They struggled on offense, defense and special teams. And yet, Bowling Green pulled out a three-overtime 48-40 win over Buffalo.

The young Falcons (1-1, 1-0 MAC East) earned their first win of the season with persistence and determination. The game was halted twice due to bad weather.

“It all comes back to the effort and intensity in the offseason,” said BGSU coach Gregg Brandon. “All the blood, sweat and tears that these kids pour in their offseason when working out with our strength coach Aaron Hillmann, we just presented him the game ball for outlasting people.”

The Falcons gave up two special teams touchdowns in the first half. A blocked punt and a 94-yard kickoff return for a score led to a slow start by Bowling Green State. The offense stalled a few times, but generated 356 yards rushing. Freddie Barnes, the MAC East Division Offensive Player of the Week, shared quarterback duties with Anthony Turner. Barnes netted 99 yards rushing, while Turner compiled 127 yards on the ground. The BGSU coaching staff rotated the quarterbacks, keeping the Bulls off-balance most of the game.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Without QB Omar Jacobs, the Bowling Green offense was devoid of any experienced skills players. But the exciting play of QBs Anthony Turner and Freddie Barnes lifted the Falcons to a 48-40 win over Buffalo.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “They are both outstanding runners. Having both of them back there gives us extra looks. Having the ability to have the quarterback run brings a whole new dimension to the offense.” --Bowling Green coach Gregg Brandon on his rotation system of QBs Anthony Turner and Freddie Barnes

QB Anthony Turner -- He sat out last week, but bounced back for 148 yards rushing and passed for 204 yards.

QB Freddie Barnes -- Barnes registered 99 yards rushing and 10 yards passing.

LB Erique Dozier -- Dozier was virtually everywhere. He finished with 19 tackles, a pass deflection and a sack.

LB Terrel White -- Returned from a one-game suspension to compile 22 tackles.

STILL NEEDS WORK: The special teams allowed two touchdowns, allowing a score on a blocked punt and a kickoff return.

P Alonso Rojas -- A line breakdown led to a punt block for a touchdown. Rojas also missed a PAT.

K Sean Ellis -- It wasn't entirely his fault, but Ellis and the special teams left a gimme on the field when he had a 23-yard field goal blocked.

ROSTER REPORT: Freshman kicker Sean Ellis left the game in the third quarter with a sore hip flexor and did not return.

Diyral Biggs made his first career start at defensive end.

True freshman D.J. Young received playing time at defensive tackle.