Rockets lose 41-2 to Arizona

The Rockets fell in their home opener Friday night against Arizona 41-2 in front of a crowd of 25,907 in the Glass Bowl. 

Toledo managed just 183 yards of total offense while giving up a staggering 518 yards to the Wildcats. UT sophomore quarterback Austin Dantin was 14 of 23 for 103 yards and one interception while junior running back Adonis Thomas rushed for 52 yards on 10 carries. The Rockets were 5 of 14 on third down conversions and were outscored 20-0 in the second half.

"Of course we are very, very disappointed, but we played a good football team," someone said. "Mike Stoops has done a great job with that program. They are a very big, fast football team and I have to give credit to where it is due. We have to watch the film, make our corrections and go from there."

Arizona junior quarterback Nick Foles threw for 360 yards on 32-of-37 passing and three touchdowns, including a one-yard rush. Senior Nic Grigsby led the Arizona rushing attack with eight carries for 53 yards and two scores. Junior wideout Juron Criner singlehandedly outgained UT's offense, hauling in 11 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown. 

Toledo's lone points came from a holding penalty by the Wildcats in their own end zone, which by rule is a safety. Despite the lack of offensive production, starting quarterback Austin Dantin still believes the offense can score with the best teams in college football. 

"I think we could have one of the best offenses in the nation," Dantin said. "I am extremely confident about our offense and our players in the offense. All summer, all fall, we have had great success in our offense and I don't doubt what we can do. I'm just excited for the challenge next week to come out and prove ourselves."

The Rockets return to action Saturday Sept. 11 in Athens as they open up Mid-American Conference play against defending league champion Ohio University at 7 p.m.