Bowling Green has a flair for the dramatic when it comes to season openers. For the second time in as many years, the Falcons took the opening kickoff to the house to begin its Week 1 contest. Cameron Pettaway sprinted 98 yards to the end zone to get the Falcons' matchup with Lafayette underway in explosive fashion,

George, who turns 52 on Sept. 24, has been going non-stop since being named the 21st coach in program history on March 9. After four years at Tennessee State, George takes over from Scot Loeffler, who left Bowling Green in February to become the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterbacks coach.

Eddie George’s first night at Bowling Green felt more like a homecoming than a debut. On Thursday, the former Heisman Trophy winner guided the Falcons to a 26–7 win over Lafayette, but his focus was on something bigger than the scoreboard.