TOLEDO, OH – Senior quarterback Phillip Ely (Tampa, FL) was named the Iron Workers Union No. 55 "Ironman of the Game" for his performance in Toledo's victory over No. 24 Temple at the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, FL. Ely threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns in the Rocket's 32-17 defeat over the Owls.

Ely, a transfer from Alabama, was named the game's Offensive MVP. He completed 20-of-28 passes despite throwing in driving rain most of the night, including an 80-yard touchdown pass to Cody Thompson. Ely announced after the game that his appeal for a sixth season due to injury hardship was turned down by the NCAA. Ely led the Rockets to a 10-2 overall record this season.