The Toledo Rockets defeated Ball State 37-19 to set up a de facto MAC West title game with Western Michigan.
Make no mistake about it: this was a big win for Jason Candle’s squad. Sure, Ball State entered this contest with a 4-6 record, but the Cardinals have a knack for upsetting Toledo when the Rockets are having a strong season. That was certainly the case in 1997, 2001, and 2013, when Ball State defeated a ranked Toledo team.
The Rockets made absolutely certain that there would not be an upset on Wednesday night. Toledo’s offense set the tone for the game on the first series, marching 93 yards in eight plays to go up 7-0. The Rockets would extend the lead to 17-0 on a 63-yard punt return by Corey Jones and a 37-yard field goal by Jameson Vest. While Ball State would cut the deficit to seven with five minutes to go in the first half, UT would score on its first three second half possessions to take a commanding 30-13 lead.
With the victory over the Cardinals, Toledo finds itself in a familiar position. If the Rockets defeat Western Michigan in the season finale – something they weren’t able to do within the friendly confines of the Glass Bowl last year – they will win the MAC West championship.
Will Toledo pick up a “W” to earn a spot in the conference championship game for the first time since 2004?
That’s tough to say. After all, Western Michigan is undefeated this season and has two wins against Big Ten opponents.
However, based on what we saw Wednesday night, the Rockets are certainly capable of pulling the upset. Despite playing in a heavy fog, Logan Woodside turned in another solid performance, completing 25 of 39 passes for 325 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Kareem Hunt was equally impressive, rushing 17 times for 107 yards and catching six passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. The Toledo defense also had a respectable showing, becoming just the third team this season to hold Ball State to less than 400 yards of total offense.
It’s hard to argue with those results. Expect the Rockets to give Western Michigan all it can handle in what should be one of the best games of the 2016-17 season.
