The UB football team (3-6, 3-2 MAC) lost to the Toledo Rockets (8-1, 5-0 MAC), 31-13, on a snowy night at the Glass Bowl Stadium in Toledo. The teams combined for six turnovers and less than 330 passing yards.
With the loss, UB dropped to third in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) East division, behind Miami (OH) (7-2, 4-1 MAC) and Ohio (6-3, 3-2 MAC). The Bulls have three MAC games remaining this season, with the next two against Ohio and Miami (OH) respectively.
The Rockets set the tone early, proving why they were two-touchdown favorites. Junior Jacquez Stuart took the opening kickoff 97 yards to the house.
After a UB three-and-out, Toledo’s next drive took only two plays. A massive hole opened up by Toledo’s offensive line led to a 71-yard run for a touchdown by junior running back Peny Boone. The Bulls deficit was 14 points only three minutes into the game.
On the next Toledo possession, UB standout sophomore safety Devin Grant had a momentum-changing interception on an underthrown ball, which he returned 47 yards. A Toledo penalty put the Bulls in good scoring position at the 12 yard line. Senior wide receiver Cole Harrity capitalized with a wide open pass from senior quarterback Cole Snyder, making it 14-7 Toledo.
After another touchdown by the Rockets at the beginning of the second quarter, the Bulls turned the ball over on downs, around the Toledo 40-yard line. On the next Rockets possession, Grant stuffed a fourth-and-one rush attempt, giving the Bulls the ball at the 50. UB graduate kicker Alex McNulty missed a 36-yard field goal attempt at the end of the ensuing drive.
On the next Toledo possession, Grant recovered a fumble forced by freshman linebacker Red Murdock at the Toledo 30-yard line. UB gave it right back when Snyder threw an interception. Toledo capitalized with a field goal to make it 24-7.
After a stagnant start of the third quarter by both teams, a blocked Bulls punt set the Rockets up in good field position. Toledo scored on the following play, essentially putting the game out of reach, 31-7.
After a fumble forced by UB senior defensive end Max Michel and recovered by senior defensive tackle Daymond Williams, junior running back Jacqez Barksdale plugged the ball in for a one-yard touchdown. The Bulls failed to score on a two-point attempt, making it 31-13 which would be the final. Grant continued his outstanding performance, recording a blocked punt in the late fourth quarter.
The Bulls next game is a must-win matchup against the Ohio Bobcats (6-3, 3-2 MAC) at UB Stadium on Nov. 7. The game can be streamed live on ESPN+.
The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com
