Thursday night felt like a full circle moment for Bowling Green State University. The Falcons not only opened the Eddie George era with a 26–7 victory over Lafayette at Doyt L. Perry Stadium, but the program also welcomed back one of its most celebrated figures, Urban Meyer.
Meyer, who launched his head coaching career at BGSU in 2001, was honored with an Ohio House resolution commemorating his upcoming induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. The resolution praised Meyer for his leadership and called his legacy a job well done.
The former Ohio State and Florida coach reflected on humble beginnings at Bowling Green, recalling how his first press conference drew just one reporter. “Sorry, I started almost every press conference thanking people for being there, because my first one here was one person,” Meyer said with a grin.
Urban Meyer reacting to BGSU's opening kickoff TD, celebrating with Joey Galloway pic.twitter.com/keI7JAQ4x1
— Mark Kunz (@MarkAKunz) August 28, 2025
He also remembered moments of doubt. “I remember pushing the garage door opener of that little rental house I was living in. It was 10 degrees, the wind was blowing, and I saw a snow tornado in the driveway. I thought to myself, God’s talking to me, man. What am I doing here. But it turned out to be great.”
Meyer was quick to highlight George, who in his Bowling Green debut led the Falcons to a convincing win. “I hammered him on the phone,” Meyer said about George taking the job. “Don’t you dare even think about this unless you understand what it is. This is a very unique place. If you don’t shake hands, meet with the students, dive into the community, there will be no one in the stadium.”
Meyer described George as “blue collar.” He added, “He looks like a freaking model, but his reputation was always first there, last to leave. He is a grinder.”
The evening was not without levity. Asked about Michigan alum Dave Portnoy, the Barstool Sports founder and now Fox Sports colleague, Meyer pointed to how his family was paying attention. “My daughter is so excited about it. She says it is going to really explode. And all of a sudden, I see all the chaos. I am just gonna go do my job, and I guess I have got to hear about the Wolverines all the time. We were 7–0, so we are alright.”
Urban Meyer on Dave Portnoy joining Big Noon Kickoff:
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) August 28, 2025
“I’m just gonna go do my job, and I guess I’ve got to hear about the Wolverines all the time. We were 7-0, so we’re alright.” pic.twitter.com/j8AzYcgiE3
The evening was significant for Bowling Green. As the school celebrated its past and anticipated its future, Eddie George showcased why he might be the ideal candidate to carry on the legacy that Urban Meyer ignited more than two decades ago.
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