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2009 Toledo Rockets NCAA Football Predictions

Written July 2, 2009 by Jason Lowry

Toledo Rockets 2009 Predictions The Toledo Rockets had a rough go at in 2008, as they had just 10 seniors and finished the season at 3-9. In comes a new head coach in Tim Beckman, who will look to blast the Rockets to the top of the MAC West division this season, as they have an amazing 57 lettermen returning from 2008, including 16 starters.

On offense the Rockets bring back nine starters to a unit that managed just 21 points a game last season, and really struggled through the air gaining just 165 yards a game. Senior quarterback Aaron Opelt returns from a mediocre season where he threw for 2,176 yards and just 12 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. Opelt did lost two of his top three receivers from 2008, but lucky for him he does return his top threat in senior Stephen Williams, who had 71 catches for 781 yards and 8 scores. Senior Robin Bailey and sophomore Kenny Strafford both got into the mix last season, and are expected to move into the two open starting positions. Where the Rockets are at their best is running the football, and they should be very good on the ground again in 2009, as they return two of the top backs in the MAC this season in sophomore Morgan Williams and senior Dajuane Collins. Williams was outstanding as a freshman running for 1,010 yards and 6 scores, while Collins wasn’t too bad himself running for 700 yards and 5 scores. A big reason that this unit could be even better in 2009, is they return all five starters on the offensive line, including two outstanding sophomore tackles in Mike VanDerMeulen and John Morookian, who should continue to get better and better as they get more games under their belt. While a number of teams like to let it air it out, the Rockets are going to pound the football this season, and should have plenty of success doing so. Bet the Rockets this season at Sportsbook.com.

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The Rockets have seven starters back on defense this season, and should improve off their nearly 30 points a game they gave up last season, but it all starts up front with the defensive line. The Rockets don’t have a single player coming back that had more than 1 sack last season, and if this unit is going to improve they need to get some more pressure on the quarterback. Seniors Derrick Summers an Skylaar Constant are the only starters back up front, and they need to show improvement this season. Sophomore Hank Keighley will play opposite of Summers at defensive end, while senior Maurice Hill clamps up the middle with Constant. At linebacker things look a lot better, as the Rockets return both starters at this position, including a fine talent in junior Archie Donald, who led the Rockets with 119 tackles last season to go along with his 5 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions. For those of you who don’t the Rockets run a 4-2-5 defensive scheme. In the secondary the Rockets have a very solid talent in Barry Church, who is considered a safety, even though he is more of a rover. Freshman Jermaine Robinson will be the youngest of the bunch, as he is expected to jump right into the starting lineup at free safety. This unit was 2nd to last in rushing yards allowed per game last year at nearly 186 yards a game, and if they can slow teams down on the ground, I think this unit really improves in 2009. Bet the Mid-American Conference this season at Sportsbook.com.

My 2009 Prediction: Tie for 3rd in MAC West. I think the Rockets will end up being the most improved team in the west division this season, as I have them going from 5th to 3rd, and finishing no worse than 6-6 overall.

For those of you looking to do some NCAA football betting this upcoming season, be sure to check back for our expert NCAA football picks and the latest football betting odds at Betfirms.

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