ROCKETS STAY UNBEATEN IN MAC

Toledo ran its MAC record to 4-0 with a 49-28 Homecoming victory over Miami.

UT scored three first quarter touchdowns, all on the ground, and by three different rushers. David Fluellen's 7-yard scamper opened the scoring, followed by a two-yarder by Morgan Williams and a 3-yard run by Adonis Thomas. Toledo was up 21-0 against the RedHawks.

The Rockets added an early second quarter score when linebacker Robert Bell picked up a Miami fumble and ran 55 yards for a touchdown. With Toledo ahead 28-0, it appeared that the Rockets were in for an easy night. Although Miami was never able to get closer than 21 points in the contest, there were still concerns.

The Rockets had numerous opportunities to score in the third quarter, but just could sustain drives. Toledo also had many chances to bottle Miami up deep in their own territory, but poor punting gave then decent field position.

UT opened up the fourth quarter scoring with a 9-yard pass play from Austin Dantin to senior tight end Jerome Jones which put the Rockets ahead 42-14.

Miami answered with a score, followed by a TD pass from Terrance Owens to freshman Justin Olack.

The RedHawks were able to add a touchdown with 20 seconds remaining in the game to make the final score 49-28.

"I'm proud of the way the guys came out and started the game" said head coach Tim Beckman. "I thought there was a little lull in the second half.  I challenged my team because they had not won a Homecoming game since 2007 and hadn't won four straight games since 2004. We asked the senior class to lead us and teach us how to be champions."

Thomas, who returned after sustaining a broken arm earlier in the season, rushed for 82 yards, including 67 on one play. "It just kind of happened, he said. "It's a regular play that we called and the offensive line opened up a big hole. That helped me get loose for a big gain. There was some trash talk among my teammates because I was caught from behind. I had been out of action for the last month and my endurance isn't what it used to be. I haven't been running at full speed but it felt good just to be back."

Beckman was also happy to see his senior running back return. "It feels really good to see Adonis carrying the football, but we also know that we have two others that have done an outstanding job and stepped their game up to make sure we can perform at a high level. It's not about individuals, it's about team. It speaks volumes of what this team is all about."

Thomas was only one part of a three pronged rushing attack that saw Williams and Fluellen make big contributions with a total of 269 rushing yards.

Although Dantin and Owens both had good completion percentages, it was a night when both seemed to struggle a bit keeping drives drives moving, especially in the third quarter.

One disturbing statistic was that Miami was able to throw for 394 yards against the Rockets.

Defensively, UT was led by Desmond Marrow with six tackles. The Rockets had five quarterback sacks, including two by senior defensive end Malcolm Riley.