Hunt, Woodside lead Toledo to big win over Fresno State, 52-17

The Rockets were able to get the offense going against a weak Fresno State defense after having to punt on their first drive, winning by a final score of 52-17.

Big plays early and often were a factor yet again when Logan Woodside hit Cody Thompson on a 36 yard touchdown pass to open the scoring.

The Rocket defense was able to hold Fresno to -1 yard on three plays to force another punt. The offense then put together a six play, 60 yard drive that was capped off by a 9 yard touchdown pass from Woodside to Michael Roberts making the game 14-0.

Toledo’s defense would shutout the Bulldogs in the first half, forcing eight punts. Kareem Hunt scored on a seven yard touchdown run, and Jameson Vest added a 22 yard field goal. The Rockets went into halftime with 24-0 lead over Fresno State.

Fresno would be forced to punt on their first drive of the second half, running three plays for -14 yards on the drive. Logan Woodside would keep his good play going on the ensuing drive, hitting Jon’Vea Johnson on an 18 yard touchdown pass.

After another Fresno punt the offense took the again, Woodside completed a pass for 47 yards Thompson. That big gain would help to set a six yard touchdown reception by Michael Roberts, that touchdown made the score 38-0.

The Bulldogs would finally get on the scoreboard with Chason Virgil hitting KeeSean Johnson on 9 yard touchdown pass. The Frenso defense would then force a punt that would lead to a drive that ended in a 42 yard field goal by Kody Kroening.

With the ball back in the hands of Toledo’s offense they would go on a 7 play, 75 yard drive that would be capped off with a one yard touchdown run by Art Tompkins.

The two teams would then trade punts on the next two drives. Finally, Fresno State hit a big play of their own with Virgil finding Jamire Jordan for an 85 yard touchdown, making the score 45-17 in favor of Toledo.

With backup QB Michael Julian in the game the Rockets scored yet another touchdown. Julian found Zach Yousey for a 62 yard touchdown to finish off an 82 yard drive.

The Rockets would finish with 619 total yards while the defense was able to hold Fresno State to 254 yards. Woodside finished 15-of-26 for 239 yard with four touchdowns and no interceptions.

Kareem Hunt was leading rusher with 123 yards on 19 carries with one touchdown. Art Thompkins didn't finish far behind him, gaining 103 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries. Woodside’s favorite target Cody Thompson finished as the teams leading receiver with four catches for 102 yards and a touchdown.

The Rockets were able to roll over an out-matched Fresno State team to move to 3-0 on the season. Toledo returns to action next Saturday when they travel to Provo, Utah to take on BYU at 10:30pm EST on ESPN 2.