2022 MAC Championship Game

Last updated

2022 Rocket Mortgage MAC Championship Game
Conference championship
Toledo Rockets Ohio Bobcats
(7–5)(9–3)
177
Head coach: 
Jason Candle 		Head coach: 
Tim Albin
1234Total
Toledo730717
Ohio07007
DateDecember 3, 2022
Season 2022
Stadium Ford Field
Location Detroit, Michigan
MVPOffense: Dequan Finn (QB, Toledo)
Defense: Dyontae Johnson (LB, Toledo)
Special Teams: Jonathon Batzke (P, Toledo)
Favorite Toledo by 3.5
Referee Tom Stapleton
Attendance15,550
United States TV coverage
Network ESPN
Announcers Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (Analyst), and Stormy Buonantony (sideline reporter)
MAC Championship Game
 < 2021   2023 > 
2022 Mid-American Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
East Division
Ohio xy  7 –1   10 –4  
Buffalo  5 –3   7 –6  
Bowling Green  5 –3   6 –7  
Miami (OH)  4 –4   6 –7  
Kent State  4 –4   5 –7  
Akron  1 –7   2 –10  
West Division
Toledo xy$  5 –3   9 –5  
Eastern Michigan x  5 –3   9 –4  
Western Michigan  4 –4   5 –7  
Ball State  3 –5   5 –7  
Central Michigan  3 –5   4 –8  
Northern Illinois  2 –6   3 –9  
Championship: Toledo 17, Ohio 7
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2022 MAC Championship Game was a college football conference championship game played December 3, 2022, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. It was the 26th edition of the MAC Football Championship Game and determined the champion of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) for the 2022 season. The game began at 12:00 p.m. EST and aired on ESPN. [1] The game featured the Western Division champion Toledo Rockets against the Eastern Division champion Ohio Bobcats. For sponsorship reasons, the game is officially known as the Rocket Mortgage MAC Championship. [2]

Contents

Toledo won their fourth championship game with a 17–7 win over the Bobcats. [3]

Venue

The 2022 MAC title game was held at Ford Field for the 19th consecutive season. [4] The venue, located in downtown Detroit at 2000 Brush St., is the home of the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL) and has a seating capacity for football of 65,000. [5]

Teams

The game featured the Ohio Bobcats, champions of the East Division, and the Toledo Rockets, champions of the West Division, of the Mid-American Conference.

Toledo

Toledo clinched a berth in the championship game with two weeks remaining in the schedule following their win over Ball State and a loss by Western Michigan the following night. [6] [7] This is Toledo's seventh appearance in the championship game. They are 3–3 in prior attempts having won in their last appearance in 2017 [8]

The Rockets were 2–2 out of conference with wins over FCS LIU and UMass and losses at Ohio State and San Diego State. [9] [10] [11] [12] They opened conference play with 3 consecutive wins over Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Kent State. [13] [14] [15] Quarterback Dequan Finn was injured in a loss at Buffalo. [16] Tucker Gleason led the Rockets to a win over Eastern Michigan and Finn returned for a win Ball State which wrapped up the division but sat out a loss to Bowling Green. [17] [18] [19] Toledo ended their regular season with a loss to Western Michigan in which Finn played sparingly [20]

Ohio

Ohio clinched a berth in the championship game during the final week of the season with a 38–14 win over Bowling Green. They entered the game 9–3 with a 7–1 record in the MAC and on a seven-game winning streak. [21] This is Ohio's fifth appearance in the game and first since 2016. They are 0–4 in their previous attempts and have not won a conference championship since 1968. [22]

The Bobcats were 2–2 out of conference with wins over Florida Atlantic and FCS Fordham and losses at power conference foes Penn State and Iowa State. [23] [24] [25] [26] They opened conference play with an overtime loss to Kent State and a win over last place Akron. [27] [28] Through six games Ohio was surrendering 40.6 points, 561 yards, and 387 passing yards per game but were 3–3 on the season with a prolific offense led by the passing of MAC Player of the Year Kurtis Rourke. [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35]

Ohio finished the regular season with consecutive wins over Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Buffalo, Miami (OH), Ball State, and Bowling Green during which Ohio surrendered an average of only 18 points per game. [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] Rourke suffered a season ending torn ACL against Ball State and Ohio turned to third string quarterback CJ Harris. [42]

Game summary

2022 MAC Championship Game
Toledo Rockets (7–5, 5–3) vs. Ohio Bobcats (9–3, 7–1)
Period1234Total
Toledo730717
Ohio07007

at Ford Field • Detroit, MI

  • Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: N/A (game played indoors)
  • Game attendance: 15,550
  • Referee: Tom Stapleton
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (analyst) and Stormy Buonantony (sideline reporter)
  • Pregame line: Toledo −3.5 • box score,Toledo notes, Ohio notes
Game information
First Quarter
  • (11:38) TOL – Jacquez Stuart 29 yard rush, Thomas Cluckey kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:22; Toledo 7–0)
Second Quarter
  • (6:47) OHIO – Sieh Bangura 2 yard rush, Nathanial Vakos kick (Drive: 14 plays, 84 yards, 7:14; Tied 7–7)
  • (0:16) TOL – Thomas Cluckey 44 yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 55 yards, 4:38; Toledo 10–7)
Third Quarter
  • No scoring plays
Fourth Quarter
  • 10:36 TOL – DeMeer Blankumsee 16 yard pass from Dequan Finn, Thomas Cluckey kick (Drive: 16 plays, 90 yards, 7:15; Toledo 17–7)
StatisticsToledoOhio
First downs2014
Plays–Yards71–39060–262
Rushes/yards46–23629–99
Passing yards154163
Passing: Comp–Att–Int16–25–017–31–1
Time of possession33:0027:00
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ToledoPassing Dequan Finn 16/25, 154 yards, 1 TD
RushingJacquez Stuart9 carries, 93 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJerjuan Newton6 receptions, 77 yards
OhioPassing CJ Harris 17/31, 163 yards, 1 INT
RushingSieh Bangura20 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingWill Kacmarek2 receptions, 39 yards

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ohio Bobcats football</span> Football team of Ohio University

The Ohio Bobcats football team is a major intercollegiate varsity sports program of Ohio University. The team represents the university as the senior member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), playing at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. The Bobcats have played their home games in Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio since 1929.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ohio Bobcats men's basketball</span> Basketball team of Ohio University

The Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team is an intercollegiate varsity sports program of Ohio University. The team is a member of the Mid-American Conference competing in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Bobcats have played their home games in the Convocation Center since 1968.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toledo Rockets football</span> Football team of the University of Toledo

The Toledo Rockets football team is a college football program in Division I FBS, representing the University of Toledo. The Rockets compete in the Mid-American Conference. Toledo began playing football in 1917, although it did not field teams in 1931, 1943, 1944, and 1945. Since the inception of the AP Poll in 1936, Toledo has finished in the Top 25 four times. Its highest finish came in 1970 when it ranked No. 12 after finishing 12–0. Toledo has a 11–9 record in bowl games. The Rockets were the 2017 MAC champions. The team's head coach is Jason Candle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 MAC Championship Game</span> College football game

The 2009 Marathon MAC Championship Game was a college football game played by the Central Michigan Chippewas and the Ohio Bobcats. The game, sponsored by Marathon Oil, was the final regular season contest of the 2009 college football season for the Mid-American Conference. The game was held at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, where it was moved to following the 2003 MAC Championship Game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013–14 Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2013–14 Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team represented Ohio University during the 2013–14 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Bobcats, led by second year head coach Jim Christian, played their home games at the Convocation Center as members of the East Division of the Mid-American Conference. They finished the season 25–12, 11–7 in MAC play to finish in third place in the East Division. They advanced to the quarterfinals of the MAC tournament where they lost to Akron. They were invited to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament where they defeated Cleveland State and Wright State to advance to the quarterfinals where they lost to VMI. After the season Christian accepted the head coach position at Boston College.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Northern Illinois Huskies football team</span> American college football season

The 2014 Northern Illinois Huskies football team represented Northern Illinois University as a member of the West Division of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by second-year head coach Rod Carey, the Huskies compiled an overall record of 11–3 with a mark of 7–1 in conference play, sharing the MAC West Division title with Toledo. By virtue of their head-to-head win over Toledo, Northern Illinois advanced to the MAC Championship Game, where they defeated Bowling Green to win the program's fifth MAC championship. The Huskies were invited to the Boca Raton Bowl, where they lost to Conference USA champion Marshall. The team played home games at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Illinois.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014–15 Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2014–15 Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team represented Ohio University during the 2014–15 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. It was the first year for Saul Phillips as head coach for the program. The team played its home games at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio as a member of the Mid-American Conference. They finished the season 10–20, 5–13 in MAC play to finish in last place in the East Division. They lost in the first round of the MAC tournament to Western Michigan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toledo Rockets football statistical leaders</span>

The Toledo Rockets football statistical leaders are individual statistical leaders of the Toledo Rockets football program in various categories, including passing, rushing, receiving, total offense, defensive stats, and kicking. Within those areas, the lists identify single-game, single-season, and career leaders. The Rockets represent the University of Toledo in the NCAA's Mid-American Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017–18 Ohio Bobcats women's basketball team</span> Intercollegiate basketball season

The 2017–18 Ohio Bobcats women's basketball team represents Ohio University during the 2017–18 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Bobcats, led by fifth year head coach Bob Boldon, play its home games at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio as a member of the Mid-American Conference. They finished the season 16–15, 9–9 in MAC play to finish in third place in the East Division. They advanced to the quarterfinals of the MAC women's tournament where they lost to Miami (OH).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018–19 Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2018–19 Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team represented Ohio University during the 2018–19 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Bobcats, led by fifth-year head coach Saul Phillips, played their home games at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio as a member of the East Division of the Mid-American Conference. In non-conference play they had wins over eventual MAAC champion Iona, and both co-champions of the Big South in Radford and Campbell as well as a win over their rival and eventual CIT champion Marshall. They finished the season 14–17 overall, 6–12 in MAC play to finish in last place in the East Division. As the No. 10 seed in the MAC tournament, they were defeated in the first round by Northern Illinois.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021–22 Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2021–22 Ohio University Bobcats men's basketball team represented Ohio University for the 2021–22 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Bobcats were led by third-year head coach Jeff Boals, who was a 1995 graduate of Ohio University. The team played their home games at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio as a member of the Mid-American Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021–22 Ohio Bobcats women's basketball team</span> Intercollegiate basketball season

The 2021–22 Ohio Bobcats women's basketball team represented Ohio University during the 2021–22 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Bobcats, led by ninth year head coach Bob Boldon, played their home games at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio as a member of the Mid-American Conference. The Bobcats finished non-conference play at 6–3. During a conference win at Central Michigan on January 15, Cece Hooks passed Caroline Mast as the leading scorer in Ohio basketball history. Two games later, against Bowling Green, she passed Toldeo’s Kim Knuth as the leading scorer in MAC basketball history. They finished the regular season 15–13 and 9–10 in the MAC. They were knocked out of the MAC tournament in the quarterfinals by top-seeded Toledo and in the first round of the WNIT by eventual champion South Dakota State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–23 Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2022–23 Ohio University Bobcats men's basketball team represented Ohio University for the 2022–23 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Bobcats were led by fourth-year head coach Jeff Boals, who was a 1995 graduate of Ohio University. They played their home games at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio as a member of the Mid-American Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Ohio Bobcats football team</span> American college football season

The 2022 Ohio Bobcats football team represented Ohio University as a member of the East Division of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They were led by second-year head coach Tim Albin and played their home games at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio. They finished the season 10–4 and 7–1 in the MAC and won the MAC East for the first time since 2016. They lost to Toledo in the MAC Championship Game. Ohio defeated Wyoming in the Arizona Bowl

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011–12 Ohio Bobcats women's basketball team</span> Intercollegiate basketball season

The 2011–12 Ohio Bobcats women's basketball team represented Ohio University during the 2011–12 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Bobcats, led by fourth year head coach Semeka Randall, played their home games at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio as a member of the Mid-American Conference. They finished the season 14–18 and 6–10 in MAC play.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2005–06 Ohio Bobcats women's basketball team</span> Intercollegiate basketball season

The 2005–06 Ohio Bobcats women's basketball team represented Ohio University during the 2005–06 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Bobcats, led by seventh year head coach Lynn Bria, in her final year, played their home games at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio as a member of the Mid-American Conference. They finished the season 9–20 and 5–11 in MAC play.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022–23 Ohio Bobcats women's basketball team</span> Intercollegiate basketball season

The 2022–23 Ohio Bobcats women's basketball team represented Ohio University during the 2022–23 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Bobcats, led by tenth year head coach Bob Boldon, played their home games at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio as a member of the Mid-American Conference. They finished 6–23 and 4–14 in the MAC play to finish tied for eleventh in the MAC. They failed to qualify for the MAC tournament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Ohio Bobcats football team</span> American college football season

The 2023 Ohio Bobcats football team represented Ohio University as a member of the East Division of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They were led by third-year head coach Tim Albin and played their home games at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Toledo Rockets football team</span> American college football season

The 2023 Toledo Rockets football team represented the University of Toledo during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Rockets were led by eighth-year head coach Jason Candle and played their home games at the Glass Bowl in Toledo, Ohio. They competed as members of the West Division of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The Rockets won the West with a perfect conference record. Their quarterback Dequan Finn won Player of the Year and coach Jason Candle won coach of the year. Miami defeated them in the MAC Championship Game with a 23–14 upset victory. They played Wyoming in the Arizona Bowl, where they lost 15–16.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023–24 Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2023–24 Ohio University Bobcats men's basketball team represents Ohio University for the 2023–24 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Bobcats were led by fifth-year head coach Jeff Boals, who was a 1995 graduate of Ohio University. They play their home games at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio as a member of the Mid-American Conference. They finished 6–7 in non-conference play and started 1–3 in conference play. They rallied to win 12 of their final 14 conference games to finish the regular season 19–12 with a 13–5 in MAC play to finish tied for 2nd place. They defeated Western Michigan in the first round of the MAC tournament and lost to Akron in the second round

References

  1. ↑ "College Football Conference Championship Games". FBS Schedules. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  2. ↑ "Rocket Mortgage sponsors MAC championship game to help keep it in Detroit". Detroit News. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Toledo 17, Ohio 7". ESPN. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
  4. ↑ Paul, Tony (July 26, 2022). "MAC signs three-year extension to keep football title game at Ford Field". Detroit News. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  5. ↑ "About Ford Field". Ford Field. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  6. ↑ "Finn throws late TD pass to lift Toledo over Ball St. 28-21". ESPN. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  7. ↑ "Credle, Lynch help N. Illinois rally, beat W. Michigan 24-21". ESPN. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  8. ↑ "Woodside throws 4 TDs in Toledo's 45-28 MAC title game win". ESPN. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  9. ↑ "Rockets Sink Sharks, 37-0, in Season Opener". utrockets.com. University of Toledo Athletics. September 3, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  10. ↑ "Finn, Rockets Bombard Minutemen, 55-10". utrockets.com. University of Toledo Athletics. September 10, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  11. ↑ "Rockets Fall to No. 3 Buckeyes, 77-21". utrockets.com. University of Toledo Athletics. September 17, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  12. ↑ "Rockets' Fourth Quarter Comeback Falls Short in 17-14 Loss at San Diego State". utrockets.com. University of Toledo Athletics. September 24, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  13. ↑ "Rockets Rock Chippewas on Homecoming, 38-17". utrockets.com. University of Toledo Athletics. October 1, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  14. ↑ "Rockets Pick Off Northern Illinois, 52-32". utrockets.com. University of Toledo Athletics. October 8, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  15. ↑ "Dequan Finn's Six TD Passes Leads Toledo Past Kent State, 52-31". utrockets.com. University of Toledo Athletics. October 15, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Rockets Fall in Battle of MAC Division Leaders, 34-27". utrockets.com. University of Toledo Athletics. October 22, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  17. ↑ "Rockets Rally Late for 27-24 Win at Eastern Michigan". utrockets.com. University of Toledo Athletics. October 29, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Rockets Rally to Beat Ball State, 28-21". utrockets.com. University of Toledo Athletics. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  19. ↑ "Rockets Fall to Bowling Green, 42-35". utrockets.com. University of Toledo Athletics. November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  20. ↑ "Rockets' Comeback Falls Short at Western Michigan, 20-14". utrockets.com. University of Toledo Athletics. November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  21. ↑ "Ohio Clinches MAC East Championship; Dominates BGSU, 38-14". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. November 22, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  22. ↑ Conn, Adam (November 23, 2022). "Bobcats clinch MAC East title with backup QB". NBC4i.com. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  23. ↑ "Ohio Football Opens Season with 41-38 Victory Over FAU". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. September 3, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  24. ↑ "Ohio Football Falls to Penn State". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. September 10, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  25. ↑ "Ohio Football Falls to Iowa State". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. September 17, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  26. ↑ "Rourke and Ohio Football Offense Break Records, Defeating Fordham 59-52". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. September 24, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  27. ↑ "Ohio Football Falls to Kent State in Overtime". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. October 1, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  28. ↑ "Ohio Football Secures Homecoming Victory Over Akron, 55-34". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. October 8, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  29. ↑ "Ohio Football Team Cleans Up MAC Specialty Awards". Ohio University Athletics. November 30, 2022. Retrieved November 30, 2022.
  30. ↑ "Ohio 41, FAU 38". ESPN. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  31. ↑ "Penn St. 46, Ohio 10". ESPN. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  32. ↑ "Iowa St. 43, Ohio 10". ESPN. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  33. ↑ "Ohio 59, Fordham 52". ESPN. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  34. ↑ "Kent St. 31, Ohio 24". ESPN. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  35. ↑ "Ohio 55, Akron 34". ESPN. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  36. ↑ "Ohio Football Secures First Road Victory, Defeating Western Michigan 33-14". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. October 15, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  37. ↑ "Ohio Football Secures Senior Night Victory, Defeating NIU 24-17". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. October 22, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  38. ↑ "Ohio Football Becomes Bowl Eligible, Defeating Buffalo 45-24". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. November 1, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  39. ↑ "Ohio Football Takes the Battle of the Bricks, Defeating Miami 37-21". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  40. ↑ "Ohio Football Defeats Ball State, 32-18". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  41. ↑ "Ohio Clinches MAC East Championship; Dominates BGSU, 38-14". ohiobobcats.com. Ohio University Athletics. November 22, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  42. ↑ "Ohio's Kurtis Rourke out for season after suffering torn ACL, meniscus". the Athletic. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.