Humanitarian Bowl: Barnes Sets Mark, Falcons Fall To Vandals in Wild One

Bowling Green found itself on the losing end of a 43-42 game to the Idaho Vandals in what has been the best bowl game of the season so far. The story of the game was the classic finish when the Vandals scored with four seconds on the clock and then went for a two-point conversion to win the game.

The Falcons controlled the first half, amassing 289 total yards of offense, but fell apart in the third quarter giving up two Idaho scores and going down 28-14. The Falcons stormed back and tied it back up in the fourth quarter. The teams then traded scores for the rest of the game.

Tyler Sheehan struggled for most of the game under throwing his receives in both halves. He finished 33-47 for 387 yards, four touchdowns, and one pick. The reason his stats look impressive is due to his stud receiver Freddie Barnes. Barnes set the single season reception record for the NCAA in the first quarter when he passed Manny Hazard’s 142 receptions. He finished with 17 receptions for 219 yards and three touchdowns.

DeMaundry Woolridge ran all over the Falcon defense gaining 126 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries for the Vandals. This running game opened up the passing attack for Nathan Enderle’s 240 passing yards and four touchdowns.

Both defenses struggled as Bowling Green had 538 total yards and Idaho had 452. The majority of the scoring came in the second half as these weak defenses wore down, becoming even more exposed to the high power offenses.

Bowling Green had a field goal blocked in the first quarter which could have been the deciding factor for the Falcons later on in the game. The Falcons will lose both Barnes and Sheehan to graduation and will have a few new faces on both sides of the ball next season. Bowling Green finished 7-6 under first year head coach Dave Clawson after a 1-4 start.