The Rockets needed a change from “Toledo Tom” (former coach Anstutz) and in 2009 Tim Beckman brought new enthusiasm, accountability and discipline.  Unfortunately that led to a 5-7 record, their fourth losing season in a row.

Eric Page led the nation's freshman in 2010 receiving yardage.

Despite a very effective offense and freshmen star Eric Page, the defense was lousy 116th nationally in scoring (37.7 points per game) and the team turned the ball over far too much.  While four-year starter QB Aaron Opelt has graduated, the offense could be stronger behind a solid O-line and talented RBs.

For any chance at a winning season, the defense needs to be vastly improved after giving up 30-points or more in ten of twelve games.

The Team

The offense returns five starters and several proven backups.  While Toledo likes to pass the ball, look for Morgan Williams to lead an active running game backed up by  Adonis Thomas, Jake Walker and Darius Reeves.  QBs Austin Danton, Alex Pettee and David Pasquale make plays but neither has proven himself to be the undisputed starter.  Page is a special player at WR and led the nation’s freshmen last season with 82 catches for 1,159 yards, but star WR Stephen Williams graduation means Kenny Stafford or new freshman James Green need to hit the ground running.

The defensive line has more size than years past but is still unproven; guys like DE Alex Johnson and DE Douglas Westbrook will need to step up this year.  True freshman Jayrone Elliott could contribute immediately as a pass rush specialist.  Archie Donald is a solid MLB and Dan Molls is quickly becoming a stable too at LB.  The safeties can make plays while the CBs will need much improvement.  Outside of return specialist Eric Page, the special teams are not too special.

The VerdictThe Rockets killed themselves last year with turnovers ranking 111th out of 120 in turnover ratio.  Any improvement in that area should push UT over the .500 mark for the first time in four seasons.  A defense that ranked 95th nationally in total yards (407.4) has to be better too although a schedule that includes high flying offenses like Boise State, Wyoming, Arizona and Purdue will be tremendously challenging.

Offensively Toledo will score points so defensive improvements and holding on to the ball better will determine if this team goes 5-7 for the fourth time in the last five years or finally breaks into bowl contention again. The solid O-line with lots of returning starts should allow for more offensive balance while they break in a new starting QB.

2010 Schedule & Prediction

Sept 3  Arizona   W
Sept 11  at Ohio   L
Sept 18  at Western Michigan L
Sept 25  at Purdue  L
Oct 2  Wyoming  W
Oct 9  at Boise State  L
Oct 16  Kent State  W
Oct 23  Ball State  W
Oct 30  at Eastern Michigan W
Nov 9  at NIU   L
Nov 17  BGSU   W
Nov 26  Central Michigan W

7-5 Overall; 5-3 MAC

Nick Gerogosian of VandelaySports.com is the MAC Daddy – for years he has covered the Mid-American Conference with all a fanatic’s passion and a beat reporter’s attention to detail. You might recall his post-spring MAC briefing – Nick again joins Fantasy College Blitz to prepare you for your draft like no one else can.

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1. Eastern Michigan Eagles 2010 Preview
2. 2010 Bowling Green Falcons Preview
3. 2010 Ball State Cardinals Preview
4. 2010 Buffalo Bulls Preview
5. Akron Zips 2010 Preview

Tags: Eric Page, MAC, Toledo Rockets