The Miami University RedHawks (1-5, 0-1 in MAC play) lost their first conference game of the season against the University of Toledo Rockets (4-1, 1-0 in MAC play).
At halftime of the rematch of last year’s conference championship, Miami was unable to find the endzone. Two field goals from redshirt junior kicker Dom Dzioban and key defensive moments kept the RedHawks from falling behind more than two scores.
The RedHawks punted on their opening drive, letting the Rockets start at the opposing 42-yard line. Junior quarterback Tucker Gleason threw to three different receivers to put the Rockets at the 1 on fourth down.
Gleason picked up a fumble by sophomore running back Connor Walendzak to bring Toledo up one touchdown.
First-year Dylan Cunanan’s kick gave the Rockets a 7-0 lead halfway through the first quarter.
After the RedHawks failed to muster up 10 on their next drive, senior punter Alec Bevelhimer was brought out for the second time in the first quarter. Junior cornerback Avery Smith blocked Bevelhimer’s punt, giving the Rockets the ball at the opposing 18.
Gleason found senior receiver Jerjuan Newton in the endzone to add six to the Rockets’ total.
Miami regained some momentum with a 23-yard pass to redshirt senior receiver Andre Johnson to get into opposing territory for the first time of the game.
After Toledo forced Gabbert to throw out of bounds on third down, Dzioban was brought out for a 26-yard attempt, putting Miami on the board 14-3.
The Rockets drove deep into opposing territory at the start of the second quarter. It looked like Toledo was set for another six, but redshirt junior linebacker Corban Hondru gave the RedHawks a huge break with an interception at the 3-yard line at the start of the second quarter.
Miami didn’t capitalize on this chance and gave Toledo the ball back. The Rockets got to the goal line and had four tries to get one yard, but the RedHawks were resilient. Three goal line stops in a row kept the Rockets at the 1, just out of reach of a touchdown.
They elected to go for three instead. Cunanan’s kick brought the Rockets up 17-3 with five minutes left in the half.
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Gabbert launched the ball 51 yards to Virgil, putting the RedHawks at the opposing 23-yard line, but they couldn’t convert on third-and-4. Dzioban was brought out for his second field goal attempt with two minutes left in the half, cutting the deficit to 17-6.
Another critical interception by Hondru gave the RedHawks the ball with one minute left in the half. Again, Miami didn’t do anything with this opportunity, and the Rockets got the ball back with 40 seconds left.
Cunanan kicked a 48-yard field goal to end the half.
The Rockets added another three to open the third quarter. Cunanan kicked a 47-yard field goal after Toledo couldn’t convert on third-and-9.
Miami found the endzone for the first time towards the end of the third quarter. Senior running back Kevin Davis caught a 9-yard pass to add six. Dzioban’s extra point brought the score to 23-13.
Gleason found senior tight end Anthony Torres in the endzone to start the fourth quarter. With Cunanan’s extra point, the Rockets went up three scores 30-13 with 11 minutes in the game.
With six minutes left, the RedHawks punched into the endzone after Gabbert threw a 3-yard pass to redshirt sophomore receiver Javon Tracy. Miami trailed 30-20.
A Toledo punt allowed Miami to piece together a solid drive. Gabbert threw several short passes to get the RedHawks to the opposing 20-yard line with over two minutes left.
However, Gabbert sealed their defeat with an interception to sophomore safety Braden Awls. The Rockets ran the clock and took home their win 30-20.
Gabbert ended the day with 296 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. A key falter in the offense, however, was in the run game. The RedHawks rushed for 56 total yards.
In the post-game conference, head coach Chuck Martin admitted that Toledo straight-up outperformed them in every way.
“We’re not playing very good football,” Martin said. “Credit to Toledo: They totally outplayed us in three facets.”
The RedHawks stay on the road next Saturday against the Eastern Michigan University Eagles (4-1, 1-0 in MAC play).
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