Bowling Green vs. Minnesota Short Report | Dec 26, 2023
Ford Field
Detroit, MI
Dec 26, 2023
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Game Recap
The Minnesota Golden Gophers emerged victorious in a thrilling Quick Lane Bowl, edging out the Bowling Green Falcons 30-24. Early on, the game was a display of balanced offensive dynamism, with both teams executing a potent mix of passing and rushing plays. The decisive momentum shift came in the third quarter when Minnesota dominated the scoreboard, tallying 14 unanswered points.
Darius Taylor was unstoppable in Minnesota's ground game, amassing over 200 rushing yards and clinching a key touchdown. While Bowling Green's late-game resurgence, led by their quarterback Connor Bazelak, brought them close, Minnesota's defense—displaying resilience and strategy—locked down the win in the final minutes. Cole Kramer's dual-threat capabilities were on full display, contributing both in the passing game with two touchdowns and rushing for another.
Key Plays:
Connor Bazelak (Bowling Green Falcons)
Connor Bazelak connected with Odieu Hiliare on a 46-yard bomb, giving Bowling Green an early lead. This play showcased Bazelak's arm strength and Hiliare's speed and route-running abilities, setting a high bar for the Falcons' offense.
Cole Kramer (Minnesota Golden Gophers)
Cole Kramer fired a precise 4-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Spencer, leveling the score and responding swiftly to Bowling Green's initial punch. This play highlighted Kramer's poise under pressure and Minnesota's red-zone efficiency.
Dragan Kesich (Minnesota Golden Gophers)
Dragan Kesich kicked a crucial 31-yard field goal, nudging Minnesota ahead despite facing a robust Falcons' defense. This kick underscored the importance of special teams' contributions in a closely contested game.
Alan Anaya (Bowling Green Falcons)
Alan Anaya nailed a 33-yard field goal, reclaiming the lead for Bowling Green just before halftime. Anaya's accuracy and composure under pressure were vital in keeping the Falcons competitive.
Cole Kramer (Minnesota Golden Gophers)
Cole Kramer powered through the defense with a 1-yard touchdown run, extending Minnesota's lead and demonstrating his versatility as a quarterback.
Cole Kramer (Minnesota Golden Gophers)
Kramer found Jameson Geers with a precise 7-yard touchdown pass, further widening the gap and showcasing excellent play-calling and execution by the Golden Gophers.
PaSean Wimberly (Bowling Green Falcons)
PaSean Wimberly broke free for an 18-yard touchdown run, narrowing Minnesota's lead and injecting fresh hope into Bowling Green's comeback aspirations.
Darius Taylor (Minnesota Golden Gophers)
Darius Taylor sprinted for a 17-yard touchdown, effectively cementing Minnesota's control over the game. Taylor's powerful running was a cornerstone of the Golden Gophers' offensive strategy.
Connor Bazelak (Bowling Green Falcons)
Bazelak's 2-yard touchdown run brought Bowling Green within striking distance of a comeback, demonstrating his dual-threat capability and never-say-die attitude.
Standout Players:
Darius Taylor (Minnesota Golden Gophers, RB)
Rushed for 208 yards and scored a key touchdown. His powerful and elusive running style kept the Bowling Green defense on their heels throughout the game.
Cole Kramer (Minnesota Golden Gophers, QB)
Completed 8 of 16 passes for 26 yards and two touchdowns, and added a rushing touchdown. Kramer’s dual-threat capabilities amplified Minnesota’s offensive versatility.
Connor Bazelak (Bowling Green Falcons, QB)
Passed for 221 yards and one touchdown, along with a rushing touchdown. Bazelak’s leadership and playmaking kept Bowling Green competitive until the final whistle.
Odieu Hiliare (Bowling Green Falcons, WR)
Hauling in 10 passes for 152 yards, Hiliare was a constant deep threat, highlighted by his 46-yard touchdown reception that opened the scoring for Bowling Green.
References:
Bowling Green Falcons vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers - Final Score - December 26, 2023 | FOX Sports
Bowling Green Falcons vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Live Score and Stats - December 26, 2023 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
2023 Quick Lane Bowl Game Recap: Minnesota Golden Gophers 30, Bowling Green Falcons 24 - Hustle Belt
Bowling Green State University
Minnesota vs. Bowling Green updates: Live NCAA Football game scores, results for Tuesday - CBSSports.com
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Bowling Green Falcons
7
3
0
14
24
Minnesota Golden Gophers
6
3
14
7
30
