Toledo Rockets
2012 Overall Rank #69
#2 Mid-American Conference
Toledo Team Page
Toledo had a tremendous 2011 campaign, finishing with a stellar 9-4 record. Head Coach Tim Beckman used that success to leverage a position as the next head coach for the University of Illinois. The Rockets turned to their offensive coordinator, Matt Campbell to coach in their bowl game, an epic win in the Military Bowl over Air Force. He then was offered the official head coaching job for Toledo and is now taking over the program and will look to build on their recent success.
2011 Record: (9-4, 7-1)
2011 Bowl: Military Bowl VS Air Force (W 42-41)
Coach: Matt Campbell (1-0 at Toledo, 1-0 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Louis Ayeni
Defensive Coordinator: Tom Matukewicz
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: David Fluellen, RB, 507 yards
Passing: Terrance Owens, QB, 2,022 yards
Receiving: Eric Page, WR, 1,182
Tackles: Robert Bell, LB, 78
Sacks: Ben Pike, DL, 5
Interceptions: Jermaine Robinson, DB, 3
Other Key Returnees: WR Bernard Reedy, QB Austin Dantin
Key Losses: RB Adonis Thomas, LB Desmond Marrow
Strengths:
The Rockets nickname is derived from their high powered offensive attack, or at least it feels that way. This team truly has a rocket powered offense, ranking 9th in the nation in total offense. They have a balanced attack, scaring people with a high octane aerial assault and a deadly ground and pound. They are able to light up the scoreboard as well, ranking 8th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging a whopping 42.23 points per contest. This high rate of scoring makes it difficult for teams to keep up. Furthermore they are great at protecting the ball and keeping their quarterback on his feet, all playing major roles in their deadly assault.
Weaknesses:
The Rockets were involved in a track met on a weekly basis, as their offense torched defenses for 42 points per game, but their defense was abused for 268 yards through the air and 31.69 points per game. This resulted in a lot of entertaining games, but the defense must improve for the Rockets to take their game to a new level. Their special teams were also an area of weakness, as they ranked 110 in net punting and 111 in kick returns. When your defense struggles to slow down opponents, at the very least you need to have a good punting team to lengthen the field. The special team units need to be improved in 2012. Toledo also needs to generate more pressure on quarterbacks, as they only were able to muster up 1.77 sacks per game, 72nd in the nation. If they are able to apply more pressure, their pass defense holes can be masked.
The Bottom Line:
Toledo is a high powered offensive team that will give opponents fits on a weekly basis. Their new head coach was their former offensive coordinator, so do not expect a dip in production. The big question is if their defense can handle the pressure of slowing down opponents. The defense knows they can give up a few touchdowns and their offense will bail them out, but they need to put up some resistance to help their team win. If they can force a few turnovers, the Rockets can be tough to beat. They will be a team to keep an eye in 2012 and will have a chance to win the MAC.
Projected Bowl: Little Caesars Bowl
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 213.62 (17th in the nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 267.69 (30, 4)
Total Offense: 481.31 (9, 1)
Scoring Offense: 42.23 (8, 1)
Rushing Defense: 132.77 (41, 3)
Pass Defense: 268.77 (105, 12)
Total Defense: 491, 54 (76, 7)
Scoring Defense: 31.69 (94, 10)
Turnover Margin: 1.23 (3, 1)
Sacks: 1.77 (72, 7)
Sacks Allowed: .77 (5, 1)
