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The Toledo Rockets took on the Bowling Green Falcons tonight in the battle of I-75. The Rockets needed a win to keep pace in the MAC West with the Northern Illinois Huskies, who took care of business against Western Michigan. A loss against Bowling Green, and the Falcons would need help to reach the MAC Championship game in Detroit.
The first half was exactly what you would expect from the two teams in this rivalry. The Falcons struck first, taking the opening drive 74 yards on 7 plays for the touchdown. Jarrett Doege connected with Teo Redding for a 57 yard touchdown pass.
The Rockets answered with a 7 play, 75 yard drive where they just ran at the Falcons. After a Falcons punt pinned Toledo at the 5, they went 95 yards, again matriculating the ball down the field.
For the rest of the first half, Toledo would either score, or give the Falcons a short field. The Rockets were able to take a 24-21 lead into the half thanks to a 24 yard Jamison Vest field goal.
The second half went more how you would expect the game to go based on the team’s records and throwing out the rivalry aspect. At the end of the third quarter, the Rockets led, 52-28. Toledo ended up winning, 66-37. The series is now tied, 39-39-4.
Logan Woodside finished the game with 232 yards passing and two scored on 13-18 passing. Jarrett Doege also had a good game for the Falcons, throwing for 270 yards and 4 touchdowns along with one interception.
Terry Swanson had a fantastic game for the Rockets, rushing for 192 yards on 23 carries. Art Thompkins did his share, rushing for 114 yards on just 9 carries. He had an 88 yard touchdown in the 4th quarter. Shakif Seymour got the glory, though. He ran for 67 yards on 12 carries, but amassed 5 touchdowns.
The Rockets dominated the yardage battle, especially on the ground. They finished with 389 yards rushing, compared to just 80 for Bowling Green.
The Rockets host Western Michigan on Friday, November 24th. If the Rockets win, they will go to their first MAC Championship game since 2004. It would be their 6th appearance overall, tying Marshall and one short of the Huskies.