Toledo residents saw the Rockets dominate UMass in a 24‑0 victory on Wednesday night, a result that keeps the team at 8‑2 overall and 5‑1 in Mid‑American Conference (MAC) play, tied for the top spot with Western Michigan, Buffalo and Ohio.
According to Newsday, senior running back Connor Walendzak broke a 69‑yard run for a touchdown late in the first quarter, his first action this month after recovering from an undisclosed injury. Walendzak finished with 117 yards on 14 carries. Early in the second quarter, safety Nicholas Thompson returned a Logan Inagawa pass 62 yards for a score, extending the lead to 17‑0.
The Rockets added another 7 points before halftime, finishing the half up 24‑0, a lead that held through the second half. CJ Miller contributed 83 rushing yards, part of the team’s total of 239 yards on the ground. Quarterback John Alan Richter threw for 197 yards, while the defense recorded three sacks and ten tackles for loss, limiting UMass to 188 total yards.
UMass, now 5‑5 overall and 2‑4 in the MAC, struggled offensively. Inagawa completed only 10 of 27 passes for 99 yards and added 40 rushing yards. Starter quarterback William “Pop” Watson left the game after re‑aggravating an ankle injury that sidelined him for two games in October.
AS.com noted that the game was part of the Wednesday night MACtion slate, which also featured Buffalo at Ball State and Sacramento State at Central Michigan, all kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Rockets’ win marks their third straight victory and maintains their position just one game behind conference leader Ohio.
The Score echoed the recap, emphasizing the Rockets’ total‑yard advantage of 436‑188 and the shutout as a statement before the final stretch of the regular season.
What’s next: Toledo will close its regular‑season schedule at home against Bowling Green on Nov. 20, a game that could determine the final MAC standings and bowl eligibility.
Sources: en.as.com, newsday.com, thescore.com
