Toledo, Ohio – The University of Toledo's 2018 football schedule was released today, with six of the Rockets' seven home games to be played in the months of September and October.
 
        Highlighting the home slate is a Sept. 15 matchup with Miami (Fla.). The Hurricanes finished the 2017 season ranked No. 13 in the country and could potentially be in the top 10 when they visit the Glass Bowl next fall.
 
        The Rockets will also host the Battle of I-75 between the Rockets and arch-rival Bowling Green on Oct. 6. That game will also be Homecoming for Toledo. The Rockets have won eight consecutive games vs. the Falcons, evening the all-time series at 39-39-4.
 
        Four games on Toledo's 2018 schedule are set for national TV broadcast. Additional TV contests could be added later. The four national TV games are: Oct. 25 at Western Michigan (ESPN2 or CBS Sports Network); Oct. 31 vs. Ball State (ESPN2); Nov. 7 at Northern Illinois (ESPN2 or ESPNU); and Nov. 15 at Kent State (CBSSN).
 
        Toledo opens its season with three consecutive home games, beginning with the season opener vs. VMI on Saturday, Sept. 1. Following a bye week, the Rockets host Miami on Sept. 15 and Nevada on Sept. 22. UT closes out the non-conference portion of its schedule with a trip to Fresno State on Sept. 29.
 
        In addition to Bowling Green, MAC opponents coming to the Glass Bowl are Buffalo (Oct. 20), Ball State (Oct. 31) and Central Michigan (Nov. 23). UT will hit the road to face Eastern Michigan (Oct. 13), Western Michigan (Oct. 25), Northern Illinois (Nov. 7) and Kent State (Nov. 15).
 
            Head Coach Jason Candle's 2018 squad returns 14 starters from last season's MAC Championship squad, including one of the best receiving corps in the nation. Senior wide receiver Cody Thompson, who returns for his fifth season following a season-ending injury in 2017, was a first-team All-MAC selection in 2016. He has caught 133 passes and 20 TD passes in his Rocket career. Junior Diontae Johnson was a first-team All-MAC choice in 2017, catching 72 passes for a school-record 1,257 yards and 13 scores. Senior Jon'Vea Johnson has caught 82 passes and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
 
            Rocket fans can get a preview of the 2018 squad at the annual spring game on Saturday, April 14 at 12 noon at the Glass Bowl.
 
        Rocket football season tickets are on sale now. Single-game tickets for all home games except Miami and Bowling Green will go on sale on July 17. Single-game tickets for those two games will go on sale to the general public on Aug. 1. Rocket Fund donors and season-ticket holders will have an opportunity to purchase single-game tickets for Miami and Bowling Green prior to Aug. 1. For more information, go online at UTRockets.com or call 419-530-GOLD (4653) or stop by the UT Athletic Ticket Office during business hours.