MUNCIE, Ind. — Below are updates and analysis from Saturday’s Toledo football game against Ball State. 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: Peny Boone went from goat to hero, fumbling in the first quarter and scoring the game-winning touchdown with 1:31 left.
The Rockets retake the lead late as @detroitpenn bulldozes his way in!@ToledoFB | #MACtion pic.twitter.com/At1XWBFKcw
— #MACtion (@MACSports) October 14, 2023
■ Analysis: Toledo’s win sets up a Mid-American Conference showdown at Miami next Saturday.
THIRD QUARTER
■ What happened: Another quarter, another listless Toledo offensive performance.
The Rockets had the football three times and gained 65 yards. Fortunately for them, the Toledo defense prevented Ball State from putting together a sustained drive.
■ Analysis: In the wet, windy weather, with two offenses that are struggling, it feels like the next team to score will win the game.
SECOND QUARTER
■ What happened: Toledo had one first half in the second quarter, as Peny Boone ran to the boundary fourth-and-1 and failed to pick up the first down. The highlight of the quarter for UT was Maxen Hook’s pass breakup in the end zone that prevented a Ball State touchdown.
■ Analysis: The weather isn’t good, but it’s not an excuse for the Rockets, who looked putrid on offense in the second quarter, gaining just 21 yards. The defense has been stout. If the offense doesn’t hand Ball State the ball, UT should eke out a win.
FIRST QUARTER
■ What happened: The total yards are decidedly in Toledo’s favor — 118 to 26. But the scoreboard is not.
The Rockets only lead 3-0 after having to settle for a 26-yard Luke Pawlak field goal and then turning it over inside the red zone on a Peny Boone fumble. On the previous play, Dequan Finn overthrew a wide-open Larry Stephens in the end zone.
■ Analysis: The rain is starting to come down in buckets and the home underdog has had some big breaks go their way. It’s a dangerous position for Toledo to stay in for an extended period of time.
First Published October 14, 2023, 6:48 p.m.
