GAME 3:
WESTERN MICHIGAN (1-2, 0-0- MAC) vs. TOLEDO (2-1, 0-0 MAC)
Date: Sept. 23, 2023
Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. EDT
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Stadium: The Glass Bowl (26,038)
TV: ESPN+
Radio: Bronco Media Network
Live Stats: https://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statbroadcast.php?t=1&gid=wmu
All-Time Series: UT leads 45-33
THIS WEEK
The Western Michigan football team opens Mid-American Conference play on the road at defending MAC Champions Toledo on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
THE MATCHUP
- This is the 79th official meeting between Western Michigan and Toledo. The Rockets hold an all-time series lead of 45-33.
- WMU won the most recent meeting, last season in Kalamazoo 20-14.
- The Broncos have not opened MAC play against the Rockets since the 2014 season, with WMU falling 20-19 in overtime on Oct. 4.
- WMU's last road win at Toledo was on Nov. 27, 2015. The Broncos defeated a then-ranked No. 24 Toledo team 35-40 for the program's lone win against an opponent ranked in the Associated Press Poll.
SCOUTING THE ROCKETS
- Toledo comes into conference play with one of the best offenses in the MAC. The Rockets are top of the conference in rushing offense at 195.7 yards, which also ranks 32nd nationally. The passing offense ranks third at 233 yards per game. In total offense they are averaging 428.7 yards per game.
- Junior quarterback Dequan Finn has amassed 704 yards of total offense in three games this season. Finn has thrown for 560 with six touchdowns and rushed for 144 and two touchdowns.
- The rushing attack is bolstered by junior Peny Boone. Boone leads the team with 191 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. The reigning MAC West Offenisve Player of the Week is coming off a 123-yard performance in UT's win over San Jose State, the bulk of which came in the second half.
- Jerjuan Newton is the team's top receiver with 12 receptions so far for 137 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore wideout Junior Vandervoss III also has double-digit catches with 10.
- The Rocket defense ranks second in the MAC and has allowed just 293.3 yards per game and also ranks second in scoring defense, allowing just 16.7 points per game.
- Toledo also ranks first in the MAC and 12th in the nation in tackles for loss per game at 3.67. Judge Culpepper leads the team with four sacks in three games.
STILL AT THE TOP
Redshirt freshman running back
Jalen Buckley was held at bay in the loss to Iowa with just 30 yards on 14 carries against one of the top defenses in the nation. However, Buckley still ranks at the top of the MAC in rushing yards with 311 and rushing yards per game at 103.7.
IT HAPPENED AGAIN
Michigan State fifth-year transfer safety
Tate Hallock once again led the Broncos in tackles against Iowa. Hallock finished with eight against the Hawkeyes, with one tackle for loss.
SACK ATTACK
Western Michigan had a season-high four sacks against Iowa, producing a loss of 41 yards. The pressure by WMU also led the defense to recording two interceptions, the first two turnovers of the season.
GOING DEEP
Western Michigan's lone touchdown against the Hawkeyes came courtesy of a 64-yard pass from
Treyson Bourguet to
Anthony Sambucci. For both players it was a career-long. It was also the longest passing play so far this season for the Broncos.
