What Is 1987 Bowling Green Falcons football

Overview

The 1987 Bowling Green Falcons football team represented Bowling Green State University during the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team competed in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and was led by head coach Merton Hanks, who was in his second season at the helm.

Under Hanks’ leadership, the Falcons finished the year with a 6–5–1 overall record and a 5–3 mark in conference play. While they did not qualify for a bowl game, the team showed resilience in a competitive MAC field that included powerhouses like Central Michigan and Toledo.

• Season Record: The Falcons ended the year with a 6–5–1 overall record, marking a modest improvement from the previous season’s 5–6 finish.
• Conference Performance: They posted a 5–3 record in MAC play, placing them in the upper half of the conference standings.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Doyt L. Perry Stadium, a 24,000-seat venue located on the university’s campus in Bowling Green, Ohio.
• Head Coach: Merton Hanks, in his second year, emphasized a balanced offensive attack and disciplined defense throughout the season.
• Notable Game: A 40–37 victory over rival Toledo on November 7 was one of the highest-scoring games of the season and a highlight for fans.

Season Structure and Game Results

The 1987 season consisted of 12 scheduled games, including non-conference matchups and key MAC contests. The Falcons opened the season with a loss but rebounded with a mix of wins and ties to finish above .500 in conference play.

• Opening Game: The Falcons lost their season opener 24–21 to the University of Cincinnati, a non-conference opponent.
• Non-Conference Play: They split their non-conference games, defeating Kent State and losing to Cincinnati and Eastern Michigan.
• MAC Schedule: The team won five of eight conference games, including victories over Western Michigan and Central Michigan.
• Season Finale: The final game was a 27–20 loss to archrival Ohio University, ending any chance of a bowl bid.
• Scoring Output: The Falcons averaged 23.5 points per game, ranking them in the top half of the MAC in offensive production.
• Defensive Stats: They allowed 22.8 points per game, showing a defense that was competitive but occasionally vulnerable late in games.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1987 Falcons are best understood in comparison to other MAC teams and recent seasons at Bowling Green. The table below outlines key performance metrics:

The Falcons ranked fourth in the MAC by win percentage, trailing Central Michigan and Toledo. Their point differential of +8 indicated a closely contested season, with seven games decided by one possession or less. This level of competitiveness highlighted the team’s potential despite missing postseason play.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season was a transitional year that laid groundwork for future success under Merton Hanks. While not a championship contender, the team demonstrated steady improvement and fan engagement during a pivotal era for the program.

• Program Development: The 1987 season helped stabilize the program after a coaching change in the early 1980s.
• Recruiting Impact: Competitive games against Toledo and Central Michigan boosted recruiting visibility in the Midwest.
• Stadium Attendance: Average home attendance increased to over 18,000, reflecting growing local support.
• Player Development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, contributing to future seasons’ depth.
• Conference Relevance: The Falcons remained a competitive force in the MAC, avoiding the bottom tier of the standings.
• Historical Context: This season preceded the rise of Bowling Green as a MAC powerhouse in the 1990s.

Though overshadowed by more successful years, the 1987 Falcons played a role in maintaining the program’s momentum. Their mix of close wins and narrow losses reflected a team on the cusp of greater achievements in the years to follow.