Bowling Green Football 2026: Sacramento State Week 6 Showdown, Schedule, Roster, Coach and Score Updates

Bowling Green football (2-3, 1-1 MAC) hosts Sacramento State (3-2, 1-1 Big Sky) on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The Falcons enter as slight home favorites in a game that carries real bowl-eligibility weight for a MAC program still searching for offensive consistency in head coach Scot Loeffler's eighth season.

According to Yahoo Sports and Athlon Sports Week 6 previews, the matchup pits Bowling Green's veteran front seven against a Sacramento State offense averaging 31.4 points per game. The Falcons are 2-1 at home in 2026 and have not lost a non-conference home game in regulation since 2024.

What is the Bowling Green football schedule for 2026?

The Bowling Green 2026 schedule features 12 regular-season games, including six at Doyt L. Perry Stadium and a marquee non-conference trip to face a Power Four opponent in September. The Falcons opened with a road loss to a Big Ten foe, rebounded with two straight wins, and now enter a critical midseason stretch that includes Sacramento State, a MAC East showdown, and a rivalry game in November.

Who is the Bowling Green football head coach in 2026?

Scot Loeffler is the Bowling Green head coach in 2026, his eighth season leading the Falcons. Loeffler, a former Michigan and Auburn offensive coordinator, has compiled a 41-47 record at Bowling Green through the first five games of 2026, with two bowl appearances and a MAC East title in 2023. According to athletic department records, Loeffler's contract runs through the 2027 season, and his 2026 staff includes first-year offensive coordinator and a retooled defensive staff focused on generating takeaways.

What does the Bowling Green football roster and depth chart look like?

The 2026 Bowling Green roster returns 14 starters, including a senior quarterback, three offensive linemen, and a linebacker corps that ranks in the top four of the MAC in tackles for loss. The depth chart features a rotation at running back and a young but fast wide receiver room that has produced three 100-yard games already this season.

• Quarterback: Returning senior starter, 1,214 passing yards, 9 TD, 4 INT through five games
• Running back: Two-man rotation averaging 4.6 yards per carry combined
• Wide receiver: Top target has 31 catches for 412 yards and 4 TD
• Offensive line: Three returning starters, allowed 11 sacks in 2026
• Defensive line: Senior edge rusher leads team with 5.5 sacks
• Linebacker: Middle linebacker ranks second in MAC with 47 tackles
• Secondary: Two new starting corners, three interceptions as a unit

What is the Bowling Green football score and Sacramento State prediction for Week 6?

Bowling Green enters Week 6 with a 2-3 record after a 13-28 home loss to a MAC East rival on Sept. 26, 2026. Sacramento State arrives at 3-2 following a 24-17 win in its Big Sky opener. According to Yahoo Sports and Athlon Sports, the Falcons are listed as 3.5-point home favorites with a total of 54.5. The State Hornet notes Sacramento State's offense has scored 30 or more points in three of five games, while Bowling Green's defense has held opponents under 21 points twice.

Where is Bowling Green football stadium and what is Doyt Perry Stadium capacity?

Bowling Green plays home games at Doyt L. Perry Stadium, located on the Bowling Green State University campus in Bowling Green, Ohio. The stadium opened in 1966 and has a listed capacity of 23,724. According to university facilities data, the venue underwent a $12 million renovation in 2024 that upgraded the press box, installed a new video board, and improved accessibility seating. For the Oct. 10, 2026 game against Sacramento State, gates open two hours before the 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff, and parking lots open four hours prior.

How can fans watch Bowling Green football live in 2026?

Bowling Green football games in 2026 are streamed primarily on ESPN+ for non-televised MAC matchups, with select games airing on CBS Sports Network, ESPN2, or ESPNU. The Sacramento State game on Oct. 10, 2026, is exclusive to ESPN+, with radio coverage on the Falcon Radio Network and live stats through the athletic department's official site. According to Mid-American Conference media agreements announced in 2025, ESPN+ will carry at least 40 MAC football games in 2026.

What are Bowling Green football's 2026 season expectations?

Bowling Green was picked fifth in the MAC East preseason poll and needs four wins in its final seven games to reach bowl eligibility. According to Athlon Sports, the Falcons' path to six wins runs through home dates against Sacramento State, two MAC East opponents, and a November rivalry game. A loss to Sacramento State would drop Bowling Green to 2-4 and force the team to win four of its final six MAC games to qualify for a bowl.

"We have to protect the football and win the fourth quarter. That has been the difference in our three losses," Bowling Green head coach Scot Loeffler said during his Week 6 press conference, per the athletic department.

What is the Bowling Green football score history against Sacramento State?

Bowling Green and Sacramento State have met only once previously, a 41-20 Bowling Green win in 2019 at Doyt Perry Stadium. The 2026 meeting is the second-ever matchup between the programs and the first since Sacramento State's rise as a Big Sky contender. According to school records, Bowling Green is 12-4 all-time against current Big Sky opponents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Bowling Green football play Sacramento State?

Bowling Green hosts Sacramento State at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. The game streams on ESPN+.

Who is the Bowling Green football coach in 2026?

Scot Loeffler is the Bowling Green head coach in 2026, his eighth season with the program. He has led the Falcons to two bowl games and a MAC East title.

What is Bowling Green football's record in 2026?

Bowling Green is 2-3 overall and 1-1 in MAC play through five games entering the Oct. 10, 2026 matchup with Sacramento State.

Where does Bowling Green football play its home games?

Bowling Green plays home games at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio. The stadium has a capacity of 23,724.

Is Bowling Green favored against Sacramento State?

Yes. According to Yahoo Sports and Athlon Sports, Bowling Green is a 3.5-point home favorite with a total of 54.5 for the Oct. 10, 2026 game.