2011 Toledo Football Predictions
Written by Patrick Webb
Toledo is coming off an eight win season and a strong finish in MAC play. The Rockets are deep at quarterback and tailback, and may boast the best player in the conference in receiver Eric Paige, who is a multi-talented threat as a receiver, rusher and returner. The defense returns nine starters and loses only one key player in linebacker Archie Donald.
Tim Beckman has also done a nice job of recruiting and there are talented youngsters looking to make an impact on this team. Toledo has two real tests in the early part of the year- a trip to Ohio State and a home date with Boise State. If they can upend Syracuse on the road it would build some nice momentum for the team with the best schedule of all the MAC contenders.
Offensively the Rockets have a wealth of skill talent, including a battle for the starting QB spot. Austin Dantin led the Rockets to a strong start last year, including three-straight road wins. He injured a shoulder and missed the rest of the season, but replacement Terrance Owens actually outperformed him statistically and led the Rockets to solid offensive performances in each of his four starts. Dantin has the edge heading into this season, but it is possible both could see time.
Whoever the starter at QB ends up being they will be joined in the backfield by talented rusher Adonis Thomas, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and is being pushed for carries by former 1,000 yard rusher Morgan Williams. David Fluellen and Boston College transfer Josh Haden are also expected to see some time on the field.
Page is the go-to receiver and is coming off of great back-to-back seasons. It is hard to believe he is only a junior as he already has nearly 200 receptions and over 2,000 yards receiving. Illinois transfer Cordale Scott will try to take pressure off of him and a trio of youngsters are pushing for time and touches at the third receiver spot. Tight End Danny Noble is a solid pass catcher and a weapon as a blocker.
Toledo returns two tackles headed into their fourth season as starters and has depth along the interior as well. Toledo’s system should lead to an easy integration for the two new starters and this unit should be a strength by mid-season.
The Rockets head into the 2011 season with confidence in the defense. They return nine starters and ten of the top eleven tacklers from last season’s squad. This unit returns a lot of depth at every level and features several transfers form BCS squads looking to make an impact.
The d-line is at least eight deep and there is strong competition at nearly every position. Dan Molls is looking to improve on last season’s All- Conference selection, finishing the season with 143 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 3 interceptions.
He is joined by an athletic group at linebacker with Isaiah Ballard returning and Terrell Anderson a possible athletic upgrade at the weakside spot.
The secondary returns all four starters, who are each being pushed for time. This unit should improve on nearly every statistic from last season and will likely benefit from strong offensive play as well. This could be the best defense in the MAC.
Placekicker was a problem for Toledo last season and both players who saw time return. They are battling freshman J.D. Detmer for the starting spot. Casona and Elchert combined to miss six field goals in twelve attempts last season. Punter Vince Penza is looking to hold onto his job after netting only 31.9 yards per punt last year. Page is the best returner in the MAC, if not the nation, and will see time at both returner spots.
Schedule Analysis: Toledo opens with an FCS opponent and then gets back-to-back games against very good squads. A visit to Ohio State is followed by a home game versus Boise State. A trip to Syracuse looks winnable. The MAC schedule gets off to a tough start as they travel to Temple, but gets easier with a home game versus Eastern Michigan and a visit to Bowling Green. Three home games versus Miami (OH), Northern Illinois, and Western Michigan will likely determine the division. The Rockets close the season with back-to-back road trips to Central Michigan and Ball State. This is a MAC schedule that could lead to between five and seven wins. The Rockets should be favored in every home game.
Final Record Prediction: 8-4 Overall (6-2, 2nd in the MAC West)
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