Marcus’s keys to the game: Ball State Edition

In Toledo’s opening Mid-American Conference game, the Rockets defeated Ball State 24-10 on the cardinals homecoming night improving to 4-0 on the season.

Marcus’s keys to the game

The ground game

The Rockets controlled the line of scrimmage rushing for 280 yards on 48 attempts. Coming into the season, UT’s biggest question mark was how the offensive line would replace five senior starters. So far the O-line has yet to give up a sack in the first four games of the season. Sophomore Terry Swanson rushed for 139 yards on 24 carries. Juniors Damion Jones-Moore and Marc Remy were also a force for the Rockets combining for 142 yards on 21 carries. Toledo would end the night with 444 yards of total offense.

Turnovers

Turnovers almost killed the Rockets from the start. On the first two possessions for UT, they saw senior QB Phillip Ely throw two interceptions on his first two passes of the game. The Cardinals were unable to capitalize on the turnovers. Toledo stifling defense forced two fumbles and senior Rollin Milligan almost came down with his second interception in as many games but his pick was overturned by the refs.

Run defense

Toledo’s front seven has not giving opposing runners an inch. UT has now held their last two opponents to a combined 12 rushing yards. Ball State manage to pick up just 26-yards on 30 attempts. Toledo’s red zone defense showed up again today, allowing only a 29-yard field goal with :01 showing on the clock before half. The Rockets have allowed just one touchdown and three field goals in 13 chances from the red zone this season.