OPELT LEADS ROCKETS TO RECORD-BREAKING NIGHT

October 28, 2007 - Toledo set school and MAC records in a 70-21 win over Northern Illinois last night in the Glass Bowl. The Rockets' 812 total yards broke a MAC record held by Marshall, and the 70 points were the most ever scored against a conference opponent.

UT had a 42-7 lead by halftime, and even after freely substituting, still added four more touchdowns. "We had a really good week of practice and a good game plan," said sophomore quarterback Aaron Opelt. "We got a great win and put up a lot of points. That's what we're trying to do."

Opelt completed 22 of 28 passes for 387 yards and four touchdowns against the Huskies. The 387 yards were the fourth highest in Toledo history behind only three 400-yard plus efforts by Bruce Gradkowski.

Toledo also got two 100-yard rushing efforts from DaJuane Collins (135) and Jalen Parmele (107).

"Footballs a funny game," said head coach Tom Amstutz. "We got some momentum going, and I thought Aaron was really sharp and controlled the offense. When he can throw the ball with that accuracy, and we can mix the run in, those types if things (blowouts) can happen. We got some momentum and caught on fire."

The Rocket defense did a great job keeping NIU off of the scoreboard, and only a late TD with less than two minutes remaining allowed them to get a third touchdown.

UT (4-5,2-3) now must prepare for an improved Eastern Michigan team that beat them last season in Ypsilanti.