Toledo Rockets
Mid-American Conference
When a team loses a game 63-60 one Tuesday night and wins 66-63 the next Tuesday, the strengths and weaknesses are quite obvious. The offense can move the ball on just about anybody, but the defense is a non-existent much of the time. Another component to watch out for is the hidden yardage. The Rockets will force a ton of turnovers and will not commit many themselves, but they are not a great return team, especially on kickoffs. On those rare occasions when the Rockets punt, they do not do a particularly good job on coverage. It is those little turns of field position that can mean a win or a loss in a high scoring shootout.
2011 Record: 8-4, 7-1
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Little Caesars Bowl vs. Florida International (L 32-34)
Big Wins: 10/1 at Temple (36-13), 11/8 Western Michigan (66-63)
Bad Losses: 9/24 at Syracuse (30-33), 11/1 Northern Illinois (60-63)
Coach: Tim Beckman (21-16 at Toledo, 21-16 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-1 at Toledo, 0-1 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Paul Nichols
Defensive Coordinator: Matt Campbell and Mike Ward
Strengths:
The Rockets have embraced their two quarterback system and it has worked. And it is not like one is a great passer while the other is a great rusher. Austin Dantin and Terrance Owens can both throw the ball and both can make plays with their feet. However, it is outside of the quarterback position where this offense turns from good to great. Wide receiver and kick return Eric Page is one of the best receivers in the nation. He catches just about everything thrown his way and is a dangerous threat on punt returns, although his kickoff returns this year have been a little disappointing and limited. But Page overall has not been disappointing in the least and he will get a ton of touches and is always a threat to score. Running backs Adonis Thomas and Morgan Williams have also been extremely productive. The potent passing attack does open up things for the backs, but the offensive line has also done a superb job paving the way for the talented running backs.
Weaknesses:
Allowing 63 points in back-to-back games does not help the overall numbers, but even without those two games the defense has not been anything special this year. Linebacker Dan Molls missed the first half of the season, but came back strong and has really helped out the entire defense. The junior totaled 143 tackles in 2010 when he was healthy for the entire season and is back in that form. But even with Molls, there are big problems. The front line does not get consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback and that leads to big plays given up by the secondary. Corners Taikwon Paige and Desmond Marrow are experienced seniors, but they can only do so much. Safeties Jermaine Robinson and Diauntae Morrow are also experienced upperclassmen, but this unit was not very effective in 2010 and the same players are doing the same thing in 2011.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Adonis THomas, RB, 963 yards
Passing: Terrance Owens, QB, 1,812 yards
Receiving: Eric Page, WR, 1,123 yards
Tackles: Desmond Marrow, CB, 78
Sacks: Ben Pike, DE, 5.0
Interceptions: Desmond Marrow, CB, 3
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 221.17 (14th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing Offense: 272.00 (28, 4)
Total Offense: 493.17 (8, 1)
Scoring Offense: 42.25 (9, 1)
Rushing Defense: 123.17 (26, 2)
Pass Defense: 277.92 (109, 12)
Total Defense: 401.08 (75, 7)
Scoring Defense: 30.92 (89, 9)
Turnover Margin: 1.33 (4, 1)
Sacks: 1.83 (66, 7)
Sacks Allowed: .75 (8, 2)
