Jalen Parmele, the hero of last year’s Kansas University-Toledo football game, was victim of payback time on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium.

“Yes, there’s a grudge all teams have after a loss,” Parmele said, asked if he could tell the Jayhawks had revenge on their minds during a 45-13 romp over the Rockets.

“You’ve got to give Kansas credit. Kansas had more intensity than we did.”

The Jayhawks were fired up in making up for last year’s 37-31, double-overtime setback in Toledo – a game decided on running back Parmele’s 25-yard dash for a touchdown in the second OT.

He actually gained eight more yards this year than last versus the Jayhawks.

The 6-foot, 221-pound senior carried 16 times Saturday for 88 yards, his longest run a 33-yarder.

A year ago in victory he had 80 yards off 14 carries with two TDs.

“They got it done, and we didn’t,” Parmele said dejectedly.

Sophomore quarterback Aaron Opelt had a tough day, completing 10 of 19 passes for 38 yards and three interceptions. He had one pass picked off by KU lineman John Larson.

“There’s no excuse for the way I played today,” Opelt said. “I’ve got to play better. It all starts with momentum. We never got that. Kansas is a great team. They came out and played better than us today. You have to tip your hat to Kansas. They played a great game.”

The Rockets, who were outgained 557 yards to 251, fell to 0-3 heading into next week’s home game against Iowa State.

Toledo also has dropped games to Central Michigan, 52-31, and Purdue of the Big Ten, 52-24.

The Purdue game was played in Toledo.

“I give Kansas a lot of credit. Their defense was the best we’ve played,” Toledo coach Tom Amstutz said. “They are very sound, run to the football. They did a very good job.”

Amstutz was not miffed at the play of his own team. The Rockets, who were missing three starters on defense because of injuries, had end Skylaar Constant go down early due to an injury the coach said was not serious.

“We are missing a few players. It could be seen out on the field,” Amstutz said. “It’s part of football. I believe whoever will step on the field will represent our team and play with heart. Our players battled hard and showed heart.”

Safety Barry Church, who had an 84-yard TD run off an interception and recovered a fumble in the first overtime of the victory against KU last year, admitted the Rockets’ defense has been hurting because of injuries.

“It’s tough. We lost some experience,” he said. “We have to step up on defense. We had some letdowns tonight.”

Amstutz would not buy into the argument KU was a team possessed in seeking revenge for a year ago.

“No,” he said, asked if the Jayhawks had the extra edge because of that double-OT game. “I thought they played a good, solid football game. They are a good team. They are hot right now, hitting on all cylinders, playing good football. They have a lot of skilled players.”