PAGE BREAKOUT GAME LEADS ROCKETS OVER CMU

Toledo sophomore Eric Page had perhaps the greatest single-game performance in Rocket history as he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, caught two touchdown passes and threw another to help UT defeat Central Michigan 42-31.

Page set a school record for kickoff returns for touchdowns in a game and also added 12 pass receptions. Whenever the Rockets need a big play, Page was there.

About Page, Tim Beckman said, "Eric Page is a phenomenal performer and he has a great supporting cast. When we need to make a play he seems to make them both offensively and on special teams."

UT (8-4,7-1) had a second straight game where they got off to a quick start. Quarterback Terrance Owens hooked up with Kenny Stafford for a 75-yard pass play to open the game, and that was just the beginning. Page's 99-yard kickoff return, a 9 yard TD pass to page and another 25 yarder to the sophomore from Springfield High School had Toledo up 28-7 late in the first half.

CMU got a late score to narrow the lead to 28-14 at intermission.

A Central Michigan field goal narrowed the lead to 28-17 with 10:42 remaining in the third quarter.

Paige responded again as he took the ensuing kickoff back for 95 yard to put the Toledo lead at 35-17.

But Central wouldn't give up in this game. They blocked a UT punt for a touchdown to trail by only eleven early in the fourth quarter.

A little razzle-dazzle got UT an important touchdown as a throw from Owens to Page To Owens gave Toledo a 42-24 lead.

CMU scored once more as the final score read 42-31.

Page wasn't the only Rocket player to break a record in the Game. Senior linebacker Archie Donald had 13 tackles to become the only player in UT history to lead the team in tackling three straight seasons. And Owens had his career-best passing performance with 304 yards through the air.

A great win that likely sealed up a bowl game for Toledo, but two blocked punts, poor kickoffs that gave the Chippewas good field position much of the game and a pass defense that needs tightening up were reminders that this team is a work in progress.

Now the Rockets wait for a bowl invitation and can smile because they stopped the losing streak to Central Michigan and brought winning football back to Toledo.