The Associated Press

Bowling Green running back Eric Ransom breaks away for a 53-yard touchdown catch against Minnesota during the first half of the Falcons’ 32-31 overtime victory Saturday in Minneapolis.

Bowling Green quarterback Tyler Sheehan finished 34-for-51 for 388 yards and two touchdowns Saturday as Bowling Green held on to defeat Minnesota, 32-31, in overtime.

The Falcons (1-0) built a 21-0 lead before Minnesota (0-1) scored on four straight possessions in the second half. The Gophers’ first lead came from a Jason Giannini 33-yard field goal with 2:12 remaining in regulation. Sheehan led the Falcons into field goal range and kicker Sinisa Vrvilo tied the game with three seconds remaining on a 35-yard field goal.

On the first overtime possession, Minnesota running back Amir Pinnix broke free for a 23-yard touchdown run to give Minnesota a 31-24 edge over the Falcons. However, Sheehan continued his clutch play, finding Marques Parks on a 9-yard touchdown pass.

Bowling Green coach Gregg Brandon made the call to go for two, and Sheehan made the conversion, connecting with wide receiver Freddie Barnes to clinch the victory.

Akron defeats Army at Cleveland Browns Stadium

A strong first half allowed Akron to hold on for a 22-14 victory over Army in the inaugural First Merit Patriot Bowl at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Akron (1-0) was propelled by a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown by defensive back Reggie Corner, which gave the Zips a 9-0 lead after the first quarter.

Army (0-1) made it 9-7 on a 3-yard touchdown run by Wesley McMahand. That would be as close as the Cadets would get, as quarterback Chris Jacquemain threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Jabari Arthur later in the first half. The Zips sacked Army quarterback David Pevoto four times on its way to victory.

Western Michigan’s Defense Unable to Corral Mountaineers

Western Michigan mustered 24 points against No. 3 West Virginia Saturday, but couldn’t stop the rushing attack of West Virginia’s Pat White and Steve Slaton in a 62-24 loss.

White finished 10-for-18 for 192 yards passing and two touchdowns to go along with 97 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Slaton added 109 yards rushing and three touchdowns on just 16 carries for the Mountaineers (1-0).

Western Michigan starting quarterback Tim Hiller was replaced in the third quarter after throwing two interceptions and fumbling away a bad pitch. His replacement, Thomas Peregrin, immediately led the Broncos on a 65-yard scoring drive.

“Obviously, Tim and I are good friends, but we each want to be starting, and we’re going to work our butts off this week,” Peregrin said. “And it’s probably going to be up in the air again.”