AMHERST, Mass. — Below are updates and analysis from Saturday’s Toledo football game against Massachusetts. This story will be updated after each quarter.
Real-time team stats can be found at the bottom of the article.
FOURTH QUARTER
■ What happened: At the midway point of the season, Toledo is 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the Mid-American Conference.
■ Analysis: The theme of the first half of the season has been one of the most productive and protective offensive lines in the country.
THIRD QUARTER
■ What happened: Three possessions, three second-half touchdowns for the Rockets.
Toledo had 15 offensive snaps in the third quarter, totaling 207 yards and 21 points. Meanwhile, UT’s shaky defense held the Minutemen to 81 yards and three points and came up with an interception.
■ Analysis: Halftime adjustments are a real thing, and they were clearly executed in the Toledo locker room.
SECOND QUARTER
■ What happened: Toledo led UMass 17-7, the offense had found its rhythm, the defense had made some stops.
Then it all went kaput.
UMass scored on a 1-play, 71-yard drive and followed it with a six-play, 82-yard touchdown possession.
After leading 17-7, UT ran seven plan for 13 yards, with an interception.
■ Analysis: The Rockets have legitimate issues on defense. This is the third straight game in which opponents have put up big plays against Toledo.
And once again, Dequan Finn threw an ill-advised, ill-timed interception. The mistakes and issues that are arising are things that cause teams to lose games.
FIRST QUARTER
■ What happened: It was a less-than-ideal start for Toledo, which surrendered third-and-long runs of 47 and 32 yards on UMass’ opening possession. The Minutemen averaged more than 14 yards per play and 27 yards per rush on the touchdown drive.
UT responded with a 38-yard Luke Pawlak field goal and a 21-yard Peny Boone touchdown, but the defense remains an increasing concern. In recent weeks, they’ve given up huge chunk plays and been gashed on the ground.
■ Analysis: The difference between a comfortable Toledo lead and a dogfight is the Rockets’ inability to get off the field. During the first quarter, UMass was 3 of 4 on third down, and one of those conversions was a long TD run. If the Rockets can make some tweaks, they should be able to keep the Minutemen at bay.
First Published October 7, 2023, 4:53 p.m.
