In Friday’s 51-13 win against Central Michigan, University of Toledo linebacker Tyler Taafe returned an interception for a touchdown for the second game in a row.
Linebacker Richard Olekanma had eight solo tackles and two for loss. Defensive tackle Reggie Howard constantly was in the backfield with 2½ tackles for loss. Defensive end Tuzar Skipper created havoc on the edge with two sacks.
Receiver Jon’Vea Johnson turned in a highlight play on a 44-yard touchdown catch. Receiver Cody Thompson provided a spark in the return game, fielding seven punts for 88 yards.
And when the clock was winding down and the game was in hand, each of the seniors lined up in victory formation for the final snap of their final game at the Glass Bowl.
It was a spur of the moment thing, but Toledo coach Jason Candle wanted to get as many seniors on the field as he could, including defensive players, for the last snap.
“I called a timeout and just wanted to make sure those guys had a chance to get out there and have one last moment together,” Candle said. “Taking a knee on the final play with all your guys out there together on one single play, I thought that would be a really cool moment for those guys.”
VIDEO: UT head coach Jason Candle
Thompson admitted it was chaos trying to get the defensive players in the huddle and in the right spot on the line, but he was appreciative of the fact he got to share the field with his classmates.
“I thought at the end of the game, what coach Candle did to get all the seniors out there on that last knee, was pretty special,” Thompson said. “I know a lot of guys will remember that for the rest of their lives.”
Redshirt freshman running back Bryant Koback had 28 carries for 124 yards and two touchdowns as the Rockets ran the ball 49 times for 293 yards.
Shakif Seymour added 66 yards and a touchdown, Art Thompkins had 51 yards and a score, and Nevone McCrimmon broke off a 45-yard touchdown run late.
Sophomore quarterback Eli Peters was 14-of-30 passing for 180 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Johnson finished with three catches for 87 yards.
The Toledo (7-5, 5-3 MAC) defense shined as Central Michigan struggled to move the ball much of the game. The Chippewas had just three first downs in the first half and were in a 24-0 hole at halftime.
“We just kind of knew what they like to do a lot and we had a really good game plan,” Olekanma said. “We just played harder than them for most of the game right from the opening snap. They just didn’t really play as hard as we did, to be honest.”
Later in the day, Central Michigan fired coach John Bonamego after the Chippewas finished 1-11 overall and 0-8 in the league.
Out of halftime, UT defensive tackle Nate Childress tipped a George Pearson pass and the ball fell into the hands of Taafe, who returned it 21 yards for the score. He played 49 career games without recording a single interception before last week’s pick-6 against Kent State.
“It was in slow motion,” Taafe said. “You couldn’t write it like this. You really couldn’t. My guy, Nate Childress, hit it up, batted it in the air, and I was lucky enough to be in the right place. It was really cool. To go out on top like this is a great way to end it.”
Central Michigan ran it 32 times for 48 yards and threw for just 133 yards. The Chippewas were just 2-of-17 on third down conversions.
“If you stop the run, you usually have the chance to win the game,” Candle said. “But it was an outstanding performance by the defense. We got another defensive touchdown this week and it was a great moment for Tyler and a great play. And it was a big spark to start the third quarter.”
After the final whistle, Thompson said he took some time to savor the environment one more time before he headed to the locker room.
“It still hasn’t sunk in yet,” Thompson said. “As I was running off the field I kind of stopped and turned around and took another glance at everything. It hasn’t sunk in yet, but I’m sure it will at some point.”
First Published November 23, 2018, 8:45 p.m.
