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2007 Toledo Rockets Football Preview

Toledo Rockets

2007 Toledo Overview

After twelve straight winning seasons, Toledo surprisingly had a 5-7 record in 2006. Most of the problem was less then stellar play from the QB position, but the entire offense sputtered last season with inconsistency as did the defense. Aaron Opelt, Clint Cochran and Travaris Cadet will battle for the starting role this season and the starter may not be determined until just before the September 1 clash against Purdue. Jalen Parmele is a solid 1,000-yard rusher and should earn all conference honors again this fall. There is quality depth behind him too, notably DaJuane Collins. Toledo’s starting receivers are the biggest in the league as the three starters average 6-4, 205 lbs. per man but there is no true go-to option and UT had far too many dropped passes in ’06. TE Chris Hopkins has NFL potential. Toledo usually has one of the best offensive lines in the conference but this unit did not fare as well last season as Toledo ranked 40th in the nation in rushing offense. Look for that output to increase behind a more seasoned front led by John Greco, a near lock for the NFL. While Toledo’s total defense ranked 57th nationally, their scoring defense ranked 95th due to giving up big plays at the wrong times. The Rockets have more size and depth on the defensive line and should be stronger this season after giving up 138-yards per game on the ground. While UT loses a solid player in ILB Mike Alston (graduation), they do return five players who have starting experience. Barry Church and Tyrrell Herbert from the strongest safety tandem in the MAC this season and CB Nigel Morris has all conference potential. The Rockets have good kickers but will miss Steve Odom as a return specialist. Toledo may be the real enigma in the league this year. The Rockets have the talent to win the league and a favorable schedule, but too many question marks remain at (1) QB, (2) receivers catching the ball consistently and (3) strategic defensive stops when needed, to pick the Rockets any higher.

Mark it Down!
Toledo will beat at least one, and possibly both of their BCS home opponents. Facing Purdue in the opener and then hosting Iowa State, which has a whole new coaching staff this year, provides Toledo the rare opportunity for a MAC team to have two BCS victories in one campaign.

2007 UT Rockets Schedule Analysis
The Rockets have a splendid non-conference schedule as they host Iowa State and Purdue. The Rockets also host I-AA Liberty and travel to Kansas. Cross over games are Buffalo, Ohio and Bowling Green. Within the MAC West Division, Toledo travels to CMUl and Ball State but hosts WMU and NIU.

Most Important Game
Hosting Western Michigan on September 29 – Toledo lost early in the season to Western last year and never really recovered. Beating the 2007 MAC favorite at home and early in the season is a must for Toledo to have any chance at returning to the MAC Championship this year after a two-year absence.

2007 Toledo Prediction - 7-5 Overall, 4-4 MAC, 2-3 MAC West

published 07.17.2007