Western Michigan University Athletics

TOLEDO, Ohio -- The Western Michigan football team's comeback effort fell short on Saturday, falling at Toledo, 45-38.

WMU (5-3, 2-1) gave up 595 yards of offense to the Rockets, who jumped out to a 17-0 lead before the Broncos got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter. 

Broc Lowry threw for 207 yards on 12-of-29 passing, two touchdowns and two, interceptions. Sophomore wide receive Aveion Chenault had six receptions and a career-high 105 yards along with a touchdown. Jalen Buckley rushed for 92 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown. 

Linebacker Dillon Moore had five tackles and an interception. Austin Alexander had a career-high 2.5 sacks along with five total tackles. 

After spotting the Rockets a 17-0 lead, the Broncos put 7 points on the board when Lowry found Chenault over the middle for the 13-yard touchdown. 

Buckley scored with 1:56 left in the half to cap off a 5-play, 80-yard drive to cut the lead to 24-14. Toledo quickly responded with a touchdown drive, scoring with 10 seconds left in the half, giving them a 31-14 lead.

Joshua Franklin returned the opening kickoff of the second half 92 yards for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 31-21. 

WMU's defense stopped Toledo on a fourth down attempt, taking over at the WMU 45. Lowry then capped off an 11-play drive with a 2-yard touchdown run on fourth and goal, getting the Broncos within 3, 31-28. 

Toledo Scored to make it 38-28 with 5:48 to go in the 3rd quarter but the Broncos responded with a 5-play, 70-yard scoring drive that was capped off by a 41-yard touchdown pass from Lowry to Baylin Brooks on fourth down. 

Dieter Kelly made a 23-yard field goal to tie the game up at 9:19 in the fourth quarter. The Rockets responded with a 10-play, 75-yards scoring drive to retake the lead, 45-38. 

WMU had a chance to tie it, getting the ball with 1:53 to play but Lowry was picked off at the 50-yard line.

The Broncos return home to host Bowling Green on Saturday at 12 p.m. The game can be watched live on CBS Sports Network and heard live on the Bronco Media Network.