Rocket’s Redemption

Toledo football pulls through in a tight spot with a 31-24 win against NIU.

The Rocket football team beat a different kind of record this week, as 10,180 people gathered to watch as the team faced off against the Northern Illinois University Huskies on Oct. 9th at Guaranteed Rate Field, the home of the Chicago White Sox. This game was the first ever football game played in the stadium, and the unique atmosphere seemed to be just the motivation the Rockets needed as they triumphed over the Huskies for the first time in seven years, with a score of 31-24.

“I’m really proud of our team, and the effort we put forth in the second half. We needed all thirty minutes of it to get it finished,” said Jason Candle, Rockets head coach.

Both teams were off to a slow start in the first quarter. The Huskies opened up the scoring with only a minute left in the first with a field goal. However, an off-sides call on the Toledo defense allowed for the Huskies to restart with a first down at the 10-yard line and a clear board.

The Huskies didn’t squander their opportunity, and were soon back on the board with a touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Graham to receiver Shane Wimann at 22 seconds, ending the quarter 0-7.

“I think we needed to keep playing together. We kind of got away from that a little in the first half, so we just had to keep executing what we have been practicing all week.” Woodside said.

Shortly into the second quarter, the University of Toledo was finally able to make it on the board when second-year kicker Jameson Vest completed a 44-yard field goal. The enthusiasm was soon lost though, when NIU scored again as Graham completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to an NIU receiver, advancing the Huskies to a 3-14 lead at halftime.

“This team doesn’t quit, we knew that going in,” Candle said. “We know that from the history of watching this team play competitive games right till the end.”

Coming back after halftime, the Rockets were able to score their first touchdown of the game less than five minutes in, when UT quarterback and third-year Logan Woodside completed a pass to fourth-year tight end Michael Roberts. This helped close the gap for the Rockets and propelled the score to 10-14.

The Huskies answered the call however, with a 19-yard TD pass from Graham to receiver Christian Blake, which pushed NIU even further ahead with a 10-21 lead. The Rockets continued to fight, advancing 76-yards down the field with seven quick plays, and ending with a Rockets touchdown pass, completed by second-year wide receiver Jon’Vea Johnson. This lead the losing Rockets into the final quarter with a score of 17-21.

“First half I came out a little rusty. I was a little nervous. But I always try to come back out the second half,” Johnson said, “I always try to go out and execute.”

With the ball in Toledo control, the Rockets were able to kick off the fourth quarter with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Woodside less than three minutes in, propelling the Rockets into their first lead of the game.

With minutes left, the Huskies gained control of the ball and scored a 22-yard field goal, tying up the score at 24. UT continued to fight down the field, finally finding a foothold with and pushing through, when fourth-year running back Kareem Hunt scored a 1-yard TD run by pass. The Huskies didn’t take the loss easy however, and forced their way down the field. But it wasn’t enough, and the Rockets regained control with an interception by Johnson, securing a Rockets win.

The Rockets will be back at it again November 16 as they take on Ball State at home at 7 p.m.