News and Press Releases

Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach Scott Shafer On the team’s defensive identity… “We are a very young defense. We have a couple older kids at safety with Reed Blankenship and at linebacker with DQ Thomas, but most of them have three years left, some have four, and a handful with two years [of eligibility remaining], so just…

NASSAU, Bahamas — With less than 48 hours to kickoff, Middle Tennessee and Toledo student-athletes and coaches are embracing the memories they’re making off the field, but are ready to cap off the season with a bang on the field. The teams met with the media during a press conference Wednesday to chat about their…

Head Coach Jason Candle Opening statement… “On behalf of the University of Toledo, our football staff, the athletic department and certainly our players, we are honored to be here in the Bahamas for this football game. We are very humbled by the hospitality and great support we have been shown by the locals here and…

Head Coach Rick Stockstill Opening statement… “First of all I’d like to thank Lea [Miller-Tooley], Richard [Giannini], Chris Pika and everyone associated with the Bahamas Bowl. This is our second time here. Just the effort that everybody puts in to making this bowl a success is very much appreciated. I’ve been to a lot of…

NASSAU, Bahamas — On their first full day in the Bahamas, Middle Tennessee and Toledo got down to business with morning practices before trading their football pants for swimming trunks in the annual Beach Bash in the evening. “It was awesome out here. We are not accustomed to 80 degrees this time of year,” Middle…

Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Vince Kehres On the first day of practice… “We had good energy out here. Guys are coming off their trip and were a little sluggish early on but we got them going and got some good work in here. The benefit for us is that we had some extra days to prepare…

Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Brent Dearmon On the first practice in the Bahamas… “It was awesome out here. We are not accustomed to 80 degrees this time of year. Our guys have been more used to 45, 50 degrees back at Middle Tennessee, so getting down here and getting used to this weather has been really…

NASSAU, Bahamas — For the first time in Bahamas Bowl history, two programs are making return trips to Nassau and Atlantis Paradise Island resorts, and they couldn’t be more excited to be here. For Toledo and head coach Jason Candle, the visit is the second in four years after falling in the 2018 game. “I…

Head Coach Jason Candle On today’s trek to Atlantis… “Long day, obviously. We practiced this morning, up early, but what an adventure to get here and what a great experience to have to finish up the season. Looking forward to a great week here at the Atlantis. The hospitality, obviously, is first class as always….

Head Coach Rick Stockstill On what he told the team heading into the week… “I’ve told them to enjoy it. It’s a reward. It’s a great experience. It’s the first time probably 95 percent of this team has been out of the country. Enjoy it but also understand the reason we are here – to…