INSIDE SLANT

The salve the Rockets needed to dress their recent wounds was located and applied in the form of a dominating win over MAC cellar resident Eastern Michigan. Toledo found the right team to help it get well.

The Rockets had lost three games in a row, and four of their last five before facing the Eagles. Eastern Michigan was the willing victim on senior night when Toledo hosted its final home game in the careers of its 19 seniors.

When the Rockets spoke of contending for the league title and making it to a bowl game, they had performances like this in mind. Toledo forced four Eastern Michigan turnovers, and rushed for 330 yards to control the ball for more than 36 minutes.

The rout over the Eagles moves Toledo to 5-6 with one game left on the schedule. If the Rockets can prevail in their finale against rival Bowling Green, they will get that magic sixth win that would make them bowl eligible.

Even though that accomplishment would likely be symbolic only, since a number of other MAC teams are more likely to get bowl bids, there would be some salvation in that 6-6 record since the Rockets are trying to halt a string of three straight losing seasons. First-year coach Tim Beckman wants to demonstrate that his program is headed toward a leading role in the MAC, and not destined to extend its stay in the lower ranks of the conference.

NOTES, QUOTES

• Toledo senior WR Stephen Williams had five receptions in the win over Eastern Michigan and that puts him second on the school’s career receptions list with 221. Williams also surpassed the 3,000 career yard mark in receiving yards, and now has 3,020 yards.

• Against Eastern Michigan, the Rockets had two players rush for more than 100 yards—the second time this season Toledo has done that, with the first coming in a win over Colorado.

• Against the Rockets, Eastern Michigan only ran three plays in the first quarter, and gained just eight yards.

Game Ball Goes To:   Senior WR Stephen Williams, who had five receptions to help the Rockets’ offensive explosion against the Eagles. With his next catch, Williams will tie current NFL player Lance Moore at the top of the Toledo career reception list with 222.

Keep An Eye On:   RB Morgan Williams—The sophomore started the season in the shadows with a two-game suspension, but has worked back into form and had a huge game against the Eagles. Williams averaged 14.1 yards per carry while rushing for 155 yards.

Quote To Note:   “We have 105 players and 19 seniors, and I wouldn’t have taken my decision from four years ago back for anything. It’s a special place and a special town to play football in.”—Toledo senior QB Aaron Opelt on his final game in the Glass Bowl

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Looking Good:   Toledo sophomore RB Morgan Williams rushed for 155 yards and senior RB DaJuane Collins had 144 as the Rockets ran all over Eastern Michigan. Both running backs had 100 yards before halftime as Toledo set season-highs for the number of carries (51) and yards (330). With that kind of rushing attack, the Rockets take the heat off their quarterbacks.

Still Needs Work:   Toledo’s defense had a few of its customary lapses that allow big plays, even against a weak team like Eastern Michigan. The Rockets let Eastern’s freshman QB Alex Gillett hook up with junior WR Tyrone Burke on a 48-yard touchdown.

Roster Report:  

•  QB Austin Dantin made his second career start in the game against Eastern Michigan and finished 10-for-11 for 116 yards. Dantin’s completion percentage (90.9 percent) is the second-best mark in Toledo history.

•  QB David Pasquale scored the first touchdown of his career on a 15-yard run in the second quarter against Eastern Michigan, and then added a second score on a six-yard run in the third quarter.

•  DL T.J. Fatinikun had a sack in the win over the Eagles, and forced two fumbles, recovering the second one.

•  PK Alex Steigerwald hit two field goals against Eastern Michigan and is now 11-for-15 this season, with 47 career field goals.