Sept. 23, 2000

Box Score| Quotes

KALAMAZOO, MI - Toledo scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns thanks to a blocked punt and a fumble recovery but it wasn't enough as the Rockets fell to Western Michigan, 21-14, in Kalamazoo on Saturday.

The loss puts Toledo (3-1, 0-1 MAC West) in a big hole in the race for the Mid-American Conference West Division title. Western Michigan (3-1, 1-0 MAC West) is a game ahead of Toledo and holds the tie-breaker advantage if the two teams end up in a tie at the end of the season.

The Broncos held a 21-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter when the Rockets' special teams came through with a big play. Freshman Paul Dye blocked a punt, scooped up the ball and took it 12 yards for the touchdown with 9:55 to play.

Less than a minute later, Jehu Anderson recovered a Robert Sanford fumble on the Bronco 26-yard line. Four plays later, Chester Taylor busted through the line on fourth-and-one and bolted 17 yards for the touchdown to bring Toledo within seven points with 8:41 to play.

Toledo's defense forced WMU to punt, giving the ball back to the offense on the UT 17-yard line with 6:17 to play But the Rockets failed to move the ball an punted with 3:41 to play. From there, Western ran out the clock, breaking a six-game losing streak to the Rockets dating back to 1993.

Western built its lead on two long drives in the first half to take a 14-0 lead into the locker room at halftime. The Broncos added one more score on a 29-yard interception return by Marty Harig in the third quarter.

Toledo was led by Taylor, who ran for 132 yards on 19 carries, his third 100-yard game of the season and 11th of his career. Wide receiver Mel Long caught six passes, giving him 143 receptions for his career, tying Don Fair for the UT career reception mark.

Toledo will try to get back on the winning track at home against Central Michigan next week.