TOLEDO, Ohio - Toledo enters the conference portion of its schedule against one of its top MAC West Division challengers when the Rockets host Western Michigan on Homecoming at the Glass Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 5 (3:30 p.m./ESPN+).
Toledo (3-1, 0-0 MAC) comes into the contest with some momentum. After a season-opening loss at Kentucky, the Rockets have won three straight games, most recently a thrilling 28-21 home win over BYU on Sept. 28. Senior safety
Kahlil Robinson set up the game-winning touchdown with an interception with less than a minute remaining. Junior running back
Shakif Seymour scored on the next play, and the Rocket defense fought off the Cougars' final drive.
Seymour finished with a season-high 96 yards rushing to go with his two scores. Sophomore
Bryant Koback chipped in with 88 yards as the Rockets ran for 242 yards as a team. Senior quarterback
Mitchell Guadagni had another strong outing, completing 17-of-28 passes for 206 yards and one TD. He also rushed for 54 yards on 12 carries. Toledo's defense came through with numerous big plays. In addition to Robinson's interception, the Rockets broke up nine passes and had two sacks.
Western Michigan (3-2, 1-0 MAC) is coming off a big win over rival Central Michigan in Kalamazoo on Saturday. The Broncos lead the MAC in scoring (37.2) and total offense (498.6), powered by senior quarterback Jon Wassink (1,466 yards, 10 TDs) and senior running back LeVante Bellamy (559 yards, seven TDs).
Toledo vs. Western Michigan
Saturday, Oct. 5 - 3:30 p.m.
The Glass Bowl
• TEAM RECORDS:
Toledo (3-1 0-0 MAC)
Western Michigan (3-2, 1-0 MAC)
• SERIES RECORD: Toledo leads, 43-30. The Rockets won in Kalamazoo last year, 51-24.
• THE COACHES:
Jason Candle, 31-14 (4th year) at Toledo, same overall. 2-1 vs. WMU.
Tim Lester, 16-14 (3rd year) at WMU, 55-37 overall. 0-2 vs. Toledo.
• TV/STREAMING: ESPN+
Play by Play: Doug Sherman
Analyst: Tyoka Jackson
• ROCKET RADIO NETWORK: Pregame begins at 2:00 p.m.
Play by Play: Brent Balbinot
Analyst: Jack Miller
Sidelines: Mike Robinson
• WEB-AUDIO: Free live audio streaming of the UT Rocket Radio Network broadcast on UTRockets.com.
• COACH'S SHOW: Coach
Jason Candle and host Brent Balbinot talk Rocket Football every Monday beginning Aug. 26 from 6-7 p.m. at Stubborn Brother Pizza. Carried live on WSPD-AM1370 and UTRockets.com, with live streaming video on the BCSN Now app.
• TWITTER:
@ToledoFB: Regular updates on UT Football, live updates on Game Day.
@ToledoRockets: Updates for all Rocket sports.
• TICKETS: Still available. Order online
here or call 419-530-GOLD (4653)
Rocket Round-Up
• Toledo swept the MAC West Player of the Week awards following last week's win over BYU: senior safety
Kahlil Robinson (defense), junior running back
Shakif Seymour (offense) and freshman placekicker
Evan Davis (special teams).
• Toledo ranks first in the MAC in rushing offense (262.2), second in scoring offense (34.5) and third in total offense (470.0).
• Toledo leads the MAC in scoring defense (23.5) despite ranking 12th in total defense (475.5).
• Sophomore
Bryant Koback leads the MAC in rushing (112.8 yards/game) and scoring (10.5). Senior QB
Mitchell Guadagni ranks eighth in rushing (63.2).
• Junior
Bailey Flint leads the MAC in punting with a 47.3 average.
•
Kahlil Robinson's game-saving interception vs. BYU on Sept. 28 was his second of the season and seventh of his career. He also had a game-saving pick against Eastern Michigan in the waning seconds of a 20-15 win in 2017.
• Sophomore defensive end
Desjuan Johnson had one sack, a tackle for loss, another tackle for no gain and a QB hurry vs. BYU, all in the first quarter.
• Freshman
Evan Davis connected on field goals of 45 and 26 yards vs. BYU and is now 6-of-6 on the season.
• Toledo is one of nine FBS teams that has had a winning record over the past nine years (82-38 record since 2010).
Head Coach Jason Candle gives final thoughts on BYU game; previews upcoming matchup against Western Michigan.
