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2010 Toledo Rockets Football Preview

Toledo Overview:

The Rockets needed a change from “Toledo Tom” and Tim Beckman brought with him enthusiasm, accountability and disciple. Unfortunately that led to a 5-7 record, their fourth losing season in a row. The defense was lousy 116 th nationally in scoring (37.7 points per game) and the team turned the ball over far too much. While four-year starter Aaron Opelt has graduated, the offense could be stronger behind a solid O-line and talented RBs. For any chance at a winning season, the defense needs to be vastly improved after giving up 30-points or more in ten of twelve games.

The Team:

The offense is led by five returning starters and several proven backups. While Toledo likes to pass the ball, look for Morgan Williams, Adonis Thomas Jake Walker and Darius Reeves to run a lot this season. QBs Austin Danton, Alex Pettee and David Pasquale can make plays but neither has proven himself to be the undisputed starter. Eric Page is a special player at WR and led the nation’s freshmen last season with 82 catches for 1,159 yards. The defensive line has more size than years past but is still unproven; guys like DE Alex Johnson and DE Douglas Westbrook will need to step up this year. True freshman Jayrone Elliott could contribute immediately as a pas rush specialist. Archie Donald is a solid MLB and Dan Molls is quickly becoming a stable too at LB. The safeties can make plays while the CBs will need much improvement. Outside of return specialist Eric Page, the special teams are not too special.

The Verdict:

The Rockets killed themselves last year with turnovers ranking 111th out of 120 in turnover ratio. Any improvement in that area should push UT over the .500 mark for the first time in four seasons. A defense that ranked 95th nationally in total yards (407.4) has to be better too although a schedule that includes high flying offenses like Boise State, Wyoming, Arizona and Purdue will be tremendously challenging. Offensively Toledo will score points so defensive improvements and holding on to the ball better will determine if this team goes 5-7 for the fourth time in the last five years or finally breaks into bowl contention again.

2010 Schedule & Prediction

• Sept 3 - Arizona - W

• Sept 11 - at Ohio - L

• Sept 18 - at Western Michigan - L

• Sept 25 - at Purdue - L

• Oct 2 - Wyoming - W

• Oct 9 - at Boise State - L

• Oct 16 - Kent State - W

• Oct 23 - Ball State - W

• Oct 30 - at Eastern Michigan - W

• Nov 9 - at NIU - L

• Nov 17 - BGSU - W

• Nov 26 - Central Michigan - W

7-5 Overall; 5-3 MAC

by Nick Gerogosian of VanDelaySports.com

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