. Then, on fourth and inches, Brian Wagner, who had 15 tackles, and Hasan Hazime stopped Sheehan one inch shy of the goal line. However, On second down, Alexander was stopped by Jahmal Brown and Adrien Spencer for a safety, the first Akron has allowed since Kent State's Daniel Muir on Sept. 30, 2006, making the score 10-9 at the break.
Bowling Green opened the second half with Sheehan and Barnes doing most the damage, including a 22-yard pass, an 11-yard pass and a four-yard shovel pass for a score, to take a 16-10 lead. After an Akron punt, Sheehan hit Barnes on a short pass and Barnes turned it into a 53-yard gain to the UA 15. The two hooked up again on a fade route to the left corner of the endzone for 15 yards to go up 23-10.
Akron's Jeremy LaFrance had a long kick return and Nicely found Jones for a 26 yards to get in scoring range. Rogovic cut the deficit to 23-13 after a 30-yard field goal. BGSU continued to answer back after an Akron score. Chris Bullock capped an eight-play, 54-yard drive with a one-yard run to put his team up 30-13.
Undaunted the Zips marched right back down the field. Nicely completed an 11-yard pass to Jones to convert a third down. On the next play, Nicely hit Jones for a 34-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 10 once again, 30-20. The score was the 11th TD reception for Jones, and his 14th overall, putting him sixth on the UA career list for TD receptions.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Zips tried to sneak a short kick past the Falcons, but Keith Morgan caught the ball and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. The point after was unsuccessful, making the score 36-20.
Akron will conclude the 2009 season hosting Eastern Michigan next Friday (Nov. 27). Kickoff is set for 2:00 pm at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field. Prior to the game, the Zips will honor their 18 seniors.
