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Toledo Football: 3 takeaways from 2018 Bahamas Bowl loss to FIU

By Connor Muldowney

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 23: Head coach Jason Candle of the Toledo Rockets calls for a two point conversion after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during fourth quarter action on September 23, 2017 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Miami defeated Toledo 52-30. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 23: Head coach Jason Candle of the Toledo Rockets calls for a two point conversion after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during fourth quarter action on September 23, 2017 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Miami defeated Toledo 52-30. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 19: Anthony Jones #2 of the FIU Panthers in action during the first quarter of the game against the Marshall Thundering Herd on November 19, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 19: Anthony Jones #2 of the FIU Panthers in action during the first quarter of the game against the Marshall Thundering Herd on November 19, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

2. Anthony Jones was the MVP and feel-good story of the game

A victim of a drive-by shooting back on Sept. 6, it looked like Anthony Jones’ football career was over and he was even fighting for his life. People called him lucky for the survival and return but he, and his mother, like to call him blessed.

Jones defied all odds and returned on Nov. 3, rushing for 31 yards on eight carries. It wasn’t much, but it was a reminder that everything in life is precious and some things are bigger than football — but he wanted to get back to playing the game that he loved.

The senior running back got a chance to play in the final game of his college career in Friday’s Bahamas Bowl and was the team’s MVP, in my opinion, rushing for a season-high 92 yards and three touchdowns. No matter who you were rooting for, the senior running back was a feel-good story and everyone was cheering him on.

Jones was emotional as the clock was winding down and the final touchdown he scored effectively put the game away, giving the Panthers a 35-25 lead.

This kid is a major success story and he capped his career and roller-coaster senior season with a great bowl performance.

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