Rockets Land in Boca Raton

Boca Raton, FL – A little Florida rain didn't dampen the spirits of the Toledo Rockets on their first day at the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl.

The Rockets practiced at the Saint Andrew School in the afternoon, then enjoyed an evening of bowling and games at the team welcome party. About 30 minutes of the practice took place in a very heavy rain storm, but the team otherwise enjoyed the warm Florida weather.

The Rockets (9-2) face No. 24 Temple (10-3) on Tuesday night at FAU Stadium (7:00 p.m./ESPN).

Toledo recruits heavily in Florida, and the native Floridians on the Rocket roster were especially pleased to be back in their home state, rain or shine.

"It's a blessing to be back in Florida, especially for my last college game," said senior safety Rolan Milligan, who hails from Lake Wales. "This is my first bowl game ever, so I'm excited. It's been a long journey, but it feels good to have another opportunity to play, especially back home. We didn't get a good weather day, but I'm used to it. I love it."

Added Tampa native and UT senior quarterback Phillip Ely, "I love it. This what I grew up on, these weird rains that come and go. I'm just very excited to be playing a bowl game in Florida."

Head Coach Jason Candle said he was pleased with his team's effort on Day One in Florida.

"We had an excellent practice today," said Candle, who will be making his debut as a head coach vs. Temple after seven seasons as a UT assistant. "We had a little bit of a weather situation but we fought through it. We had a lot of energy and good attention to detail. I like how we responded today.

"We're getting ready. We're focusing on the game now. We're in game mode now and looking forward to playing a great Temple team."

The Rockets will practice again tomorrow, and also enjoy an afternoon beach party.

Post-Practice Comments - Head Coach Jason Candle, Phillip Ely, Rolan Milligan

Marmot Boca Raton Bowl - Day One Highlights

Players Mentioned

Phillip Ely

Rolan Milligan

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