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Keith’s keys to the game: Arkansas State Edition

Keith Boggs, Sports Reporter

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In a rematch of Jan. 4 GoDaddy Bowl against Arkansas State, in which Toledo won the first meeting 63-44, the Rockets triumphed in Saturday nights game 37-7.

Keith keys to the game:

Turnovers

Without looking at the score, you could probably tell what direction of this game went by looking, just looking at the turnover differential.

Arkansas State quarterback James Tabary threw three interceptions including a 36-yard interception return for a touchdown by Rolan Milligan in the first quarter to put the UT up 17-0. The Red Wolves also managed to fumble the ball five times and losing it twice. QB Phillip Ely had a pass picked off and returned to the UT six-yard line, but ASU would have to settle for a 20-yard field goal which they shanked wide left.

No Hunt, No Problem

The last time the Rockets matched up with Arkansas State, Kareem Hunt shredded the Red Wolves defense with 271 yards and five touchdowns. This time around, Hunt sat out the game with a sore hamstring.

While Toledo didn’t equal their rushing or scoring total from last year’s game, they didn’t have much trouble moving the ball against the Red Wolves defense. The Rockets accumulated 476 yards of offense, including 169 on the ground. The Red Wolves only managed 209 yards all game.

Drops still a problem

While the Rockets were able to move the ball effectively tonight, drop passes continued to plague Toledo receivers. The Rockets dropped what I personally counted eight passes in last night’s contest. One that really got the crowd upset was a wide-open drop by freshman Diontae Johnson what would’ve been a 63-yard touchdown.

“Diontae is going to be a heck of a player,” said head coach Matt Campbell. “He did a great job just to get open. You just got to catch that ball.”

Stifling defense

The Rockets defense continues to get stronger every week as the defense pitched a shutout with the Red Wolves only score came off 92-yard kick-off return.

“Our front seven has done a great job in the run game without having to sacrifice man coverage,” coach Campbell said.

Toledo front seven dominated the trenches, holding ASU to -14 rushing yards.

The Rockets also racked up six sacks against Tabary and held the Red Wolves to 2-and-13 on third down.

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Serving the University of Toledo community since 1919.
Keith’s keys to the game: Arkansas State Edition