Toledo’s first trip to the Mid-American Conference championship game since 2017 could become a reality in less than 24 hours.
In front of a nationally televised audience on ESPN, the Rockets staked their claim to the MAC West title with a thrilling 28-21 win over Ball State. The momentum swings and lead changes created a volatile situation on each sideline, with tight end Jamal Turner’s eight-yard touchdown catch with 1:18 left providing the final salvo.
UT (7-3, 5-1) controls its own destiny in the MAC West, but the final two games of the season could be irrelevant if Northern Illinois beats Western Michigan on Wednesday night. The Rockets would clinch the division if the Huskies win.
“You work on the culture of a football tea from Jan. 15 until the final bell of the final football game,” Toledo coach Jason Candle said. “It’s a constant fluid process that you’re continually working at. What you’re trying to do is make sure that the words off these walls come to life. It’s moments like that that allow that to happen and give you validation.”
Toledo quarterback Dequan Finn returned to the field after suffering an injury to his throwing shoulder at Buffalo on Oct. 22. In his absence, backup QB Tucker Gleason guided the Rockets to a victory at Eastern Michigan.
The 17-day layoff was evident for Finn, who exhibited signs of rust with some off-target throws and shaky decision-making. The most obvious difference was his lack of running ability. Finn, who’s one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the country, only ran eight times for 10 yards. He was sacked twice.
On the game-winning drive — seven plays, 50 yards — Finn was 2 for 3 for 30 yards. Micah Kelly ran four times for 30 yards.
“We huddled up on the sideline and preached to each other, this is a championship drive,” Finn said.
As a team, Toledo only rushed for 136 yards, barely averaging three yards per carry. Kelly had 85 yards on 17 carries. More glaring were the Rockets’ 10 penalties for 105 yards, several of which were crippling and led to Ball State points.
“It’s November football,” Candle said. “I get it, talking season is in June, July, and August. Everybody has their predictions, but everything comes down to tough times and tough moments in November, where you’re going to play teams that are very good on the line of scrimmage. If you have a good record right now, you have a good offensive line and a good defensive line.”
Finn completed 21 of 38 pass attempts for 301 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. His best sequence of the night came in the second quarter when he completed a 20-yard pass to Devin Maddox and a 48-yard touchdown pass to Maddox during a three-play stretch.
Seven different Toledo players caught a pass, led by Jerjuan Newton’s seven receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown. Turner had four catches for 54 yards and a touchdown.
“Jamal is a reliable tight end that I enjoy throwing the ball to,” Finn said. “We’re on the same page at all times. It’s good to have a security blanket making those tough catches.”
MACtion games typically verge on absurdity, but in favorable temperatures Tuesday, the defenses stood out. The teams combined for 15 3-and-outs on 34 possessions. In the fourth quarter, they had 112 total yards on 41 plays.
Toledo finished with 437 yards, while limiting Ball State to 281. The Cardinals were 5 of 20 on third down and only had six first downs in the second half.
“It was a fun game,” said UT linebacker Dallas Gant, who finished with 10 tackles. “It was gritty — Tuesday MACtion. It’s what we expected. I think our team did a great job responding. We got punched in the face a lot. We were down a little bit but rallied as a team and a defense. It was fun to see captains leading and how we came together as a defense in the second half.”
Carson Steele was the entire focus of Ball State’s offense. Not only did the Rockets not stop the running back, it could barely lay a finger on him, as the nation’s third-leading rusher finished with 198 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries.
“That’s a really good running back we just played,” Candle said. “We knew it was going to be a slugfest.”
But Ball State (5-5, 3-3) had to throw the football to win, and Toledo’s highly ranked pass defense wouldn’t allow it. Quarterback John Paddock completed just 13 of 35 passes for 94 yards and he was sacked five times.
In the final minute, Maxen Hook, as he did at Eastern Michigan, sealed the game with an interception.
“Happy with where we’re at,” Candle said. “Obviously, we know what lies ahead. But we’re going to enjoy this win.”
First Published November 9, 2022, 5:03 a.m.
