Nov. 16, 2005

Final Stats |  Quotes |  Notes

OXFORD, Ohio (AP) - Omar Jacobs threw three touchdown passes to lead Bowling Green to a 42-14 win over Miami of Ohio on Tuesday night in a game that started 2 1/2 hours late because of strong storms.

The Falcons (6-4, 5-2 Mid-American Conference) took over first place in the East Division. They clinch a spot in the MAC title game with a win at home over rival Toledo next Tuesday.

Miami (6-4, 4-3) could have claimed a third consecutive East title with a win, but self-destructed in the wind and rain. The RedHawks botched three punts in the first 20 minutes, handing the Falcons six points on three safeties - an NCAA single-game record.

Two of Dave McClain's snaps sailed over punter Jacob Richardson's head and through the end zone. Richardson couldn't handle another snap and, after picking up the ball, ran out of the end zone for the third safety and a 20-0 Bowling Green lead.

Miami botched a fourth punt snap in the fourth quarter, leading to a Bowling Green touchdown.

The RedHawks had a net loss of 10 yards total offense in the first half and trailed 29-0 at the break.

Bowling Green's three touchdowns in the first half came on drives of 20, 47 and 29 yards following an interception, a free kick and a fumble.

Jacobs threw TD passes of 4 and 20 yards to Steve Sanders and 6 yards to Sean O'Drobinak. Jacobs, playing for the first time in three weeks after suffering a separated left (non-throwing) shoulder, finished 21-of-34 for 178 yards with two interceptions.

Miami's Josh Betts went 17-of-37 for 254 yards with a career-high five interceptions. He threw two TD passes in the second half, 50 yards to Martin Nance and 34 yards to Ryne Robinson.