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Palko, Pittsburgh too much for Toledo

Sep 30, 2006 - 9:02 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Tyler Palko threw a pair of touchdown passes and Pittsburgh got off to a fast start in each half on its way to an easy 45-3 victory over Toledo in a non-conference matchup.

Palko completed 12-of-15 passes for 172 yards in three quarters of work. He threw a nine-yard TD pass to Derek Kinder just under four minutes into the first quarter to give the Panthers (4-1) a 7-0 lead.

Defensive lineman Gus Mustakas returned an interception nine yards for a TD on the ensuing Toledo possession and Conor Lee kicked a 47-yard field goal with 1:58 left in the quarter to make it 17-0.

Palko threw his second TD pass of the game, a one-yarder to Darrell Strong, late in the second quarter to give Pitt a 24-0 lead.

Conredge Collins, Kevin Collier and Dorin Dickerson each rushed for a score in the third quarter for the Panthers, who are off to a 4-1 start for the first time since 2002.

Alex Steigerwald kicked a 35-yard field goal in the second quarter for Toledo's only points.

Aaron Opelt went 15-of-30 for 92 yards and an interception for the Rockets (2-3).