University of Toledo to Represent Mid-American Conference in Seventh Annual GMAC Bowl

MOBILE, AL.- GMAC Bowl President Jerry Silverstein announced today that the University of Toledo Rockets has accepted an invitation to participate in the 7th Annual GMAC Bowl. The Rockets will play a yet to be named team from Conference USA on December 21, 2005 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

“We are excited to have Toledo coming to the GMAC Bowl for the first time. Toledo will bring an explosive offense to Mobile, which is something the fans here in Mobile have become accustomed to,” GMAC Bowl President Jerry Silverstein said. “Toledo has been very dominate in the MAC and we are lucky to have them.”

Toledo (8-3, 6-2 MAC) was co-champion of the West Division of the Mid-American Conference and has the best overall record of any MAC school.

Led by senior quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, the Rockets averaged 35 points per game in 2005. Gradkowski, a three-year starter for UT, holds 19 school records and three MAC marks. He has thrown for 2,171 yards and 24 touchdowns this season. He completed better than 70 percent of his passes in 2003 and 2004, which makes him the first quarterback in the history of the NCAA to connect on better than 70 percent of his passes in consecutive seasons.

“We are thrilled to be playing in the GMAC Bowl in what I consider to be one of the best bowls in the country,” said Toledo Athletic Director Mike O’Brien. “From talking with other MAC schools who have played in the GMAC Bowl in the past few years, we have heard nothing but great things about the GMAC Bowl. The entire community in Mobile comes together to put on a tremendous bowl experience for the student-athletes and fans. I know our players and fans will enjoy a complete bowl experience in Mobile.”

Said Toledo head coach Tom Amstutz, “This is a great reward for our players, especially the seniors, who have worked very hard this season and are deserving of a bowl with the stature and reputation of the GMAC Bowl. We look forward to our stay in Mobile and playing against an excellent Conference USA opponent.”