It’s been a while, but the wait was more than worth it for the Toledo football program.
Prior to the MAC championship game Saturday afternoon, the oddsmakers had installed Toledo (11-2) as a 21-point favorite over Akron (7-6). That ultimately proved to be relatively accurate as the Rockets had little problem dispatching the Zips in a 45-28 win. With the victory, Toledo claimed its first MAC crown since 2004 and its third win total in the game.
The Zips were making their second appearance in the game and first since 2005.
Leading the way yet again for the Rockets was Logan Woodside, with the quarterback completing 23 of his 37 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns. Terry Swanson chipped with 180 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
The defense, though, may have been the story of the day for Toledo as they held Akron to just 123 yards of offense -- 76 passing, 47 rushing -- through almost three quarters of play; as UT’s defense went into prevent mode, Akron finished with 396 yards. While they forced just two turnovers -- the Rockets’ offense had five -- UT forced five three-and-outs and seven punts overall.