An all-systems failure for the Hilltoppers allowed Toledo to rocket past the Hilltoppers 45-21 Saturday night at the Glass Bowl.
The game was never close. The Hilltoppers’ first three drives resulted in a fumble, a pick-six, and a punt. Toledo took a 14-0 lead just three minutes into the game and took a 31-7 lead into halftime. From there, WKU gave up 508 yards, with 307 coming from the ground game.
Quarterback Maverick McIvor, who came into the game with eight passing touchdowns and zero interceptions, threw for just 235 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. The Hilltoppers’ rushing attack only netted seven yards and a fumble in the first half.
The WKU offense sputtered, mustering only 21 points on the night. The rushing attack was absent, as the Hilltoppers rushed for just 59 yards.
The WKU defense gave up 313 yards in just the first half, leading to 24 points for the Rockets. The defense forced 1 turnover, on a Toledo hail-mary to close the first half.
The Hilltoppers could not contain Toledo running back Chip Trayanum, as he rushed for 163 yards and two touchdowns on only 14 carries.
A 110-yard performance from Wide Receiver Moussa Barry served as the only bright spot of the game.
The loss drops the Hilltoppers to 2-1 on the season.
The Hilltoppers will look to return to the win column in their return to Houchens-Smith Stadium against Nevada on Sept. 13 at 6 p.m..
