University of Toledo
Arizona
Rockets Fall to Arizona, 24-17, in Overtime Thriller
9/2/2012 1:35:00 AM | Football
TUCSON, AZ - Arizona escaped with a 24-17 overtime victory over Toledo on Saturday night in the season opener to the 2012 campaign for both schools.
Toledo elected to play defense after winning the coin toss at the end of regulation The Wildcats found the end zone on their first possession on Terrence Miller's 10-yard touchdown reception, but the Rockets couldn't convert on their scoring opportunity. Arizona appeared to be on the verge of winning in regulation but missed a 25-yard field goal with no time left on the clock.
Toledo once again employed the two-quarterback system, with senior Austin Dantin starting and playing the first two series, junior Terrance Owens taking over until midway through the third quarter, then Dantin returning for the remainder of the game. Dantin was 10-of-25 for 63 yards, while Owens was 11-of-22 for 134 yards and one TD. Junior David Fluellen led the Rockets with 72 yards rushing and one score, while junior Bernard Reedy paced the receivers with a career-high nine catches.
Arizona got on the scoreboard first when John Bonano capped a 12-play drive with a 26-yard field goal on the Wildcats' first possession. Toledo failed to counter on its next possession when Jeremiah Detmer's 48-yarder went right.
Toledo got the first break of the game when wide receiver Richard Morrison fumbled following a catch inside the UT 10-yard line that was recovered by Dan Molls on the six. The Rockets took advantage of the turnover, driving 94 yards behind the arm of Owens. On the 10th play of the drive, Owens hit freshman Alonzo Russell down the sideline for 59 yards, the first TD of Russell's career.
Arizona countered with a diving catch by Austin Hill for a 30-yard TD to put the Wildcats up, 10-7, with 12:04 to play in the first half.
A short while later, junior running back David Fluellen capped a 10-play drive with a one-yard run to give the Rockets a 14-10 lead that they took into the locker room.
Arizona struck first in the second half on a 73-yard bolt up the middle by Ka'Deem Carey, giving the Wildcats a 17-14 edge. Toledo tied the score at 17-17 early in the fourth quarter on a 40-yard field goal by Detmer.
The Rockets will head back west next week when they face the Wyoming Cowboys in Laramie. Kick-off time is set for 4:00 p.m. ET.
