Keith's TD, rugged defense lift Bowling Green over Miami

Updated Oct. 15, 2022 3:40 p.m. ET

Associated Press

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) — Ta’ron Keith scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, the Bowling Green defense allowed just 189 total yards and the Falcons defeated Miami of Ohio 17-13 on Saturday.

Keith's 19-yard run with 11:31 remaining gave the Falcons their first lead since the second quarter as they capitalized on a short Miami punt, driving 55 yards in six plays.

Trailing 13-7 in the fourth quarter the Falcons (3-4, 2-1 Mid-American Conference) reached the red zone on three consecutive possessions, making a field goal, missing a field goal and finally taking the lead on Keith's touchdown run. Bowling Green's defense then forced a three-and-out and a turnover on downs on Miami's two remaining possessions.

The RedHawks (3-4, 1-2) had rushed for more than 200 yards in four of their last five games but managed only 98 yards on the ground against the Falcons. Quarterback Aveon Smith led Miami in rushing with 55 yards and he completed 9 of 17 passes for 91 yards.

Miami's only touchdown came on a 19-yard pass from Smith to Miles Marshall, giving the RedHawks a 10-7 lead at halftime.

Jaison Patterson had 94 yards rushing on 18 carries for the Falcons and Matt McDonald completed 16 of 29 passes for 149 yards. Harold Fannin Jr. had a short touchdown run.

Miami had won eight of the past nine meetings at Bowling Green.

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