Toledo defeats No. 24 Temple in Boca Raton Bowl, 23-21

Phillip Ely hit Cody Thompson with an 80-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter Tuesday night, and Toledo won Jason Candle’s first game as head coach, beating No. 24 Temple, 32-17, in a soggy Boca Raton Bowl in Florida.

Candle was promoted from offensive coordinator three weeks ago when Matt Campbell took over at Iowa State.

The Rockets (10-2) positioned themselves to crack the final top 25 for the first time since 2001. Temple (10-4) lost for the fourth time in seven games after starting 7-0.

Frequent driving rain hampered both offenses, but Ely went 20 for 28 for 285 yards and two scores with no turnovers.

Akron wins in Boise

Robert Stein made three field goals and Jatavis Brown led a smothering defense for Akron in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Boise. It was the Zips’ first victory in a bowl.

Stein, who became the school’s career scoring leader with 268 points, connected from 29, 33 and 46 yards, and was selected the game’s MVP.

McCaffrey is AP player of year

Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey was named Associated Press college football player of the year, becoming the first non-Heisman Trophy winner to earn the honor in six years.

McCaffrey, runner-up in the Heisman balloting to Alabama running back Derrick Henry, received 29 of 60 votes from the AP top 25 media panel. Henry was second with 16 votes, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson third with 11.

Etc.

Texas State football Coach Dennis Franchione, 64, said he is retiring after a 30-year head coaching career that included stops at New Mexico, Texas Christian, Alabama and Texas A&M. ... Ball State Coach Pete Lembo resigned to join Maryland’s staff as assistant head coach and special teams coordinator.