TOLEDO EDGES OU 43-40

October 21, 2007 - Eight turnovers by Ohio and a last second field goal by Alex Steigerwald were just enough to give UT its first MAC win, 43-40 last night in the Glass Bowl.

Toledo (3-5) got another huge performance from Jalen Parmele, as he had a career-high of 247 rushing yards on 38 carries.

The Rockets trailed 14-6 at the half, because a number of scoring opportunities were squandered. Only two Steigerwald field goals were on the scoreboard in spite of a 74-yard kickoff return by Parmele and two other drives inside the Bobcat's 25.

In somewhat of a surprise, quarterback Aaron Opelt got the start for the Rockets. He only threw for 44 yards in the first half, but finished the game with 204 yards and one touchdown. "I was excited to get out there," Opelt said. "After taking two weeks off and not getting any action, I was excited to get the green light to go."

UT scored 37 points in the second half, with many of the opportunities helped along by Ohio fumbles and interceptions by Rocket defenders. Toledo trailed 21-20 at the end of the third quarter, but tacked on two Parmele touchdowns and one by DaJuane Collins to help set up the winning field goal.

Toledo needed all of the offense it could muster, because it gave up a whopping 560 yards of total offense to the Bobcats.

"I'm really proud of our football team," said head coach Tom Amstutz. "We've had some adversity this year, but the seniors and leaders of this team haven't stopped believing. We've had to make adjustments with our personnel and do whatever it takes to win games."