Toledo Rockets 2016 NCAA Football Preview
TOLEDO ROCKETS
MACtion – West Division
2015 Record – 10-2
ATS – 9-3
2016 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating Rank
West Division #4
Conference #4
2015 Recap
Toledo came close to a really successful season. They upset Arkansas on the road and finished at 10-2 after beating a very solid Temple team in the Boca Raton Bowl. Their only two losses ? Each by 5 points. Once to NIU and another in the season finale vs the Broncos. Both of those games were at home. Those losses cost them a shot at a MAC Title, and in fact, it may be surprising to hear that the Rockets have not made the MAC Title Game since 2004. Former HC Matt Campbell did a fine job here but left for Iowa St. Bowl game interim head coach Jason Candle takes over in 2016.
2016 Preview
OFFENSE
The Rockets will have a new starting QB in 2016. MEGALOCKS MAC INSIDERS have indicated that the competition is far from decided. The favorite is probably Logan Woodside who redshirted last season. Michael Julian (6-5 232) is still in the mix. Either way, it appears as though the Rockets will have at least two capable starters, and given their recent injury history at the position, that is a good thing.
The running game should be devastating. Toledo led the MAC in rushing offense and return their top two rushers (Kareem Hunt, Terry Swanson) who combined for almost 2,000 yards rushing and 19 TDs in 2015. Four starters return to an excellent offensive line that only allowed 5 (!!) sacks all season (#2 FBS – sacks allowed). Keep in mind they threw the ball over 400 times.
The WR group looks very good as well. Cody Thompson averaged over 22 yards a reception last year. Four of the top five are back overall.
DEFENSE
The defense was great last year. They led the MAC in scoring defense, were 2nd in run defense, and were also #1 in pass efficiency defense. Yes, they gave up a ton of yards, but they were very effective allowing only 15 TD passes all season while picking off 12.
Only four starters return from last season’s group which includes just one on both the defensive line and in the secondary. The run defense has given up nothing the past two years (115,116 yards per game) and we think there will be a drop-off in 2016. It is hard to see the secondary playing as well this season due to the relative inexperience in the unit. Toledo gave up 21 points per game last year an we expect something in the mid-20s or more in 2016.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The kicking game returns intact. The stats in 2015 were pretty mediocre. The Rockets were ranked in the top 3 in the MAC in both punt and kickoff returns in 2015 and the key players are back this season.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 5.5
MEGALOCKS says:
At first glance, the schedule looks to be manageable early on, but do not sleep on those Arkansas St Red Wolves. They also have a brutal test at BYU in week four. Then the fun begins. MACtion time. The MAC West crown may all come down to a game vs Western Michigan in the finale once again.
Overall, we give the ROCKETS a 5.5 ATS Value Rating (Average) this season. We love the look of their running game. The passing attack should also be a nice compliment to the bruising backfield. We are just not sure if the defense will be good enough to make them a reliable play ATS on a week-to-week basis. Former HC Matt Campbell had a very good run going 28-21-1 ATS (57%) and we need to give the Rockets some time to show what they are all about under the new HC Jason Candle.
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News
http://bleacherreport.com/toledo-football
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/toledo-rockets
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