Toledo Ground Game Forces Late Stop to Beat Sacramento State 20-17
The Rockets out-rushed the Hornets 230 to 8 and held on for a 20-17 win, moving into a tie for second place in the Mid-American Conference.
By Andrew Yang ·
Toledo fans saw their team escape a late push by Sacramento State to secure a 20-17 victory on Wednesday night. The win keeps the Rockets alive in the conference standings and sets up a critical stretch of games.
The offensive line and running backs dominated the line of scrimmage. CJ Miller carried the ball for 135 yards, while Autavius Ison added 101 yards and a touchdown. Together, the Rockets totaled 230 rushing yards. By contrast, the Hornets managed just eight yards on the ground despite throwing for 216 yards.
The game turned in the second half. Toledo trailed 10-7 at the break but scored 13 unanswered points. Ison broke through for a 19-yard touchdown in the third quarter, and kicker Reice Griffith added two field goals. The Rockets led 20-10 with time remaining in the fourth quarter.
Sacramento State mounted a final drive to cut the deficit. Jamar Curtis scored on a three-yard run after a 12-play, 75-yard sequence. However, the clock showed only two minutes left. The Hornets took over at their own 16-yard line with 55 seconds remaining. They gained minimal yardage and were stopped on fourth down, ending their hopes of a comeback.
The result moves Toledo to a 7-2 record overall and 4-1 in the Mid-American Conference. The Rockets now sit in a tie for second place. They host UMass on November 11. Sacramento State falls to 2-8 overall and 1-6 in the MAC. They travel to Central Michigan on November 11.
The game marked Senior Day for the Hornets, who recognized 27 graduating players before their final home game of the season. The team also wore special uniforms created with the Wilton Rancheria tribe to honor Native American Heritage Day.
