Courtesy of Texas Southern Sports Information
TOLEDO, Ohio – Toledo scored on its first eight possessions as they handed TSU a road loss on Saturday inside Glass Bowl Stadium.
The reigning Mid-American Conference champions, the Football Bowl Subdivision Rockets forced a punt on TSU’s opening drive and converted on two third downs on its opening drive before scoring on a Peny Boone 1-yard touchdown run followed by a two-point conversion.
TSU quarterback Jace Wilson, who was making his first start of the season, settled down on the second drive and picked up his initial first down of the game on a 3rd-and-8 scramble. However, the drive stalled at the TSU 32 as TSU was forced to punt. Three plays into its second drive of the contest, the Rockets converted a 3rd-and-6 and used the momentum to score its second touchdown of the contest three plays later.
Down 15-0, TSU had two quick first downs which moved them to the Rocket 40. However, a TSU holding penalty negated a potential first down followed by an untimely sack. TSU was forced to punt on the drive which was ultimately blocked as Toledo started its next drive at the TSU 37. Toledo only needed one play on the offensive end to answer as they moved ahead 22-0 following the PAT.
A TSU interception at the close of the first quarter led to another Rocket scoring drive and a 29-0 deficit at the start of the second quarter. TSU wouldn’t back down despite the deficit as Wilson and Jacorey Howard moved TSU to the Toledo 12. However, a holding call moved the Tigers back and two incomplete passes led to a 34-yard Curtis Falkenburg field goal.
Despite the score, the Rockets kept the gas on as they scored 21 points to close out the half ahead 50-3.
The Rockets added three additional touchdowns in the second half for the final score
TSU finished with 238 yards of total offense as Wilson passed for 92 yards on 8-of-20 passing. Howard led TSU with 43 yards rushing on 11 carries followed by Jyrin Johnson’s four receptions. Defensively, Jacob Williams led the Tigers with 13 tackles.
TSU is back in action next Saturday as they’ll face Rice inside Rice Stadium at 6 p.m.
NOTES
Saturday’s game marked the first time TSU has played in the state of Ohio since facing Central State in 1993 in Columbus at Ohio State’s stadium.
This marked the first time TSU faced an opponent from the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
Quarterback Jace Wilson made his first career start at TSU.
Linebacker Jacob Williams had his second straight double-digit tackle contest with 13 stops.
TSU freshman quarterback Jordan Davis took his first career snap in the first quarter after Jace Wilson had to exit for a play due to losing his helmet. Davis had first down run late in the final quarter.
