Toledo Pulls Away From UConn for 28–10 Victory

By Keith Groller | Stateline Gazette

TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo didn’t overwhelm UConn with speed or trickery.

The Rockets simply did what they do best.

Playing a controlled, efficient game, Toledo built an early lead and clamped down defensively after halftime to secure a 28–10 win over the Huskies on Sunday night.

“We stayed within ourselves,” Toledo coach Tyler Holjes said. “We protected the football and kept stacking positive plays.”

Toledo scored first and never trailed, taking a 7–0 lead in the opening quarter before extending the advantage to 14–3 by halftime. Quarterback Tucker Gleason directed the offense with steady command, completing 28 of 34 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a short rushing score.

Gleason spread the ball around, making it difficult for UConn to key on any one player. Receiver Junior Vanderdoes III caught seven passes for 68 yards and a touchdown, while running back Chip Trayanum contributed in multiple ways, finishing with 82 rushing yards, 33 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions.

UConn showed brief momentum in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 21–10, but Toledo answered with a time-consuming drive that restored a three-score lead and effectively put the game away.

“They were efficient when it mattered,” UConn coach Kyle Bojda said. “We couldn’t get stops, and that hurt us.”

The Huskies leaned on running back Cam Edwards, who rushed for 113 yards on 16 carries. Quarterback Joe Fagnano threw for 167 yards and a touchdown, but an interception and limited downfield success kept UConn from sustaining drives.

“We ran the ball well,” Bojda said. “But we didn’t complement it consistently enough in the passing game.”

Toledo’s defense held UConn in check throughout the second half, limiting explosive plays and forcing the Huskies into difficult third-down situations.

“We tackled well and played sound,” Holjes said. “That’s what wins games.”

The victory keeps Toledo moving forward as the season progresses, while UConn leaves with areas to address on offense.

“We’ve got to be cleaner,” Bojda said.

For the Rockets, the approach remains unchanged.

“No style points,” Holjes said. “Just keep winning.”