College football fans won’t have to wait long for action in 2025 as the season kicks off with a full slate of games on Thursday, August 28, including the intriguing non-conference battle between the Lafayette Leopards and the Bowling Green Falcons. Set to kick off at 6:00 PM ET from Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio, this Week 1 matchup provides an early glimpse into two programs with different expectations but similar ambitions — to win and build momentum out of the gate.
The 🏈 Lafayette at Bowling Green contest pairs a Patriot League contender from the FCS ranks with a MAC program seeking to build upon flashes of progress in recent seasons. While Bowling Green will be favored, Lafayette enters this game with pride, energy, and a fearless mindset that can surprise many in Week 1.
🗓️ Game Information: 🏈 Lafayette at Bowling Green
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM Eastern Time
- Location: Doyt L. Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, Ohio
- TV Broadcast: Expected on ESPN+ or CBS Sports Network
- Streaming Options: ESPN App, CBS Sports App, FuboTV, Hulu Live
This matchup is one of several FBS vs. FCS battles on the Thursday slate, making it an important opportunity for fans to track depth, development, and surprise breakout performances.
🏟️ Stadium Spotlight: Doyt L. Perry Stadium
With a seating capacity of over 24,000 and a history dating back to 1966, Doyt L. Perry Stadium is one of the more intimate yet spirited venues in the Mid-American Conference. Named after legendary coach Doyt Perry, the stadium is known for its loyal crowd, tough playing conditions for visitors, and great early-season energy.
For the Lafayette Leopards, this will be their first-ever visit to the Doyt, and the pressure of opening against an FBS program in a hostile environment will be part of the storyline.
🔍 Team Previews: 🏈 Lafayette at Bowling Green
Bowling Green Falcons: Building Under Scot Loeffler
Under sixth-year head coach Scot Loeffler, Bowling Green has been working toward consistency and bowl eligibility. After a 6–6 regular season in 2024 capped by a close loss in the Quick Lane Bowl, the Falcons return in 2025 with depth, experience, and goals to push into the upper tier of the MAC East.
- Quarterback Outlook: Camden Orth, the veteran signal-caller, returns to lead the offense. Smart, tough, and mobile, Orth is key to Loeffler’s balanced scheme.
- Running Game: Terion Stewart, who rushed for over 900 yards last season, is back as the primary weapon in the backfield.
- Wide Receivers: Odieu Hiliare and Austin Osborne bring veteran savvy and red-zone capabilities.
- Defense: The Falcons bring back key defenders like Darren Anders at linebacker and Jordan Oladokun in the secondary, hoping to tighten up a unit that struggled in big moments last year.
Lafayette Leopards: Patriot League Champions with Confidence
Head coach John Troxell enters his fourth season at the helm of Lafayette, and the Leopards are fresh off a Patriot League title and FCS playoff appearance in 2024. This FBS challenge comes as an opportunity for Lafayette to test themselves against tougher competition while also sharpening for another championship run.
- Quarterback Spotlight: Ryan Schuster, a poised and experienced passer, returns after a solid 2024 season. Schuster has great command of the offense and shows maturity under pressure.
- Running Backs: Jamar Curtis, a shifty and explosive runner, will be tasked with keeping the chains moving against a bigger defensive front.
- Defense: Led by standout linebacker Billy Shaeffer and DB Marquise Bradshaw, the Leopards’ defense is quick, disciplined, and hungry.
⚔️ Key Matchups to Watch in 🏈 Lafayette at Bowling Green
Camden Orth vs. Lafayette Secondary
Bowling Green’s quarterback will look to exploit matchups against Lafayette’s less experienced cornerbacks. However, the Leopards have strong ball skills in the secondary and could make life tough if Orth is late on throws.
Terion Stewart vs. Lafayette Front Seven
If Stewart gets into rhythm early, the game could tilt heavily in Bowling Green’s favor. Lafayette’s undersized D-line will need to swarm to the ball and wrap up.
Ryan Schuster vs. Bowling Green Blitz Packages
Expect Bowling Green to bring pressure and try to force quick decisions. Schuster’s accuracy and awareness will be tested in the face of a relentless front seven.
Special Teams Factor
In games like these, a blocked punt, long return, or missed field goal often flips the script. Lafayette must be clean in this phase to have a shot at the upset.
📈 Betting Odds & Prediction for 🏈 Lafayette at Bowling Green
Projected Spread: Bowling Green -21.5
Over/Under: 48.5
Lines involving FCS opponents are typically released closer to kickoff, but early projections heavily favor the home team, Bowling Green.
ATS Pick: Lafayette +21.5
The Leopards are reigning Patriot League champs with experience and pride. Don’t expect them to roll over. While they may not win outright, they could hang around long enough to beat the spread.
Total Points Pick: Under 48.5
Both teams will likely run the ball early and often. This could be a clock-eating game that stays under the total if Lafayette’s defense holds.
⭐ Players to Watch in 🏈 Lafayette at Bowling Green
Camden Orth – QB, Bowling Green
A veteran leader and smart decision-maker, Orth will look to control the game tempo and keep turnovers to a minimum.
Terion Stewart – RB, Bowling Green
Stewart is the Falcons’ workhorse and should see 20+ carries. His downhill running style will challenge Lafayette’s linebackers.
Ryan Schuster – QB, Lafayette
Schuster is the engine of Lafayette’s offense. If he gets comfortable in the pocket, the Leopards could move the ball with surprising efficiency.
Billy Shaeffer – LB, Lafayette
A tackling machine with a nose for the ball. Expect Shaeffer to be involved in nearly every defensive play.
Odieu Hiliare – WR, Bowling Green
A big-play threat who can stretch the field vertically. He could be a game-changer if Lafayette’s safeties cheat up against the run.
🧠 Coaching Comparison: John Troxell vs. Scot Loeffler
The coaching chess match adds intrigue to this FCS-FBS clash.
- Scot Loeffler: Offensive mind with experience at Boston College, Temple, and Michigan. Now entering his 6th year trying to elevate Bowling Green in the MAC.
- John Troxell: Known for player development and toughness, Troxell has turned Lafayette into a Patriot League force. This game is a proving ground for his team’s preparation.
📊 Recent Trends and Team Stats
Bowling Green Falcons
- 2024 Record: 6–7
- Offense averaged 27.3 PPG
- Defense gave up 30.1 PPG
- 4th in MAC East
- Bowl appearance in Quick Lane Bowl
Lafayette Leopards
- 2024 Record: 9–3 (FCS)
- Patriot League Champions
- Defense allowed just 18.7 PPG
- First-round playoff exit
- 6 returning starters on offense and 8 on defense
🔢 Historical Context
- First Meeting: This will be the first-ever meeting between Lafayette and Bowling Green.
- MAC vs. Patriot League: FBS programs from the MAC have historically dominated these games, but several have been closer than expected.
- Lafayette vs. FBS: The Leopards are 0–8 all-time against FBS competition but took Army to the wire in 2022.
❓ FAQs for 🏈 Lafayette at Bowling Green
When is the game?
Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET.
Where is the game being played?
Doyt L. Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, Ohio.
What TV channel is airing the game?
Likely ESPN+ or CBS Sports Network.
How can I stream the game?
Streaming available via ESPN App, CBS Sports App, FuboTV, and Hulu Live.
Who are the quarterbacks?
Bowling Green: Camden Orth
Lafayette: Ryan Schuster
Is this a conference game?
No, it’s a non-conference game between a MAC (FBS) and Patriot League (FCS) program.
Who is favored to win?
Bowling Green is projected to be favored by over 20 points.
🏁 Final Score Prediction: Bowling Green 31, Lafayette 17
Bowling Green’s size and depth will eventually wear down Lafayette, especially in the second half. Expect the Falcons to control the line of scrimmage and grind out a workmanlike win. That said, Lafayette’s discipline and experience on both sides of the ball could frustrate BGSU early and keep this one competitive longer than expected.
With both teams using this opener as a chance to sharpen their schemes and evaluate depth, fans can expect plenty of hard hits, new faces, and strategic wrinkles. Don’t be surprised if this is one of the more competitive FBS vs. FCS matchups of the weekend.
📌 Why You Should Watch 🏈 Lafayette at Bowling Green
- Early Thursday Kickoff: It’s one of the first games of the 2025 season
- Underdog Energy: Lafayette enters with nothing to lose
- MAC Development Watch: Can Bowling Green take the next step?
- Showcase Game for Ryan Schuster: FCS quarterbacks have made headlines before
- Great Viewing Value: Watchable on multiple platforms, ideal for scouting and betting
Whether you’re a fan of the MAC, Patriot League, or just love competitive football, 🏈 Lafayette at Bowling Green promises a hard-nosed, high-effort start to Week 1 of the 2025 college football season.