UT/Colorado Game Notes

In just three days, Toledo will host Colorado (Big 12 Conference) in a nationally televised game on ESPN. The game is scheduled for a 9PM EST kickoff. Ron Franklin (play by play) and Ed Cunningham (analyst) will call the action on ESPN. Read on for some notes on the upcoming game between the Rockets and the Buffaloes.

In just three days, Toledo will host Colorado (Big 12 Conference) in a nationally televised game on ESPN. The game is scheduled for a 9PM EST kickoff. Ron Franklin (play by play) and Ed Cunningham (analyst) will call the action on ESPN.

The University of Toledo is promoting a "Midnight Blue-Out" for the game. Fans are asked to wear blue clothing to the game. UT's media office said that the "Midnight Blue-Out" is appropriate, because with the late start it will be long after midnight when the game is over. Coach Beckman has been promoting the "Midnight Blue-Out" on his twitter and facebook accounts.

This will be the first ever meeting between Toledo and Colorado. Toledo stepped in to host Colorado when fellow conference mate Miami (OH) dropped Colorado from their schedule in order to play a neutral site game against Kentucky to open the season. This Toledo/Colorado game is just a one game deal and there is no planned return trip to Boulder, CO.

This will be the third Big 12 opponent to come to the Glass Bowl in the last four years. Toledo is 2-0 in the two previous contests with a 37-31 2OT win over Kansas in 2006 and a 36-35 victory over Iowa State in 2007. Toledo has also defeated a BCS opponent in each of the last three years, and will be gunning for a fourth straight year with a win over a BCS team Friday night.

Toledo comes into the game 0-1, but had a strong offensive showing at Purdue in a 52-31 loss. Senior QB Aaron Opelt completed 41 of 67 passes for 423 yards and three touchdowns. He leads the nation in passing yards and pass attempts.

Senior wide receiver Stephen Williams collected 15 catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns in the game, while true freshman receiver Eric Page added 12 receptions for 128 yards and one touchdown. Senior wide receiver Robin Bailey also added 6 receptions for the Rockets.

Colorado lost to arch-rival Colorado State 23-17 Sunday night. Colorado rushed for just 29 yards in the game. They threw for 222 yards, giving them a mere 251 yards of total offense. Their quarterback was sacked four times.

The Buffaloes went 5-7 last season, but return 16 starters from that squad. Running back Darrell Scott has a lot of speed, but did not play a lot in the opener due to an injury. He is expected to play against Toledo.

For Toledo, sophomore running back Morgan Williams will serve the 2nd game of his two game suspension, so he will not be available for the game. Senior DaJuane Collins and sophomore Jake Walker will carry the majority of the load for Toledo, while sophomore Adonis Thomas will also be available to play.