Johnson's 99-yard return sparks Toledo to victory over Elon
Woodside connects with Johnson for huge 69-yard gain
Diontae Johnson takes Logan Woodside's pass and eludes several Elon defenders, finally being tackled at the 1-yard line.
TOLEDO, Ohio -- Diontae Johnson returned the second-half kickoff 99 yards to break open a close game and Toledo opened the season with a 47-13 win over Elon on Thursday night.
Johnson caught four passes for 102 yards, including a 69-yard catch.
Logan Woodside threw for 314 yards on 19-of-31 passing for the Rockets, the preseason pick to win the West Division in a poll of MAC coaches. Cody Thompson pulled in five passes for 112 yards.
Shakif Seymour rushed for 102 yards and one score, Art Thompkins had 99 yards on 15 carries and Terry Swanson rushed for 36 yards and two touchdowns.
Toledo, which averaged 38 points a game last season, had a slow start. Jameson Vest booted a career-high four field goals in the first half, giving the Rockets a 19-7 halftime lead.
Johnson's return sparked a 21-point run.
Game Information
2023 Coastal Athletic Association Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| UAlbany | 7-1 | 11-4 |
| Villanova | 7-1 | 10-3 |
| Richmond | 7-1 | 9-4 |
| Elon | 6-2 | 6-5 |
| Delaware | 6-2 | 9-4 |
| Towson | 4-4 | 5-6 |
| Rhode Island | 4-4 | 6-5 |
| William & Mary | 4-4 | 6-5 |
| New Hampshire | 4-4 | 6-5 |
| Campbell | 4-4 | 5-6 |
| Monmouth | 3-5 | 4-7 |
| Hampton | 3-5 | 5-6 |
| Maine | 1-7 | 2-9 |
| North Carolina A&T | 0-8 | 1-10 |
| Stony Brook | 0-8 | 0-10 |
2023 Mid-American Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 7-1 | 11-3 |
| Ohio | 6-2 | 10-3 |
| Bowling Green | 5-3 | 7-6 |
| Buffalo | 3-5 | 3-9 |
| Akron | 1-7 | 2-10 |
| Kent State | 0-8 | 1-11 |
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Toledo | 8-0 | 11-3 |
| Northern Illinois | 5-3 | 7-6 |
| Eastern Michigan | 4-4 | 6-7 |
| Western Michigan | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Ball State | 3-5 | 4-8 |
| Central Michigan | 3-5 | 5-7 |
NCAAF News