For the first time since 2023, Bowling Green did not return the opening kickoff of its season for a touchdown. Yes, that happened in 2024 and 2025, an oddity that perhaps had a karmic cost, payable later.
At least that’s what the evidence suggests as the Falcons started 2026 with an average kickoff return followed by four plays and a fumble that set up FCS riser Tarleton State to take a 7-0 lead five minutes into the game. The Texans never trailed in the 20-13 win, rushing for 258 yards and averaging more than 8 yards per play.
Saturday should be Nebraska’s biggest mismatch of the season. Bill Connelly’s all-division ratings already had Bowling Green ranked behind North Dakota, and that was before the Falcons’ loss to Tarleton State.
Of course, after an uneven opener against Ohio and, oh, the past decade, it’s hard to take much for granted with Husker football. Plus, it was only two years ago that Bowling Green played Penn State and Texas A&M within a touchdown in tough losses on the road.
Here are some ways Nebraska could avoid similar discomfort this weekend.
