Toledo Thumps WMU, 37-17

Junior running back David Fluellen averaged over 10 yards per carry as he rushed for 213 yards and three touchdowns while Toledo thumped Western Michigan 37-17 in Kalamazoo, MI. Toledo rolled up 521 total yards as Terrance Owens passed for 243 yards. Toledo rushed for 278 yards in the game. Along with Fluellen's 213 yards, Cassius McDowell rushed for 51 yards (6.4 YPC) and David Pasquale added 10 yards on two carries. Terrance Owens also netted four yards rushing.

Toledo's defense set the tone early, keeping Western Michigan from converting a 1st down in the 1st quarter. Toledo led 17-0 at that point, and 20-0 before Western Michigan scored later in the 2nd quarter.

Early in the 3rd quarter sophomore defensive back Jordan Haden intercepted WMU's quarterback and took it back 63 yards for a touchdown. For Haden, a transfer from the Florida Gators, it was his first collegiate interception. Another transfer, Vladimir Emilien (transfer from the Michigan Wolverines) also got an interception for Toledo. Senior safety Mark Singer intercepted a pass as well. In all Toledo's defense forced four turnovers, scored a touchdown, and gave up just 15 points. Western Michigan did score 17 points, but two points were on a safety when sophomore punt returner Dwight Macon picked up a punt at the one yard line and was tackled in the end zone.

Toledo is now 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Mid-American Conference. The Rockets host Central Michigan (2-2 overall, 0-1 MAC) next Saturday in Toledo's homecoming game. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00pm.