BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) — Cameron Pettaway returned the opening kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George coached his first FBS win as Bowling Green beat Lafayette 26-7 on Thursday night in a season opener for both teams.

For the second straight year, Bowling Green scored on the game's opening kickoff — with Pettaway scoring 11 seconds into the game on his first collegiate touch.

Bowling Green combined for 156 yards on the ground, led by Kaderris Roberts' 66 yards on 12 carries.

Dean Denobile was 13 of 26 for 111 yards and a touchdown as the Leopards struggled to move the ball down the field.

Jackson Kleather connected from 30- and 35-yards out and hit a career-long 56-yard kick to take a 20-0 lead in the third quarter.

The Falcons’ defense combined for

See Full Page