Revisit how we analyzed Toledo’s loss at Western Kentucky as it unfolded

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Here was our quarter-by-quarter analysis as the action happened in Saturday’s Toledo football loss to Western Kentucky.

Team stats can be found at the bottom of the article.

FIRST QUARTER

■ What happened : Remember that high-scoring game most people predicted? I guess they forgot to tell Toledo and Western Kentucky.

It’s scoreless after the first quarter, with UT missing a 43-yard field goal but getting a reprieve because of a penalty. Quarterback Tucker Gleason then slid just short of the first-down marker on fourth-and-6.

■ Analysis : Toledo’s defense has been excellent against WKU’s high-powered offense, limiting the Hilltoppers to 30 yards and three first downs.

SECOND QUARTER

■ What happened : Toledo had a 14-0 lead until a late touchdown by Western Kentucky.

Tucker Gleason scored on a 1-yard run and Gleason connected with Anthony Torres for a 14-yard touchdown pass.

Western Kentucky got on the scoreboard with a 44-yard touchdown pass, flashing the quick-strike offense that was expected.

■ Analysis: Toledo’s defense has stayed strong, allowing just 117 yards. The Hilltoppers only have six first downs. The Rockets have two first downs, one sack, and one interception.

THIRD QUARTER

■ What happened : A 75-minute lightning delay sent both teams to the locker room.

But Toledo scored a touchdown just before the stoppage, converting four third-and-longs on the drive.

Western Kentucky’s points came via a safety when the Hilltoppers stopped Connor Walendzak in the end zone.

■ Analysis: Toledo’s defense continues to give Western Kentucky fits, as the Hilltoppers only have 164 yards and nine first downs through three quarters.

FOURTH QUARTER

■ What happened: Toledo came up just short in the waning seconds when Tucker Gleason’s pass on second-and-goal was intercepted by Western Kentucky, and the host Hilltoppers held on for a 26-21 victory. The Rockets were gifted the chance to go ahead when Western Kentucky quarterback Caden Veltkamp fumbled at the Hilltopper 19-yard line and Toledo’s Maxen Hook recovered it.

Following a 75-minute lightning delay in the third quarter, Western Kentucky closed the game by outscoring Toledo 16-0. Veltkamp had a pair of rushing touchdowns in the fourth, including from 3 yards away with 5:16 left that put Western Kentucky in front for good.

■ Analysis: Toledo lost for the first time this season and is 3-1. The Rockets now have two weeks to sit on this loss as they have a bye next week before hosting Miami (Ohio) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, for Homecoming.