Written by Darrell Wilkinson
Boca Raton, FL - The night started with some uncertainty as the South Florida weather began to open up, casting a shadow about the kind of game the Boca Bowl will feature. With two teams who like to run the ball already in Temple and Toledo we expected a lot of work on the ground for both teams, but that hasn’t been the case. With Toledo leading 12 - 3 over Temple, it’s been on the arm of Rocket’s quarterback Phillip Ely.
After just 28 yards of offense to start the second quarter Toledo has caught fire with 199 yards heading into the second half. Temple held a slim lead after a Austin Jones field goal and then momentum went all the way of the Toledo Rockets. Owl’s star running back Jahad Thomas, backed up near his own end zone was blasted and the ball popped loose and went out the back of the endzone for a safety. Two points Toledo.
The Rockets then on the ensuing possession after the safety drove down on a five play 55-yard drive that was finished off by an emphatic 26-yard catch and run by Corey Jones. Jones, on a hook route caught the ball at the 16 and broke four would-be tacklers on his way to paydirt and put his team in the drivers seat.
Temple has struggled so far, only managing 67 yards of total offense after controlling much of the first quarter. Jahad Thomas looked like a factor early but has only scrounged together five yards on eight carries and will need to dramatically pick it up if he wants to help his team win. The Owl’s defense has done all they can to keep Toledo at bay and will need to be bailed out by their offense in the second half if they want to fight back and take over this game.
Watch for Phillip Ely in the second half as the Toledo signal caller has racked up 168 yards passing with a touchdown and only looks to have gotten started on this now beautiful Tuesday night.
After just 28 yards of offense to start the second quarter Toledo has caught fire with 199 yards heading into the second half. Temple held a slim lead after a Austin Jones field goal and then momentum went all the way of the Toledo Rockets. Owl’s star running back Jahad Thomas, backed up near his own end zone was blasted and the ball popped loose and went out the back of the endzone for a safety. Two points Toledo.
The Rockets then on the ensuing possession after the safety drove down on a five play 55-yard drive that was finished off by an emphatic 26-yard catch and run by Corey Jones. Jones, on a hook route caught the ball at the 16 and broke four would-be tacklers on his way to paydirt and put his team in the drivers seat.
Temple has struggled so far, only managing 67 yards of total offense after controlling much of the first quarter. Jahad Thomas looked like a factor early but has only scrounged together five yards on eight carries and will need to dramatically pick it up if he wants to help his team win. The Owl’s defense has done all they can to keep Toledo at bay and will need to be bailed out by their offense in the second half if they want to fight back and take over this game.
Watch for Phillip Ely in the second half as the Toledo signal caller has racked up 168 yards passing with a touchdown and only looks to have gotten started on this now beautiful Tuesday night.
- Darrell Wilkinson TheSkyBoat.com
- Twitter @DarrellW_Sports