Toledo football beat Ball State behind a career-high 196 rushing yards from running back CJ Miller.
The Toledo Rockets fought off a slow start to defeat the Ball State Cardinals 39-24 and secure a fourth straight win, improving to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play in the MAC opener at Scheumann Stadium on Saturday.
Toledo running back CJ Miller exploded for a career-high 196 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, highlighted by a 68-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the final touches on a fourth straight win.
Despite trailing 7-6 at the end of the first quarter, Toledo found momentum in the second quarter and took a 15-10 lead into halftime as quarterback John Alan Richter hit wide receiver Daryl Barnett Jr. for an 11-yard touchdown.
Toledo kept the momentum going following halftime as running back Conor Walendzak scored a 30-yard touchdown, finding the end zone for the fifth straight game, to take a 22-10 lead with 2:57 remaining in the third quarter.
Ball State continued to stay within striking distance, though, as running back TJ Horton sprinted past Toledo’s defense for a 66-yard touchdown run in the final minutes of the third quarter, trimming the Rockets’ lead to 22-17.
However, the Rockets completely seized control in the fourth quarter as Miller scored back-to-back touchdowns to extend the lead to double digits. The game-sealing score came on a 68-yard touchdown run with 1:35 remaining.
The Rockets finished with 553 total yards and 27 first downs in the win, showcasing exactly why it has the best offense in the MAC. Additionally, Toledo’s defense came to play by forcing two turnovers and totaling six tackles for loss.
Richter posted 201 passing yards and one touchdown, while completing 19-for-35 passing attempts in the victory.
Walendzak compiled 103 rushing yards and one touchdown on 16 carries, good enough for 6.4 yards per carry.
Toledo defensive back Israel Petite had a team-high eight tackles, and cornerback Armorion Smith put up seven tackles. The Rockets also got help from edge rusher Andrew Zock’s fumble recovery and linebacker Julian Fox’s interception.
It wasn’t a seamless performance from Toledo by any means, but it was enough to start MAC play with a road triumph.
Now, Toledo will return home to host the Buffalo Bulls for Homecoming at the Glass Bowl on Saturday at 3:30 PM.
