Rockets down Colorado during prime time in home opener
By Vicki L. Kroll : September 12th, 2009
Senior quarterback Aaron Opelt ran for two touchdowns in UT's win over Colorado.
The Toledo Rockets zoomed past the Colorado Buffaloes, 54-38, Friday night in the Glass Bowl in a game that was televised nationally on ESPN.
The Rockets continued to rev it up on offense. Toledo tallied more than 600 yards in total offense under the Friday night lights. Last week, UT racked up 493 yards at Purdue.
Quarterback Aaron Opelt led the spread offense, which cashed in four out of five possessions during the first half to give the Rockets a 23-3 lead over the Buffaloes at the midway point. Toledo rushed for 112 yards and passed for 205 yards for 317 yards by halftime.
Opelt threw four touchdown passes — to tight end Danny Noble, wide receivers Eric Page and Kenny Stafford, and tight end Tom Brazine. It was the first collegiate scores for Noble and Brazine.
The senior signal caller also ran the ball into the end zone, scoring on two quarterback-draw plays for 27 yards and 61 yards.
Running back DaJuane Collins also ran 23 yards to score a touchdown.
Kicker Alex Steigerwald made two of three field goals. He booted a career-long 50-yard field goal during the first half, and a 43-yard kick split the uprights in the second half.
Toledo’s defense collected four sacks and four interceptions.
It was the first win at Toledo for first-year Head Football Coach Tim Beckman.
UT players visited the student section to acknowledge dedicated fans who stayed for the conclusion of the game, which ended at 12:55 a.m. Saturday. The game was the latest contest played in the history of the Glass Bowl, which was built in 1936.
The 92 total points scored during the game was another record at the Glass Bowl.
Toledo will host the Ohio State Buckeyes at Cleveland Browns Stadium Saturday, Sept. 19. Kickoff will be at noon.
Read more at www.utrockets.com.