Kalamazoo, MI - Toledo's offense put up some big numbers against Western Michigan but not enough in the one category that counts most - points. The Rockets fell to the Broncos, 27-17, at Waldo Stadium on Saturday.

 

Toledo nearly matched WMU in total yardage, 371 to 358, but could only manage a pair of touchdowns, one in the first quarter and one late in the game, and a fourth-quarter field goal by Alex Steigerwald. Junior QB Aaron Opelt threw for 213 yards on 18-of-31 passing and one TD. Senior WR Nick Moore (10 catches for 97 yards) and junior WR Stephen Williams (six receptions, 94 yards, one TD) and were Opelt's favorite targets. Freshman Morgan Williams led the running attack with 83 yards.

 

Western Michigan (9-2, 6-1 MAC) was led by junior QB Tim Hiller, who completed 22-of-36 passes for 225 yards and three TDs. Junior WR Jamarko Simmons led the Broncos with eight receptions.

 

Toledo (2-8, 1-5 MAC) was still in the game until the fourth quarter until Hiller connected with Matt Stevens for a 10-yard TD pass to put WMU up, 27-10, with 10:23 to play. Opelt scored on a QB-keeper from one-yard out with 3:42 to play to close out the scoring.

 

Toledo outgained the Broncos in the first half, 202-171, but still trailed 10-7 thanks to a late WMU drive that ended with a one-yard TD flip from QB Tim Hiller to Austin Pritchard with no time left on the clock. The Broncos started the drive on their own 20 yard-line with 1:12 left.

 

Toledo's first-half score came on a 27-yard pass from Aaron Opelt to Stephen Williams with 2:38 to play in the first quarter.

 

The Rockets will close out the season with Friday night home games vs. Miami (Nov. 21) and Bowling Green (Nov. 28).