The Rockets entered last season as one of the favorites to win the MAC. They ended up finishing 7-1 in conference play, but lost to Northern Illinois, therefore losing the tiebreaker and missing out on the conference championship game. Toledo did end the season on a high note, however, beating Air Force in the Military Bowl to finish with a 9-4 record overall. Be sure to follow the odds and find expert picks on the Rockets this season and much more at Football Free Picks.
This year the Rockets must replace head coach Tim Beckman, who will be coaching at Illinois this year. Offensive coordinator Matt Campbell is the new head man and he has a daunting task ahead of him with just eight starters returning from last year's team.
Offense
Toledo had one of the best offenses in the MAC last season, posting 42.2 points per game on 481 yards per game. They return just four starters on this side of the ball, however, so production may be down significantly for this unit.
Amazingly enough, the Rockets return their top two quarterbacks from last season in junior Terrance Owens and senior Austin Dantin. These two regularly alternated possessions last year, but Owens will likely get more reps than Dantin simply because he is more productive.
Toledo loses their top two running back from last season in Adonis Thomas and Morgan Willams. Junior David Fluellen has the unenviable task of stepping in and trying to replace their production out of the backfield.
The receiving corps loses star wideout Eric Page, who left early to join the NFL. This unit returns just one starter in junior Bernard Reedy, who will be the new go-to guy. Junior James Green and sophomore WE Cassius McDowell will step into starting roles, as will senior Illinois transfer TE Cordale Scott.
The offensive line loses three starters and 124 career starts, including first-team All-MAC LT Mike VanDerMuelen. With only two starters back and 24 career starts returning, the offensive line won't have a shot at matching last year's production. The two linemen coming back are second-team All-MAC C Zac Kerin and freshman All-American RG Greg Mancz.
Defense
While the offense was spectacular last year, Toledo's defense was one of the worst in the conference. They allowed 31.7 points and 402 yards per game. Only four starters return on this side of the ball, which may be a blessing in disguise if they can find better players at key positions.
The defensive line loses three productive starters, but brings back five of its top eight up front, including seven who have made 15 or more career tackles. The projected starting line-up will feature senior DE TJ Fatinikun, junior DE Christian Smith, junior DT Elijah Jones and senior DT Danny Farr.
The linebacker corps will be the strongest unit of the defense. They have their top two coming back in senior WLB Robert Bell and senior MLB Dan Mills. They've also added Michigan transfer Vladimir Emilien to take over at the STAR LB position.
The secondary must replace three solid defensive backs, including first-team All-MAC CB Desmond Morrow. They do have three players with starting experience coming back in the defensive backfield and after an abysmal showing last year, should only get better in 2012. Senior CB Byron Best moves from LB to add depth, and senior SS Jermaine Robinson is their top returnee. Talented Florida transfer sophomore CB Jordan Harden will start right away.
MAC West Prediction - 4th Place
This team has more talent than the eight returning starters would indicate. The offense at the very least has proven play makers at quarterback in Owens and Dantin. Their losses on the offensive end are at running back, receiver and along the offensive line. Despite the defense only having four starters back, this team should be more talented than its 2011 version. Toledo should be competitive in the MAC West, but unfortunately they must face both Western Michigan and Northern Illinois on the road. Both these teams are projected to finish ahead of the Rockets in the division.
This year the Rockets must replace head coach Tim Beckman, who will be coaching at Illinois this year. Offensive coordinator Matt Campbell is the new head man and he has a daunting task ahead of him with just eight starters returning from last year's team.
Offense
Toledo had one of the best offenses in the MAC last season, posting 42.2 points per game on 481 yards per game. They return just four starters on this side of the ball, however, so production may be down significantly for this unit.
Amazingly enough, the Rockets return their top two quarterbacks from last season in junior Terrance Owens and senior Austin Dantin. These two regularly alternated possessions last year, but Owens will likely get more reps than Dantin simply because he is more productive.
Toledo loses their top two running back from last season in Adonis Thomas and Morgan Willams. Junior David Fluellen has the unenviable task of stepping in and trying to replace their production out of the backfield.
The receiving corps loses star wideout Eric Page, who left early to join the NFL. This unit returns just one starter in junior Bernard Reedy, who will be the new go-to guy. Junior James Green and sophomore WE Cassius McDowell will step into starting roles, as will senior Illinois transfer TE Cordale Scott.
The offensive line loses three starters and 124 career starts, including first-team All-MAC LT Mike VanDerMuelen. With only two starters back and 24 career starts returning, the offensive line won't have a shot at matching last year's production. The two linemen coming back are second-team All-MAC C Zac Kerin and freshman All-American RG Greg Mancz.
Defense
While the offense was spectacular last year, Toledo's defense was one of the worst in the conference. They allowed 31.7 points and 402 yards per game. Only four starters return on this side of the ball, which may be a blessing in disguise if they can find better players at key positions.
The defensive line loses three productive starters, but brings back five of its top eight up front, including seven who have made 15 or more career tackles. The projected starting line-up will feature senior DE TJ Fatinikun, junior DE Christian Smith, junior DT Elijah Jones and senior DT Danny Farr.
The linebacker corps will be the strongest unit of the defense. They have their top two coming back in senior WLB Robert Bell and senior MLB Dan Mills. They've also added Michigan transfer Vladimir Emilien to take over at the STAR LB position.
The secondary must replace three solid defensive backs, including first-team All-MAC CB Desmond Morrow. They do have three players with starting experience coming back in the defensive backfield and after an abysmal showing last year, should only get better in 2012. Senior CB Byron Best moves from LB to add depth, and senior SS Jermaine Robinson is their top returnee. Talented Florida transfer sophomore CB Jordan Harden will start right away.
MAC West Prediction - 4th Place
This team has more talent than the eight returning starters would indicate. The offense at the very least has proven play makers at quarterback in Owens and Dantin. Their losses on the offensive end are at running back, receiver and along the offensive line. Despite the defense only having four starters back, this team should be more talented than its 2011 version. Toledo should be competitive in the MAC West, but unfortunately they must face both Western Michigan and Northern Illinois on the road. Both these teams are projected to finish ahead of the Rockets in the division.
About the Author:
Jack Jones is a professional handicapper and sports writer for Betfirms.com. You can visit there now and view his picks, plus read more on the Rockets' upcoming season in a more detailed preview.
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