(BCSNN)— Bowling Green State University capped its 2025 football season with a dominant 45–14 victory over UMass Tuesday night at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. The Falcons jumped out to a 28–0 lead in the first half and scored in every quarter to secure their first season-ending win since 2021.

The victory marked a milestone for first-year head coach Eddie George, who guided the Falcons to a strong finish in his debut campaign. George, a Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer, took over the program in March and closed his inaugural season with momentum heading into 2026.

Running back Austyn Dendy led the charge with 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first Falcon since Andrew Clair in 2017 to rush for 100+ yards in three consecutive games. Dendy also caught a touchdown pass, finishing with three scores in the contest.

Quarterback Hunter Najm was efficient, completing 7-of-9 passes for 128 yards and a career-high three touchdowns. His 87-yard strike to Brennan Ridley in the first quarter marked the seventh-longest reception in program history and the longest since 2015.

Bowling Green’s defense set the tone early, forcing turnovers and holding UMass scoreless in the second half. Gideon Lampron forced a fumble that Kal-El Pascal returned deep into Minutemen territory, while MJ Cannon added a key fourth-down sack in the third quarter.

The Falcons’ 45 points were their highest total of the season, highlighted by contributions from Cameron Pettaway (87 rushing yards) and PaSean Wimberly, who capped the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run.

Defensively, Lampron led the team with 10 tackles, while Cannon and Jalen McClendon each recorded sacks. The Falcons forced two turnovers and controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the night.

The win improved Bowling Green to 5–0 all-time against UMass and marked the program’s first finale victory in four years. For George, it was a statement finish to his first season leading the Falcons.

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