Boca Raton, FL – The fun and festivities of bowl week are coming to a close. The Toledo Rockets are officially in game mode.

On Day Four at the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl, the Rockets enjoyed themselves at the Kickoff Luncheon at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Afterward, a group of six players joined head coach Jason Candle at the official bowl news conference, where they talked with reporters about tomorrow night's battle with No. 24 Temple at FAU Stadium (7:00 p.m./ESPN).

The message from the Rockets was clear: it's time to focus on the football game.

 "I'm ready for the game to begin. The whole team is," said junior running back Kareem Hunt. "We're getting into game mode."

"I've actually been thinking about the game since we landed," said senior cornerback Cheatham Norrils. "We've had a good time here, but we know what we came here for—to go out and win a football game. As a senior and a captain, I want to win. I've enjoyed this trip but it will be much more enjoyable if we come out with a win."

"I'm thankful for all the good times we've had, but now it's time to start keying in on the game," said senior defensive tackle Orion Jones. "This is my last game as a Rocket, so hopefully I can help my team win the game. I want this for the seniors and to help Coach Candle get his first win."

Temple (10-3) will present UT with a very strong challenge, indeed. The Owls finished in first place in the East Division of the American Athletic Conference, losing in the league championship game to Houston, 24-13, on Dec. 5. They were ranked as high as No. 20 in the AP poll this season and are currently ranked No. 24 in all three polls. Senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich is Temple's best player; he was honored with the Bednarik Award, given annually to the nation's top linebacker.

Toledo counters with one of the best defenses in the Mid-American Conference, as well as a potent offense led by Hunt and senior quarterback Phillip Ely.

Rocket fans in the area for the game will join together for a pep rally at nearby Mizner Park at 7:00 p.m.  tonight, as well as a pre-game tailgate before the game tomorrow.
 
 

Head Coach Jason Candle talks about the challenge of facing No. 24 Temple.