It was billed as “The Biggest Party in Toledo” and the Toledo Rockets obliged by supplying a full evening of entertainment for a delighted crowd of 24,138 and dominating Western Kentucky University from start to finish in a 45-21 victory at the Glass Bowl on Saturday night.
After Toledo forced a WKU fumble on the game’s second play from scrimmage, they moved 34 yards in three plays to take a 7-0 lead. And with the quick touchdown, UToledo President James Holloway became the first fan to be dunked this season in the “Touchdown Tank.”
The party’s guest of honor was Jason Candle, who won his 74th career game as Toledo’s head coach, moving him ahead of Gary Pinkel to become the Rockets’ all-time victory leader. And senior running back Chip Trayanum paced the running attack with a career-high 163 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. His previous career best of 108 yards came in 2020 when he was with Arizona State. He also caught his first career TD reception.
“To get tonight’s win, especially in front of our home fans and our family, is special,” Candle said. “Toledo is a special place to me. I’ve put a lot of time and energy into my job here, not just as the head coach but as an assistant coach before that. I’ve had a lot of great players come through here that have impacted my career in a positive way, many of which were here tonight. To have those guys back and be around the program creates a special feeling all around. It was a great night for me and for our team.”
Senior quarterback Tucker Gleason completed 7-of-12 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the game late in the second quarter with an injury.
Senior wide receiver Junior Vandeross III led Toledo receivers with five receptions for 122 yards and one score.
The Toledo defense dominated the Hilltoppers, containing WKU’s passing attack, which came into the contest averaging 400 yards per contest, and holding it to just 59 yards on the ground while forcing two turnovers.
Toledo safety Jaden Dottin had one of the two sacks of WKU’s quarterback, Maverick McIvor.
The excitement began even before kickoff as Rockets enjoyed pre-game fun.
