FACTS & STATS: Site: Rubber Bowl (31,000) -- Akron, Ohio. Television: None. Home Record: BGSU 0-2, Akron 0-2. Away Record: BGSU 2-1, Akron 3-1. Neutral Record: BGSU 0-0, Akron 0-0. Conference Record: BGSU 0-1, Akron 1-1. Series Record: Bowling Green leads, 9-7.

GAME NOTES: The Bowling Green Falcons will try to grab their first league win of the season when they take on the Akron Zips this Saturday evening in a Mid- American Conference tussle at the Rubber Bowl. The Falcons fell to 2-3 on the season with a tough, 24-21 setback to Eastern Michigan this past weekend. Surprisingly the Falcons have played extremely well on the road, winning five of their last six matchups away from home dating back to last season. As for the Zips, they have won two of their last three games, including a thrilling, 30-27 double-overtime victory over Kent State this past weekend. Although the Zips are home this weekend, that is not necessarily a good thing, as the team has dropped four of its last six games at the Rubber Bowl, and that includes Akron's two losses at home this year. In terms off the all-time series between the two schools on the gridiron, the Falcons hold a slim 9-7 edge over Akron, and that includes the team's 44-20 victory over the Zips this past season.

The Falcons' offense throughout the 2008 campaign has relied heavily on the pass, as the team is producing 247.8 ypg. Overall the unit heads into this matchup averaging 345.8 total ypg, and that has led to a healthy 23.4 ppg. Tyler Sheehan has done a solid job thus far, as the quarterback has completed 65.8 percent of his throws for 1,208 yards. However, the signal caller has just six touchdowns against three interceptions. Unfortunately the Falcons have been unable to put forth a balanced attack considering the ground game is producing just 98.0 ypg on 3.1 ypc. BGSU's lopsided offensive performance continued this past weekend in the loss to EMU, as the Falcons once again leaned heavily on Sheehan. Sheehan was one of the few bright spots for BGSU in the loss, as the quarterback threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns on 27- of-34 passing.

The defensive unit for BGSU has dealt with plenty of issues thus far, and the team can not seem to stop the run or the pass at this point in the season. Teams are currently gashing the Falcons for 158.4 ypg on the ground, while adding another 212.8 ypg via the pass. Bowling Green has also struggled to make big plays, forcing just 10 turnovers on the season, while collecting just eight sacks. The defensive woes for BGSU continued this past weekend, as the Falcons surrendered 410 total yards, including 263 yards passing. Once again BGSU was unable to force the big play, as the team went without a takeaway or a sack. P.J. Mahone led the way with 14 tackles, while John Haneline added 13 stops in the loss.

Chris Jacquemain overcame three interceptions to lead the Zips to a thrilling 30-27 double-overtime win over Kent State this past weekend. The quarterback finished the game with 243 passing yards and also tossed two touchdowns in the win. Although Jacquemain led the team to victory, the signal caller has been inconsistent at times, completing 59.0 percent of his throws for 1,457 yards. Jacquemain has thrown 10 touchdowns on the year, but the QB has also been intercepted nine times. Deryn Bowser and Andre Jones have been tremendous down the field threats for Jacquemain, as Bowser has hauled in 35 passes for 443 yards and two scores, while Jones has caught 25 passes for 411 yards and five scores. Jones and Bowser caught a TD pass apiece in the recent win and finished the game with a combined 10 receptions and 162 yards. Overall, the Zips are producing 368.2 total ypg and that has led to an equally solid 25.0 ppg.

The defense was not very sharp against Kent State, as the Zips surrendered 413 total yards, including 256 yards on the ground. Despite the poor showing, however, the Zips were able to hold on for the thrilling win. Stopping the run has been a major issue for Akron this year, as the team is being pounded for 222.2 rushing ypg. Overall the opposition is producing 397.5 total ypg, and that has led to 25.7 ppg. This defensive unit has relied on big plays, as the Zips come into this game with 16 takeaways. Kevin Grant has been the top performer for this defensive unit, racking up 47 tackles and 6.5 TFLs.

Both teams have very strong passing attacks, but the difference between Bowling Green and Akron is that the Zips are a more dominant defensive team and that should be the key to this contest.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Akron 37, Bowling Green 24

Saturday, October 11th, 6:00 p.m. (et)