Toledo Football vs Akron Zips Football Match Player Stats: A Deep Statistical Dive

The Toledo football vs Akron Zips football match player stats provide a window into a gritty Mid-American Conference (MAC) rivalry that pits the Toledo Rockets against the Akron Zips. As of April 10, 2025, their most recent clash occurred on November 26, 2024, at InfoCision Stadium in Akron, Ohio, where the Zips pulled off a stunning 21-14 overtime upset over the favored Rockets to close the 2024 regular season.I guide dives into the player stats from that game, examines key performances, offers historical context, and delivers insights for fans all optimized to be your go-to resource for understanding this matchup’s numbers and its significance in the Toledo-Akron saga.

The Rivalry: Toledo vs Akron in the MAC

The Toledo Rockets and Akron Zips have clashed since 1923, with Toledo leading the all-time series 14-9 (per ESPN). The Rockets had dominated recent encounters, winning four straight from 2016 to 2021, including lopsided victories like 49-14 in 2021 and 45-28 in the 2017 MAC Championship. However, Akron’s 21-14 triumph on November 26, 2024, snapped that streak, marking their first win over Toledo since 2013 (31-29). The Toledo football vs Akron Zips football match player stats from this game highlight Akron’s resurgence under coach Joe Moorhead and Toledo’s late-season stumble, setting the stage for a renewed rivalry as both teams eye 2025.

Game Recap and Key Stats

The November 26, 2024, matchup aired on ESPN2, pitting a 7-4 Toledo squad against a 3-8 Akron team in a Tuesday night MACtion finale. Toledo, favored by 8 points, led 7-0 at halftime, but Akron rallied with 14 fourth-quarter points to force overtime, where they sealed a 21-14 victory with a clutch touchdown. Played before a spirited crowd at InfoCision Stadium, this game showcased individual heroics and team grit. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Toledo football vs Akron Zips football match player stats, sourced from ESPN and CBSSports.com.

Toledo Rockets Player Stats

• Tucker Gleason (QB, Junior)

• Stats: 18-31 passing, 232 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT; 9 rushes, 26 yards
• Highlight: Gleason’s 25-yard TD pass to Anthony Torres tied the game at 14-14 with 3:26 left in regulation, but he was sacked by CJ Nunnally IV on the final overtime play, ending Toledo’s hopes.
• Season Context: With 2,933 passing yards and 23 TDs in 2024 (Toledo stats), Gleason’s dual-threat ability (4.2 YPC) shone, though his postseason heroics (6 OT TDs vs Pitt) came later.

Jerjuan Newton (WR, Junior)

• Stats: 5 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD
• Highlight: Newton’s 19-yard TD catch in the fourth quarter capped a 92-yard drive, tying the score at 14-14 and showcasing his clutch ability.
• Season Context: Leading Toledo with 868 yards and 10 TDs (14.1 YPC), Newton was a MAC standout.

Anthony Torres (TE, Senior)

• Stats: 3 receptions, 51 yards, 1 TD
• Highlight: Torres’ 25-yard TD grab in the fourth kept Toledo alive, exploiting a seam in Akron’s defense.
• Season Context: With 422 yards and 5 TDs, Torres was a reliable red-zone target.

Jacquez Stuart (RB, Senior)

• Stats: 12 carries, 45 yards
• Highlight: Stuart’s 12-yard run set up Toledo’s first TD, though he couldn’t break free for more.
• Season Context: Averaging 4.8 YPC (672 yards), Stuart’s output was muted here.
• Team Totals: 314 total yards (232 passing, 82 rushing), 6-13 third-down conversions (46.2%), 1 turnover (fumble lost), 28:43 TOP.
  

Akron Zips Player Stats

Ben Finley (QB, Junior)

Ahmarian Granger (WR, Sophomore)

• Stats: 4 receptions, 62 yards, 1 TD
• Highlight: Granger’s 10-yard TD catch in overtime sealed the upset, beating Toledo’s secondary in tight coverage.
• Season Context: With 512 yards and 4 TDs, Granger’s speed (15.5 YPC) stretched defenses.

Tahj Bullock (QB/RB, Sophomore)

• Stats: 2-2 passing, 27 yards; 8 rushes, 22 yards, 1 TD
• Highlight: Bullock’s 1-yard TD run early in the fourth gave Akron a 14-7 lead, capping a 13-play, 80-yard drive.
• Season Context: A versatile weapon (4.1 YPC), Bullock’s dual role mimics Taysom Hill’s NFL style.
  
  CJ Nunnally IV (DL, Senior)
• Stats: 2 tackles, 1 sack
• Highlight: Nunnally’s sack on Gleason in overtime ended the game, securing Akron’s first win over Toledo in 11 years.
• Season Context: With 6.5 sacks, Nunnally anchored Akron’s defense.
• Team Totals: 327 total yards (198 passing, 129 rushing), 5-13 third-down conversions (38.5%), 0 turnovers, 31:17 TOP.
  
  

Game Recap: Stats Paint the Picture

The Toledo football vs Akron Zips football match player stats reveal a game of momentum shifts. Toledo struck first with a 1-yard TD run by Willie Shaw III in the second quarter (7-0 at halftime), outgaining Akron 193-180 in the first half. Akron’s offense woke up in the fourth, with Bullock’s 1-yard TD (14-7) and Kellom’s 6-yard score (7-7) erasing a 14-0 deficit after Gleason’s fumble. Newton’s 19-yard TD tied it at 14-14 with 3:26 left, forcing overtime. In OT, Finley’s 10-yard TD pass to Granger gave Akron a 21-14 lead, and Nunnally’s sack sealed it. Akron’s 129 rushing yards and zero turnovers outshone Toledo’s 82 and one lost fumble, with late-game execution proving decisive.

Historical Context: Stats Through the Years

Toledo’s recent dominance in the series contrasts with Akron’s 2024 upset. In 2021, Toledo’s Bryant Koback ran for 203 yards and 4 TDs in a 49-14 rout. The 2017 MAC title game saw Toledo’s 48-21 win, with Terry Swanson’s 166 yards leading the way. Akron’s last win before 2024 came in 2013 (31-29), driven by Jawon Chisholm’s 128 yards. The Toledo football vs Akron Zips football match player stats historically favor Toledo’s offense (39.9 PPG vs Akron since 2006), but Akron’s 2024 defensive stand flipped the script.

Standout Performers: Who Made the Difference

• Ben Finley (Akron): His 171 yards and OT TD pass showcased poise, earning him game MVP buzz.
• Charles Kellom (Akron): His 102 yards and TD fueled Akron’s ground attack, a freshman breakout.
• Tucker Gleason (Toledo): His 232 yards and 2 TDs kept Toledo alive, though the OT sack stung.
• CJ Nunnally IV (Akron): His game-ending sack was the defensive dagger.

Team Trends and Insights

• Rushing Edge: Akron’s 129 yards (4.2 YPC) topped Toledo’s 82 (3.5 YPC), a shift from Toledo’s usual ground control.
• Turnovers: Akron’s clean sheet vs Toledo’s fumble reflects discipline under pressure.
• Clutch Plays: Akron’s 2-2 fourth-quarter TDs and OT score outdid Toledo’s late rally.

Season Context

Toledo finished 7-5 (4-4 MAC), missing the title race but earning a wild 48-46 bowl win over Pitt in six OTs. Akron’s 4-8 (3-5 MAC) marked progress, with back-to-back wins over Kent State (38-17) and Toledo. The Toledo football vs Akron Zips football match player stats highlight Akron’s upset potential and Toledo’s resilience despite a dip.

What’s Next

Their next clash, likely November 2025, could hinge on:

• Toledo: Gleason’s growth (66% completion) and a bolstered run game.
• Akron: Finley’s consistency and Kellom’s sophomore leap.

How to Use These Stats

• Fantasy/Betting: Gleason (yards), Newton (TDs) for Toledo; Finley (completions), Kellom (yards) for Akron. Bet Akron +8 if underdog again.
• Fandom: Catch MACtion on ESPN2 or stats via Sofascore.
  

Conclusion

The Toledo football vs Akron Zips football match player stats from November 26, 2024, frame Akron’s 21-14 upset as a tale of grit, with Ben Finley’s OT heroics and CJ Nunnally’s sack toppling Toledo’s Tucker Gleason and Jerjuan Newton’s late rally. As of April 10, 2025, at 12:44 AM PDT, Akron’s first win over Toledo since 2013—sourced from ESPN and CBSSports—signals a rivalry reboot. Toledo’s postseason bowl win shows their backbone, but Akron’s late surge hints at a tighter 2025. Whether you’re a Rockets fan eyeing redemption or a Zips supporter savoring the moment, these stats weave a narrative of resilience and renewal in MAC football.

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