Mid-American Conference Preview: Toledo

Toledo Rockets 

2015 Results: 10-2 (6-2, T1st MAC)
Beat Temple in Boca Raton Bowl 

Returning Starters: 8 OFF, 4 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule:

September:

2nd at Arkansas State

10th MAINE

17th FRESNO STATE

30th at BYU

October: 

8th at Eastern Michigan

15th BOWLING GREEN

22nd CENTRAL MICHIGAN

27th OHIO

November: 

2nd at Akron

9th at Northern Illinois

16th BALL STATE

25th at Western Michigan

Toledo had a STRONG 2015 season. 10-2 is nothing to scoff at. They only lost to WMU and NIU, two decent teams. Beating either one would have resulted in a MAC Championship appearance. Head coach Jason Candle is beginning his first full season at the helm. He was the OC last season and got to coach the bowl game. As you saw earlier, he won that bowl game, so he's currently undefeated as the head coach (1-0). Yea, he may be unbeatable.

Offensively, they're bringing back a good amount of players and talent. They lose the Alabama transfer Philip Ely, but they return their 2014 starter in Logan Woodside. The passing game should remain roughly similar to the previous season's success, but it's iffy. They return 4 starting linemen and all of their running backs. This should alleviate some of the stress that Woodside will be feeling in the coming season. 

On the defensive side of the ball, there will be a full on roster makeover. They lose basically anybody who made a contribution. Last season, Toledo had the number 10 rushing defense in the nation and now they're all gone. Sure, they were awesome last year, but none of those beasts are back. The returning starters aren't all that impressive, so the defense will be the hindrance for a stellar Toledo team.

Player to watch: Logan Woodside

He's going to be getting his job back as the starter and he's going to have to be better than ever to carry the load. The defense is looking like a dumpster fire, so he better light it up. If he is able to be better than Ely was last year, Toledo can do some damage. Sadly, even if he is awesome they may still tank this season. The defense is just a huge question mark and it worries me.

If you only watch them once, watch: 10/22 vs Central Michigan

This is a match up that was a delightful battle in 2015, with Toledo going to CMU and coming away with the W. Times have changed, and I believe CMU to be a better team this season. This game was fun last year and will probably be a fun battle this year with an improved CMU team coning down to Toledo.

Prediction: 7-5 (4-4, MAC)

All my love, 

@corbeech