2009 Toledo Rockets Additional Information
Coaching Staff
Head Coach:
Official School Bio - Tim Beckman
Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Mike Ward - Assistant Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator
Matt Campbell - Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach
Paul Nichols - Defensive Pass Coordinator/Safeties Coach
Scott Satterfield - Passing Game Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
Jason Candle - Slot Receivers/Tight Ends Coach
Steven Clinkscale - Cornerbacks Coach
Alex Golesh - Running Backs Coach/Recruiting Coordinator
Jason Nichols - Outside Receivers Coach
Eli Rasheed - Defensive Line Coach
Recruiting Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Mike Ward - Assistant Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator
Matt Campbell - Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach
Paul Nichols - Defensive Pass Coordinator/Safeties Coach
Scott Satterfield - Passing Game Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
Jason Candle - Slot Receivers/Tight Ends Coach
Steven Clinkscale - Cornerbacks Coach
Alex Golesh - Running Backs Coach/Recruiting Coordinator
Jason Nichols - Outside Receivers Coach
Eli Rasheed - Defensive Line Coach
Starters Returning: 19 (Offense 9, Defense 8, Special Teams 2)
Notable Returners:
QB Aaron Opelt, RB DaJuane Collins, RB Morgan Williams, WR Stephen Williams, WR Kenny Stafford, LG Mike VanDerMeulen, LG Jared DeWalt, C Kevin Kowalski, RG Nate Cole, RT John Morookian, C Buster Garrett, LG Phillip Manley
DE Derrick Summers, DT Skylaar Constant, DT Maurice Hill, DE Alex Johnson, DE Douglas Westbrook, LB Archie Donald, LB Beau Brudzinski, LB Daris Quinn, Star Barry Church, SS Lester Richmond, FS Mark Singer, CB Kenny Veal
PK Alex Steigerwald, P Bill Claus
Starters Departing: 5 (Offense 2, Defense 3, Special Teams 0)
Notable Losses:
WR Nick Moore, TE John Allen
DE Albertson Alexandre, FS Tyrrell Herbert, CB Greg Harris
Incoming Recruits:
(Name - Pos - Height, Weight - Hometown - High School - Scout/Rivals Rating)
2010 Verbals:
Scout.com - #82 Class: 1-3*, 6-2*, 0-N/A - 2.14* average
Rivals.com - #94 class: 1-3*, 4-2*, 2-N/A - 2.20* average
Ray Bush - OLB - 6-3, 210 - Toledo, OH - Toledo Rogers - 2*/N/A
Dawalyn Harper - QB - 6-0, 206 - Youngstown, OH - Youngstown Ursuline - 2*/2*
Josh Hendershot - OG - 6-4, 265 - Newark, OH - Newark Catholic - 2*/2*
Taylor Miller - OG - 6-5, 295 - Trenton, OH - Edgewood - 3*/2*
Jeffrey Myers - OG - 6-3, 293 - Massillon, OH - Massillon Washington - 2*/2*
Derek Roback - QB - 6-2, 221 - Waverly, OH - Waverly - 2*/3*
Keith Suggs - CB - 5-9, 178 - Indianapolis, IN - Ben Davis - 2*/N/A
Previous Classes:
2009 Class:
Scout.com - #113 class: 0-4*, 0-3*, 20-2* - 2.00* average
Rivals.com - #86 class: 1-4*, 1-3*, 18-2* - 2.15* average
Manny Bell - OL - 6-6, 275 - Pittsburgh, PA - Schenley - 2*/2*
Robert Bell - LB - 5-11, 225 - East Grand Rapids, MI - East Grand Rapids - 2*/3*
Julian Bellinger - WR - 6-1, 175 - Lithonia, GA - Lithonia - 2*/2*
Byron Best - CB - 5-10, 180 - Greenwood, SC - Greenwood - 2*/2*
Ryan Casano - PK - 5-9, 180 - Costa Mesa, CA - Orange Coast - 2*/2*
Austin Dantin - QB - 6-1, 175 - Tallahassee, FL - Leon - 2*/2*
T.J. Fatinikun - DE - 6-1, 220 - Perrysburg, OH - Perrysburg - 2*/2*
Zac Kerin - OL - 6-4, 265 - Lewis Center, OH - Olentangy Liberty - 2*/2*
Dan Molls - LB - 6-1, 212 - Cleveland, OH - Padua Franciscan - 2*/2*
Terrence Owens - QB - 6-3, 160 - Cleveland, OH - Glenville - 2*/2*
Eric Page - WR - 5-10, 170 - Holland, OH - Springfield - 2*/2*
Ben Pike - DE - 6-3, 245 - Mentor, OH - Mentor - 2*/2*
Johnie Roberts - DT - 6-3, 290 - Pearl River CC - 2*/2* - JUCO
Jermaine Robinson - S - 6-3, 195 - Pittsburgh, PA - Milford Academy - 2*/4*
Christian Smith - DE - 6-0, 226 - Oklahoma City, OK - Carl Albert - 2*/2*
Troy Smith - CB - 5-10, 175 - Indianapolis, IN - Pike - 2*/2*
Ben Steele - DT - 6-4, 260 - Venice, FL - Venice Senior - 2*/2*
Richard Steele - CB - 6-0, 185 - Cincinnati, OH - La Salle - 2*/2*
Daxton Swanson - WR - 5-10, 161 - Waco, TX - La Vega - 2*/2*
Edward Williams - WR - 6-2, 188 - Tampa, FL - Alonso - 2*/2*
2008 Class:
Scout.com - #83 class: 3-3*, 18-2*, 2-1* - 2.04* average
Rivals.com - #68 class: 6-3*, 17-2*, 0-1* - 2.26* average
Albertson Alexandre - DE - 6-5, 240 - Los Altos Hills, CA - Foothill - 3*/3*
Terrell Anderson - LB - 6-1, 204 - Pittsburgh, PA - Central Catholic - 1*/2*
Andreas Ashwood - S - 6-1, 200 - Tampa, FL - Hillsborough Senior - 2*/2*
Isaiah Ballard - S - 5-10, 195 - Toledo, OH - Rogers - 2*/2*
Fadi Farha - OL - 6-5, 285 - Ann Arbor, MI - Pioneer - 2*/2*
Danny Farr - DT - 6-4, 268 - Evanston, IL - Evanston Twp - 2*/2*
Sam Gaymon - WR - 6-2, 183 - Detroit, MI - Renaissance - 3*/3*
Leroy Houston - WR - 5-10, 170 - Daytona Beach, FL - Seabreeze Senior - 2*/2*
Hank Keighly - DE - 6-4, 225 - Kettering OH - Archbishop Alter - 2*/2*
Johnathan Lamb - DE - 6-4, 250 - Southfield, MI - Southfield - 2*/2*
Phillipkeith Manley - OL - 6-4, 310 - Hamilton, OH - Hamilton - 2*/2*
John Morookian - OL - 6-6, 323 - Providence, RI - Milford Academy - 2*/3*
David Pasquale - ATH - 6-0, 199 - Cape Coral, FL - Cape Coral - 2*/2*
Alex Pettee - QB - 6-3, 220 - Santa Clarita, CA - Pierce College - 3*/3* - JUCO
Daris Quinn - LB - 6-0, 225 - Joliet, IL - Joliet - 2*/2*
Darius Reeves - CB - 6-1, 175 - Gahanna, OH - Lincoln - 2*/2*
Malcolm Riley - DT - 6-3, 240 - Ft. Wayne, IN - R. Nelson Snider - 2*/2*
Jermaine Robinson - S - 6-2, 158 - Pittsburgh, PA - Brashear - 2*/3* - PREP - See '09
Tyler Roby - CB - 6-3, 210 - Santa Clarita, CA - College of the Canyons - 1*/3* - JUCO
Mark Singer - S - 6-0, 180 - Delran, NJ - Holy Cross - 2*/2*
Kenny Stafford - WR - 6-3, 180 - Columbus, OH - St. Francis DeSales - 2*/2*
Kenny Veal - CB - 5-11, 183 - Hamilton, OH - Hamilton - 2*/2*
Anthony Washington - S - 6-1, 175 - Fairborn, OH - Fairborn - 2*/2*
2007 Class:
Scout.com - #79 class: 4-3*, 13-2*, 3-1* - 2.05* average
Rivals.com - #69 class: 6-3*, 14-2*, 0-1* - 2.30* average
D.C. Alexander - DE - 6-2, 210 - Canton, OH - McKinley - 1*/2*
Sean Berry - OL - 6-6, 310 - Irvington, NJ - Irvington - 1*/2*
Matt Bradbury - OL - 6-5, 275 - Elmhurst, IL - York - 2*/2*
Brett Brodbeck - PK - 6-0, 170 - Franklin, TN - Battle Ground Academy - 2*/2*
Travaris Cadet - QB - 6-0, 193 - Miami, FL - Central - 3*/3*
Tim Cortazzo - WR - 6-1, 185 - Harrison City, PA - Penn Trafford - 2*/2*
Kaunda Hancock - WR - 5-11, 182 - Chicago, IL - Brother Rice - 2*/3*
Jerome Jones - TE - 6-7, 220 - Youngstown, OH - Harmony Community - 2*/2*
Kevin Kowalski - OL - 6-4, 270 - Macedonia, OH - Nordonia - 2*/2*
D. J. Lenehan - QB - 6-3, 190 - Easton, PA - Wilson Area - 3*/3*
Tamawi McGhee - RB - 6-1, 190 - Steubenville, OH - Steubenville - 2*/2*
Danny Noble - TE - 6-5, 220 - Elyria, OH - Elyria - 2*/2*
Marlin Parker - DE - 6-2, 232 - Warren, OH - Warren G. Harding - 2*/3*
Tyson Patrick - LB - 6-2, 218 - Trotwood, OH - Trotwood-Madison - 2*/2*
Drey'Lon Pree - WR - 6-2, 180 - Steubenville, OH - Steubenville - 2*/2*
Hosea Simpson - RB - 5-9, 190 - Cincinnati, OH - Winton Woods - 2*/3*
Adonis Thomas - RB - 5-10, 175 - Newark, NJ - Malcom X. Shabazz - 2*/2*
Mike VanDerMeulen - OL - 6-7, 290 - Marshall, MI - Marshall - 1*/2*
Gordon Warner - RB - 5-11, 175 - Miami, FL - Central - 3*/2*
Morgan Williams - RB - 6-0, 190 - Canton, OH - McKinley - 3*/3*
2006 Class:
Scout.com - #76 class: 3-3*, 13-2*, 7-1* - 1.83* average
Rivals.com - #87 class: 3-3*, 20-2*, 0-1* - 2.13* average
Barry Church - S - 6-1, 203 - Pittsburgh, PA - Penn Hills - 3*/3*
Nate Cole - DT - 6-1, 271 - Trotwood, OH - Trotwood-Madison - 3*/2*
Skylaar Constant - DT - 6-3, 260 - Bedford, OH - Bedford - 2*/2*
Jared DeWalt - OL - 6-5, 292 - Lyndhurst, OH - Brush - 2*/3*
Archie Donald - LB - 6-1, 215 - Pittsburgh, PA - Penn Hills - 2*/2*
Matt Fought - TE - 6-4, 220 - Ottawa, OH - Ottawa-Glandorf - 2*/2*
Bruce Frieson - RB - 5-8, 178 - Cleveland, OH - Glenville - 1*/2*
Levi George - OL - 6-1, 300 - Warren, OH - Warren G. Harding - 1*/2*
Jan Gewont - OL - 6-4, 290 - Palos Hills, IL - Amos Alonzo Stagg - 2*/3*
Greg Harris - CB - 6-0, 187 - Mount Vernon, NY - Mount Vernon - 1*/2*
Maurice Hill - DT - 6-1, 259 - Bolingbrook, IL - Bolingbrook - 2*/2*
Mark Jackson - CB - 6-0, 195 - Canton, OH - McKinley - 2*/2*
Alex Johnson - DE - 6-2, 227 - Lansdale, PA - North Penn Senior - 2*/2*
Dontae Jones - RB - 6-0, 211 - Orlando, FL - Evans - 3*/2*
Jerome Jones - TE - 6-7, 220 - Youngstown, OH - Ursuline - 2*/2* - PREP - See '07
Desmond Marrow - CB - 6-3, 196 - Youngstown, OH - Cardinal Mooney - 1*/2*
Chris Meenan - OL - 6-7, 323 - Wooster, OH - Wooster - 2*/2*
Aaron Opelt - QB - 6-2, 195 - Fremont, OH - Ross - 2*/2*
Joe Shuler - WR - 6-2, 185 - Apopka, FL - Apopka - 2*/2*
Alex Steigerwald - PK - 5-11, 170 - Cleveland, OH - Benedictine - 1*/2*
Derrick Summers - LB - 6-2, 235 - Southfield, MI - Southfield - 1*/2*
Joe Underwood - LB - 6-1, 245 - Youngstown, OH - Ursuline - 2*/2*
Doug Westbrook - DE - 6-3, 215 - Pampano Beach, FL - Blanche Ely - 1*/2*
2005 Class:
Scout.com - #102 class: 1-3*, 5-2*, 17-1* - 1.30* average
Rivals.com - #87 class: 2-3*, 21-2*, 0-1* - 2.09* average
Walter Atkins - S - 6-1, 180 - Pampano Beach, FL - Pampano Beach - 1*/2*
Sam Azner - OL - 6-7, 288 - Wayne, NJ - Wayne Hills - 1*/2*
Robin Bailey - WR - 6-5, 195 - Westerville, OH - South - 1*/2*
Keiron Brown - CB - 6-1, 185 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - St. Thomas Aquinas - 1*/2*
Beau Brudzinski - LB - 6-1, 192 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - St. Thomas Aquinas - 1*/2*
Tom Burzine - TE - 6-5, 225 - Bohemia, NY - Connetquot - 1*/2*
DaJuane Collins - RB - 5-11, 187 - Deptford, NJ - Deptford Twp - 2*/3*
John Duhe - DE - 6-4, 230 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - St. Thomas Aquinas - 1*/2*
Chris Faison - S - 6-1, 175 - Bloomfield Hills, MI - Lahser - 1*/2*
Keith Forestal - TE - 6-4, 225 - Youngstown, OH - Liberty- 1*/2*
Buster Garrett - OL - 6-4, 276 - St. Augsutine, FL - Nease - 1*/2*
Lyndon Gayle - DE - 6-4, 275 - Akron, OH - North - 2*/2*
Sean Glaser - OL - 6-8, 300 - Akron, OH - Archbishop Hoban - 2*/2*
Jeff Green - S - 6-3, 184 - Deptford, NJ - Deptford Twp - 2*/2*
Eric Heller - LB - 6-3, 225 - Columbus, OH - Beechcroft - 1*/2*
Garry Hill - CB - 6-3, 184 - Trotwood, OH - Trotwood-Madison - 1*/2*
Kevin Hobbins - OL - 6-7, 320 - Petersborough, ON - Crestwood - 1*/3*
Kevin Kilgo - OL - 6-4, 242 - Sterling Heights, MI - Adlai Stevenson - 1*/2*
Jeremy Mack - OL - 6-4, 225 - Greenwood, IN - Center Grove - 1*/2*
D.J. Nichols - WR - 6-3, 215 - Compton, CA - Cerritos - 3*/2* - JUCO
Lester Richmond - S - 6-3, 185 - Chicago, IL - Morgan Park - 1*/2*
Brandon Summers - ATH - 6-0, 183 - Southfield, MI - Southfield - 2*/2*
Stephen Williams - WR - 6-4, 180 - Missouri City, TX - Marshall - 1*/2*
No longer on roster
Behind the Numbers Notable Returners:
QB Aaron Opelt, RB DaJuane Collins, RB Morgan Williams, WR Stephen Williams, WR Kenny Stafford, LG Mike VanDerMeulen, LG Jared DeWalt, C Kevin Kowalski, RG Nate Cole, RT John Morookian, C Buster Garrett, LG Phillip Manley
DE Derrick Summers, DT Skylaar Constant, DT Maurice Hill, DE Alex Johnson, DE Douglas Westbrook, LB Archie Donald, LB Beau Brudzinski, LB Daris Quinn, Star Barry Church, SS Lester Richmond, FS Mark Singer, CB Kenny Veal
PK Alex Steigerwald, P Bill Claus
Starters Departing: 5 (Offense 2, Defense 3, Special Teams 0)
Notable Losses:
WR Nick Moore, TE John Allen
DE Albertson Alexandre, FS Tyrrell Herbert, CB Greg Harris
Incoming Recruits:
(Name - Pos - Height, Weight - Hometown - High School - Scout/Rivals Rating)
2010 Verbals:
Scout.com - #82 Class: 1-3*, 6-2*, 0-N/A - 2.14* average
Rivals.com - #94 class: 1-3*, 4-2*, 2-N/A - 2.20* average
Ray Bush - OLB - 6-3, 210 - Toledo, OH - Toledo Rogers - 2*/N/A
Dawalyn Harper - QB - 6-0, 206 - Youngstown, OH - Youngstown Ursuline - 2*/2*
Josh Hendershot - OG - 6-4, 265 - Newark, OH - Newark Catholic - 2*/2*
Taylor Miller - OG - 6-5, 295 - Trenton, OH - Edgewood - 3*/2*
Jeffrey Myers - OG - 6-3, 293 - Massillon, OH - Massillon Washington - 2*/2*
Derek Roback - QB - 6-2, 221 - Waverly, OH - Waverly - 2*/3*
Keith Suggs - CB - 5-9, 178 - Indianapolis, IN - Ben Davis - 2*/N/A
Previous Classes:
2009 Class:
Scout.com - #113 class: 0-4*, 0-3*, 20-2* - 2.00* average
Rivals.com - #86 class: 1-4*, 1-3*, 18-2* - 2.15* average
Manny Bell - OL - 6-6, 275 - Pittsburgh, PA - Schenley - 2*/2*
Robert Bell - LB - 5-11, 225 - East Grand Rapids, MI - East Grand Rapids - 2*/3*
Julian Bellinger - WR - 6-1, 175 - Lithonia, GA - Lithonia - 2*/2*
Byron Best - CB - 5-10, 180 - Greenwood, SC - Greenwood - 2*/2*
Ryan Casano - PK - 5-9, 180 - Costa Mesa, CA - Orange Coast - 2*/2*
Austin Dantin - QB - 6-1, 175 - Tallahassee, FL - Leon - 2*/2*
T.J. Fatinikun - DE - 6-1, 220 - Perrysburg, OH - Perrysburg - 2*/2*
Zac Kerin - OL - 6-4, 265 - Lewis Center, OH - Olentangy Liberty - 2*/2*
Dan Molls - LB - 6-1, 212 - Cleveland, OH - Padua Franciscan - 2*/2*
Terrence Owens - QB - 6-3, 160 - Cleveland, OH - Glenville - 2*/2*
Eric Page - WR - 5-10, 170 - Holland, OH - Springfield - 2*/2*
Ben Pike - DE - 6-3, 245 - Mentor, OH - Mentor - 2*/2*
Johnie Roberts - DT - 6-3, 290 - Pearl River CC - 2*/2* - JUCO
Jermaine Robinson - S - 6-3, 195 - Pittsburgh, PA - Milford Academy - 2*/4*
Christian Smith - DE - 6-0, 226 - Oklahoma City, OK - Carl Albert - 2*/2*
Troy Smith - CB - 5-10, 175 - Indianapolis, IN - Pike - 2*/2*
Ben Steele - DT - 6-4, 260 - Venice, FL - Venice Senior - 2*/2*
Richard Steele - CB - 6-0, 185 - Cincinnati, OH - La Salle - 2*/2*
Daxton Swanson - WR - 5-10, 161 - Waco, TX - La Vega - 2*/2*
Edward Williams - WR - 6-2, 188 - Tampa, FL - Alonso - 2*/2*
2008 Class:
Scout.com - #83 class: 3-3*, 18-2*, 2-1* - 2.04* average
Rivals.com - #68 class: 6-3*, 17-2*, 0-1* - 2.26* average
Albertson Alexandre - DE - 6-5, 240 - Los Altos Hills, CA - Foothill - 3*/3*
Terrell Anderson - LB - 6-1, 204 - Pittsburgh, PA - Central Catholic - 1*/2*
Andreas Ashwood - S - 6-1, 200 - Tampa, FL - Hillsborough Senior - 2*/2*
Isaiah Ballard - S - 5-10, 195 - Toledo, OH - Rogers - 2*/2*
Fadi Farha - OL - 6-5, 285 - Ann Arbor, MI - Pioneer - 2*/2*
Danny Farr - DT - 6-4, 268 - Evanston, IL - Evanston Twp - 2*/2*
Sam Gaymon - WR - 6-2, 183 - Detroit, MI - Renaissance - 3*/3*
Leroy Houston - WR - 5-10, 170 - Daytona Beach, FL - Seabreeze Senior - 2*/2*
Hank Keighly - DE - 6-4, 225 - Kettering OH - Archbishop Alter - 2*/2*
Johnathan Lamb - DE - 6-4, 250 - Southfield, MI - Southfield - 2*/2*
Phillipkeith Manley - OL - 6-4, 310 - Hamilton, OH - Hamilton - 2*/2*
John Morookian - OL - 6-6, 323 - Providence, RI - Milford Academy - 2*/3*
David Pasquale - ATH - 6-0, 199 - Cape Coral, FL - Cape Coral - 2*/2*
Alex Pettee - QB - 6-3, 220 - Santa Clarita, CA - Pierce College - 3*/3* - JUCO
Daris Quinn - LB - 6-0, 225 - Joliet, IL - Joliet - 2*/2*
Darius Reeves - CB - 6-1, 175 - Gahanna, OH - Lincoln - 2*/2*
Malcolm Riley - DT - 6-3, 240 - Ft. Wayne, IN - R. Nelson Snider - 2*/2*
Jermaine Robinson - S - 6-2, 158 - Pittsburgh, PA - Brashear - 2*/3* - PREP - See '09
Tyler Roby - CB - 6-3, 210 - Santa Clarita, CA - College of the Canyons - 1*/3* - JUCO
Mark Singer - S - 6-0, 180 - Delran, NJ - Holy Cross - 2*/2*
Kenny Stafford - WR - 6-3, 180 - Columbus, OH - St. Francis DeSales - 2*/2*
Kenny Veal - CB - 5-11, 183 - Hamilton, OH - Hamilton - 2*/2*
Anthony Washington - S - 6-1, 175 - Fairborn, OH - Fairborn - 2*/2*
2007 Class:
Scout.com - #79 class: 4-3*, 13-2*, 3-1* - 2.05* average
Rivals.com - #69 class: 6-3*, 14-2*, 0-1* - 2.30* average
D.C. Alexander - DE - 6-2, 210 - Canton, OH - McKinley - 1*/2*
Sean Berry - OL - 6-6, 310 - Irvington, NJ - Irvington - 1*/2*
Matt Bradbury - OL - 6-5, 275 - Elmhurst, IL - York - 2*/2*
Brett Brodbeck - PK - 6-0, 170 - Franklin, TN - Battle Ground Academy - 2*/2*
Travaris Cadet - QB - 6-0, 193 - Miami, FL - Central - 3*/3*
Tim Cortazzo - WR - 6-1, 185 - Harrison City, PA - Penn Trafford - 2*/2*
Kaunda Hancock - WR - 5-11, 182 - Chicago, IL - Brother Rice - 2*/3*
Jerome Jones - TE - 6-7, 220 - Youngstown, OH - Harmony Community - 2*/2*
Kevin Kowalski - OL - 6-4, 270 - Macedonia, OH - Nordonia - 2*/2*
D. J. Lenehan - QB - 6-3, 190 - Easton, PA - Wilson Area - 3*/3*
Tamawi McGhee - RB - 6-1, 190 - Steubenville, OH - Steubenville - 2*/2*
Danny Noble - TE - 6-5, 220 - Elyria, OH - Elyria - 2*/2*
Marlin Parker - DE - 6-2, 232 - Warren, OH - Warren G. Harding - 2*/3*
Tyson Patrick - LB - 6-2, 218 - Trotwood, OH - Trotwood-Madison - 2*/2*
Drey'Lon Pree - WR - 6-2, 180 - Steubenville, OH - Steubenville - 2*/2*
Hosea Simpson - RB - 5-9, 190 - Cincinnati, OH - Winton Woods - 2*/3*
Adonis Thomas - RB - 5-10, 175 - Newark, NJ - Malcom X. Shabazz - 2*/2*
Mike VanDerMeulen - OL - 6-7, 290 - Marshall, MI - Marshall - 1*/2*
Gordon Warner - RB - 5-11, 175 - Miami, FL - Central - 3*/2*
Morgan Williams - RB - 6-0, 190 - Canton, OH - McKinley - 3*/3*
2006 Class:
Scout.com - #76 class: 3-3*, 13-2*, 7-1* - 1.83* average
Rivals.com - #87 class: 3-3*, 20-2*, 0-1* - 2.13* average
Barry Church - S - 6-1, 203 - Pittsburgh, PA - Penn Hills - 3*/3*
Nate Cole - DT - 6-1, 271 - Trotwood, OH - Trotwood-Madison - 3*/2*
Skylaar Constant - DT - 6-3, 260 - Bedford, OH - Bedford - 2*/2*
Jared DeWalt - OL - 6-5, 292 - Lyndhurst, OH - Brush - 2*/3*
Archie Donald - LB - 6-1, 215 - Pittsburgh, PA - Penn Hills - 2*/2*
Matt Fought - TE - 6-4, 220 - Ottawa, OH - Ottawa-Glandorf - 2*/2*
Bruce Frieson - RB - 5-8, 178 - Cleveland, OH - Glenville - 1*/2*
Levi George - OL - 6-1, 300 - Warren, OH - Warren G. Harding - 1*/2*
Jan Gewont - OL - 6-4, 290 - Palos Hills, IL - Amos Alonzo Stagg - 2*/3*
Greg Harris - CB - 6-0, 187 - Mount Vernon, NY - Mount Vernon - 1*/2*
Maurice Hill - DT - 6-1, 259 - Bolingbrook, IL - Bolingbrook - 2*/2*
Mark Jackson - CB - 6-0, 195 - Canton, OH - McKinley - 2*/2*
Alex Johnson - DE - 6-2, 227 - Lansdale, PA - North Penn Senior - 2*/2*
Dontae Jones - RB - 6-0, 211 - Orlando, FL - Evans - 3*/2*
Jerome Jones - TE - 6-7, 220 - Youngstown, OH - Ursuline - 2*/2* - PREP - See '07
Desmond Marrow - CB - 6-3, 196 - Youngstown, OH - Cardinal Mooney - 1*/2*
Chris Meenan - OL - 6-7, 323 - Wooster, OH - Wooster - 2*/2*
Aaron Opelt - QB - 6-2, 195 - Fremont, OH - Ross - 2*/2*
Joe Shuler - WR - 6-2, 185 - Apopka, FL - Apopka - 2*/2*
Alex Steigerwald - PK - 5-11, 170 - Cleveland, OH - Benedictine - 1*/2*
Derrick Summers - LB - 6-2, 235 - Southfield, MI - Southfield - 1*/2*
Joe Underwood - LB - 6-1, 245 - Youngstown, OH - Ursuline - 2*/2*
Doug Westbrook - DE - 6-3, 215 - Pampano Beach, FL - Blanche Ely - 1*/2*
2005 Class:
Scout.com - #102 class: 1-3*, 5-2*, 17-1* - 1.30* average
Rivals.com - #87 class: 2-3*, 21-2*, 0-1* - 2.09* average
Walter Atkins - S - 6-1, 180 - Pampano Beach, FL - Pampano Beach - 1*/2*
Sam Azner - OL - 6-7, 288 - Wayne, NJ - Wayne Hills - 1*/2*
Robin Bailey - WR - 6-5, 195 - Westerville, OH - South - 1*/2*
Keiron Brown - CB - 6-1, 185 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - St. Thomas Aquinas - 1*/2*
Beau Brudzinski - LB - 6-1, 192 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - St. Thomas Aquinas - 1*/2*
Tom Burzine - TE - 6-5, 225 - Bohemia, NY - Connetquot - 1*/2*
DaJuane Collins - RB - 5-11, 187 - Deptford, NJ - Deptford Twp - 2*/3*
John Duhe - DE - 6-4, 230 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - St. Thomas Aquinas - 1*/2*
Chris Faison - S - 6-1, 175 - Bloomfield Hills, MI - Lahser - 1*/2*
Keith Forestal - TE - 6-4, 225 - Youngstown, OH - Liberty- 1*/2*
Buster Garrett - OL - 6-4, 276 - St. Augsutine, FL - Nease - 1*/2*
Lyndon Gayle - DE - 6-4, 275 - Akron, OH - North - 2*/2*
Sean Glaser - OL - 6-8, 300 - Akron, OH - Archbishop Hoban - 2*/2*
Jeff Green - S - 6-3, 184 - Deptford, NJ - Deptford Twp - 2*/2*
Eric Heller - LB - 6-3, 225 - Columbus, OH - Beechcroft - 1*/2*
Garry Hill - CB - 6-3, 184 - Trotwood, OH - Trotwood-Madison - 1*/2*
Kevin Hobbins - OL - 6-7, 320 - Petersborough, ON - Crestwood - 1*/3*
Kevin Kilgo - OL - 6-4, 242 - Sterling Heights, MI - Adlai Stevenson - 1*/2*
Jeremy Mack - OL - 6-4, 225 - Greenwood, IN - Center Grove - 1*/2*
D.J. Nichols - WR - 6-3, 215 - Compton, CA - Cerritos - 3*/2* - JUCO
Lester Richmond - S - 6-3, 185 - Chicago, IL - Morgan Park - 1*/2*
Brandon Summers - ATH - 6-0, 183 - Southfield, MI - Southfield - 2*/2*
Stephen Williams - WR - 6-4, 180 - Missouri City, TX - Marshall - 1*/2*
No longer on roster
There has been much trepidation on the message boards lately. The Toledo Rockets offense has looked powerful, averaging 42 and 1/2 points and 558.50 yards against two BCS automatic-qualifying-conference opponents; and many of the denizens of Buckeye Planet have noticed. But considering the fact that it is now common for "BCS" teams to lose to FCS (I-AA) teams, we should probably examine those opponents before we expect the Buckeyes to match the Wolverines feat from last season (losing to Toledo).
Rocket Offense vs. Their Opponents' Defense
Yes, the Toledo offense has put up a great deal of yards and a great deal of points. But against whom? Toledo opponents have not exactly been world beaters on defense.
Let's start with scoring. Toledo scored 31 points on Purdue. Oregon scored 38 points on Purdue, but was held to 8 points by Boise State with their best tailback. Let's face it, Purdue has never been known for defense. It looks like this year will be no different.
And then there are the 54 points that the Rockets posted against the formerly vaunted Colorado defense. That same defense held Colorado State to only 23 points. And hey, that's 1 fewer point than the CSU Rams scored on Weber State. So they've got that goin' for 'em; which is nice.
We have only lifted the veil slightly, and already the Toledo offensive output is much less impressive. But this foray behind the numbers gets uglier. Those Purdue and Colorado defenses have shown signs of being uniquely bad this year.
First let's take on the fact that Toledo gained more yards against Purdue than did Oregon. Again, remember that this is the Oregon team that scored 8 points against Boise State. But there is more to this story. Toledo threw the ball 69 times against Purdue. Roll that number around in your head for a second before we look behind it - 69 pass attempts. In those 69 throws, the Rockets averaged a very pedestrian 6.13 yards per attempt. Conversely, Oregon averaged 7.76 yards for each of their 21 pass attempts against Purdue. Oregon attempted so few passes because they were having good success running the ball, in spite of not having the services of their tailback/pugilist. The Ducks averaged 4.71 yards for each of their 41 rushing attempts against the Boilermakers, while Toledo averaged only 3.18 yards per pass attempt, in spite of the fact that one would expect that rushing attempts must have caught Purdue totally off-guard, coming from Toledo. Clearly, Purdue's defense is suspect at best.
Then there's that game against the Buffaloes. The Rockets racked up 624 yards to go with their 54 points, so clearly the drubbing shows that Toledo is at least capable of executing on offense. And Colorado did hold their in state rival to only 376 yards of offense.
But (You knew there was a "but" coming didn't you?) Weber State held that same Colorado State team to only 306 yards. It seems that there is very little good football being played in rectangular states these days (Wyoming also nearly lost to Weber State).
At this point it seems that more numbers would only be piling on, but as usual, the best has been saved for last. Most of Toledo's bally-hooed passing efficiency average comes from the game against Colorado, but even the putrid CSU Rams had a PE of 157.48 against CU. Purdue, on the other hand, was able to limit the Rocket running game to 3.18 yards per carry, and thus made Toledo one dimensional. The Boilermakers thus held Toledo to a PE of just 119.47. Considering the fact that the Buckeyes just held USC under 3 yards per carry, how one dimensional will the Rockets be on Saturday?
Of course that question was rhetorical; and it brings us to the question of Toledo's defense. This too seems to be a rhetorical question, or maybe it just looks like the Toledo debate team is playing linebacker.
Rocket Defense vs. Their Opponents' Offense
Toledo gave up 52 points and 535 yards to Purdue in the first game of the season; a game in which the defenses are supposed to be ahead of the offenses.
Toledo also managed to give up 38 points and 451 yards to Colorado. The same Buffalo team that only managed 17 points and 251 yards against the awful CSU Rams. Weber State's offense did better against CSU than Colorado did, and Colorado racked up 451 yards against Toledo.
Navy's defense was fundamentally sound.
USC's defense is fundamentally sound and full of next level talent.
Toledo's defense is exactly what the ailing Buckeye offense needs.
And their offense was made one dimensional by Purdue.
If the Buckeyes don't have a bad hangover from the USC game, this will be a massive blow-out. Jim Tressel is still the Head Coach, so that means the Buckeyes will win by 3 touchdowns.
The Lighter Side Yes, the Toledo offense has put up a great deal of yards and a great deal of points. But against whom? Toledo opponents have not exactly been world beaters on defense.
Let's start with scoring. Toledo scored 31 points on Purdue. Oregon scored 38 points on Purdue, but was held to 8 points by Boise State with their best tailback. Let's face it, Purdue has never been known for defense. It looks like this year will be no different.
And then there are the 54 points that the Rockets posted against the formerly vaunted Colorado defense. That same defense held Colorado State to only 23 points. And hey, that's 1 fewer point than the CSU Rams scored on Weber State. So they've got that goin' for 'em; which is nice.
We have only lifted the veil slightly, and already the Toledo offensive output is much less impressive. But this foray behind the numbers gets uglier. Those Purdue and Colorado defenses have shown signs of being uniquely bad this year.
First let's take on the fact that Toledo gained more yards against Purdue than did Oregon. Again, remember that this is the Oregon team that scored 8 points against Boise State. But there is more to this story. Toledo threw the ball 69 times against Purdue. Roll that number around in your head for a second before we look behind it - 69 pass attempts. In those 69 throws, the Rockets averaged a very pedestrian 6.13 yards per attempt. Conversely, Oregon averaged 7.76 yards for each of their 21 pass attempts against Purdue. Oregon attempted so few passes because they were having good success running the ball, in spite of not having the services of their tailback/pugilist. The Ducks averaged 4.71 yards for each of their 41 rushing attempts against the Boilermakers, while Toledo averaged only 3.18 yards per pass attempt, in spite of the fact that one would expect that rushing attempts must have caught Purdue totally off-guard, coming from Toledo. Clearly, Purdue's defense is suspect at best.
Then there's that game against the Buffaloes. The Rockets racked up 624 yards to go with their 54 points, so clearly the drubbing shows that Toledo is at least capable of executing on offense. And Colorado did hold their in state rival to only 376 yards of offense.
But (You knew there was a "but" coming didn't you?) Weber State held that same Colorado State team to only 306 yards. It seems that there is very little good football being played in rectangular states these days (Wyoming also nearly lost to Weber State).
At this point it seems that more numbers would only be piling on, but as usual, the best has been saved for last. Most of Toledo's bally-hooed passing efficiency average comes from the game against Colorado, but even the putrid CSU Rams had a PE of 157.48 against CU. Purdue, on the other hand, was able to limit the Rocket running game to 3.18 yards per carry, and thus made Toledo one dimensional. The Boilermakers thus held Toledo to a PE of just 119.47. Considering the fact that the Buckeyes just held USC under 3 yards per carry, how one dimensional will the Rockets be on Saturday?
Of course that question was rhetorical; and it brings us to the question of Toledo's defense. This too seems to be a rhetorical question, or maybe it just looks like the Toledo debate team is playing linebacker.
Rocket Defense vs. Their Opponents' Offense
Toledo gave up 52 points and 535 yards to Purdue in the first game of the season; a game in which the defenses are supposed to be ahead of the offenses.
Toledo also managed to give up 38 points and 451 yards to Colorado. The same Buffalo team that only managed 17 points and 251 yards against the awful CSU Rams. Weber State's offense did better against CSU than Colorado did, and Colorado racked up 451 yards against Toledo.
Navy's defense was fundamentally sound.
USC's defense is fundamentally sound and full of next level talent.
Toledo's defense is exactly what the ailing Buckeye offense needs.
And their offense was made one dimensional by Purdue.
If the Buckeyes don't have a bad hangover from the USC game, this will be a massive blow-out. Jim Tressel is still the Head Coach, so that means the Buckeyes will win by 3 touchdowns.
Since its humble beginnings in 2006, it has been quite rare that the Lighter Side has had to come up with something to say the week following a Buckeye loss. In 2006, of course, Ohio State won every regular season game before losing to Florida in the National Championship contest. Number of Lighter Side's following a loss? Zero. In 2007, The Lighter Side had to deal with a loss to Illinois, but had an easy time doing so since the following week was Michigan week. The full text of the Lighter Side's dwelling on the Illinois loss?
Nonetheless, it counts in our tally. Lighter Side's written the week after a loss: 1. While you'll recall the Buckeyes lost to LSU in the Championship, there was no Lighter Side written until the '08 season began about 8 months later.
In 2008, however, the Lighter Side did have to deal with 2 regular season losses, the first coming to Southern Cal (I hear they hate being called that) and the second at the hands of the Fighting Nittanys. Now, in week 2 of 2009, and again at the hands of Southern Cal (Did I tell you, I heard they hate being called that?), the Lighter Side comes on the heels of a loss.
Total Lighter Side's written after a loss: 4 (counting this one, but not counting season openers after Bowl losses).
Total Lighter Side's written after a win: 33 (including bowl game pieces after wins v. Michigan - sure it's not immediately after, but it's not some 8 months later like the above ignored openers either. Besides, it's my useless information and I make the rules up to suit me.)
Rare.
But, as rare as it is for the Lighter Side to have to deal with a regular season loss, here's something the Lighter Side has never had to deal with: Ohio State having more losses on their record at any point in a season than Michigan. When was the last time Michigan fans could say, "Yeah, well, we haven't lost as many games as you!"? I'll tell you when: October 9, 2004. On October 9, 2004, then 3-1 Ohio State fell to Wisconsin 13-24 dropping their record to 3-2. The Buckeyes were amid what would be a 3 game losing streak - the longest ever in the Tressel era. On that same day, Michigan entered the contest against Minnesota at 4-1 (the loss being to a ND team which would finish 6-6). A game which Skunkbear would win 27-24 on a late 31 yard TD strike from Chad Henne to Tyler Ecker.
Let that sink in. October 9, 2004. Last week's heart breaker to Southern Cal (in case I didn't mention it, I'm told they hate being called that) came on September 12, 2009. That's very nearly 5 full years. 5 Years ago, Terrelle Pryor was a little known freshman in a little known Pennsylvania High School. Duron Carter was in the 8th grade, for heaven's sake. Speaking of those two - had Pryor merely looked right and seen an uncovered Carter with about 1:01 to go, this Lighter Side would not be on the heels of a loss to Southern Cal. (I don't understand why, but they don't like this nick name for some odd reason. Not sure you knew it, so I thought I'd mention it). But, I digress.
Take heart (Hart?), Michigan fans - the last time you enjoyed won loss bragging rights over the Buckeyes, Troy Smith acquired the first 386 total yards of his eventual 1,051 he'd gain against your little club up there. Oh, and yes, I'm aware that Michigan finished the year 9-3 and Ohio State 8-4 making my October 9, 2004 date technically incorrect. My piece, my rules... and Ohio State beat you 37-21 regardless.
But, enough of that. The Lighter Side has one other issue it'd like to address before concluding. In the September 3, 2009 issue of the Wall Street Journal, a Darren Everson contemplates a story with the following title: The Big Ten: Down and Out? Bowl Losses and Population Shifts Sink a Revered Conference; 'Graceless in Defeat'
Wow. Let THAT sink in. In case you hadn't heard enough of this drivel from sports outlets like ESPN, a non-sports oriented paper like the Wall Street Journal can't even leave its hands off of the Big Ten now. So, how bad is the Big Ten then?
Well, after week 2, the Big Ten is plugging along at 18-4 (.818) with losses to then #25 Missouri (Illinois) and then number #3 Southern Cal (Funny story, I heard they hate being called Southern Cal. That was news to me.) among them as you probably are aware. True enough Sparty lost a game they really should have won against Central Michigan, but Purdue's loss to Oregon might not be too shameful, really. And, even the Sparty game isn't as bad as it might seem. Central did play in a bowl the last 3 years and has a pretty good QB in Dan LeFevour.
Would you rather be an ACC fan? Two losses to one-double-a teams (Richmond and William and friggin' Mary? I mean, come on..), a blow out loss worse than Missouri over Illinois (Cal over Maryland 52 - 13, the same Maryland who went to OT with former President, and long since deceased, James Madison last week, winning 38-35.) Sure, we all know that Iowa barely escaped a week one game against Northern Iowa, but how about Florida State needing a 1 yard TD run with 35 seconds remaining to beat Jacksonville State?
Would you rather be a Big XII fan? If you listen to the ESPN types, you probably would. But, after letting the WOW factor, as it relates to offense, dissipate you're left with a 35-3 loss to what we're being told is a dreadful Iowa team (Iowa State), a Kansas State loss to Louisiana Lafayette 17-15, Colorado being completely outclassed by, this week's Buckeye opponent, Toledo, and where 2 of your conference's bigger dogs are already sporting losses, OU 13-14 to BYU and Oklahoma State 35-45 to Houston... Houston!?!
Even the darlin' SEC has had its own troubles this young season, if you look at it. I mean, Georgia lost to Oklahoma State and one wonders how good Oklahoma State might be now. I mean, if you think about it, Georgia's conference win over South Carolina has to raise some flags, no? South Carolina barely squeaked past ACC "contender" NC State 7-3 and we were all being sold on how outstanding South Carolina's Defense must be (I have to note, I would love to call them the "real" USC this week but even the Lighter Side has it's limits on warping reality) and then they give up 41 to a team which couldn't score more than 10 on an Oklahoma State team that, again, had 45 put on them by Houston? Tennessee's fighting Kiffins took it on the chin to UCLA, while your defending National Champion Gators make an absolute mockery of scheduling in taking on the likes of Charleston Southern and Troy? What is this, Kansas State 1994? Texas Tech 2008? Penn State? You're the defending National Champion, Florida. Play somebody. In the NFL, the league you SEC folks think is the closest comparable, when you win the Super Bowl, you get the hardest schedule the next year. In the SEC... well.... no sense in leaving the region. But seriously, I'm not even asking Florida to leave the region, like you did last in 1991 (loss to Syracuse 38-21), I'm just asking them to play some team most people have heard of.
Now, Darren Everson of the Wall Street Journal, here's some free advice for you: Stick to writing about finances or whatever the hell it is you print there in your daily rag, and leave the football talk to us. Because here's how your "graceless in defeat" Big Ten stacks up thus far:
1. Big Ten..18 - 4 .818
2. SEC......16 - 5 .762
3. Pac 10...14 - 5 .737
4. Big East.11 - 4 .733
5. Big XII..16 - 6 .727
6. ACC......14 - 9 .609
Oh.. Aside from ripping on the Big XII, I almost forgot. This week Ohio State plays it's first road game of the year. As I mentioned above, it's against the Buffalo beating Toledo Rockets... In Cleveland. Don't let the Rockets' win over Colorado (It's division one football... it's the Big XII!) fool you. If the above rant wasn't enough, did you see the defensive preview? They're in for a beat down. And, if you need any more anecdotal evidence, consider this:
Since breaking the aforementioned 3 game losing streak in 2004, and not counting 2 wins against Michigan as they are in their own class being rivalry games (both Ohio State wins: 37-21 in 2004, 14-3 in 2007) Ohio State has a 8-0 record in games following losses and wins those games by an average score of 35-11.
Beat down, I say. Go Bucks!
Total Lighter Side's written after a loss: 4 (counting this one, but not counting season openers after Bowl losses).
Total Lighter Side's written after a win: 33 (including bowl game pieces after wins v. Michigan - sure it's not immediately after, but it's not some 8 months later like the above ignored openers either. Besides, it's my useless information and I make the rules up to suit me.)
Rare.
But, as rare as it is for the Lighter Side to have to deal with a regular season loss, here's something the Lighter Side has never had to deal with: Ohio State having more losses on their record at any point in a season than Michigan. When was the last time Michigan fans could say, "Yeah, well, we haven't lost as many games as you!"? I'll tell you when: October 9, 2004. On October 9, 2004, then 3-1 Ohio State fell to Wisconsin 13-24 dropping their record to 3-2. The Buckeyes were amid what would be a 3 game losing streak - the longest ever in the Tressel era. On that same day, Michigan entered the contest against Minnesota at 4-1 (the loss being to a ND team which would finish 6-6). A game which Skunkbear would win 27-24 on a late 31 yard TD strike from Chad Henne to Tyler Ecker.
Let that sink in. October 9, 2004. Last week's heart breaker to Southern Cal (in case I didn't mention it, I'm told they hate being called that) came on September 12, 2009. That's very nearly 5 full years. 5 Years ago, Terrelle Pryor was a little known freshman in a little known Pennsylvania High School. Duron Carter was in the 8th grade, for heaven's sake. Speaking of those two - had Pryor merely looked right and seen an uncovered Carter with about 1:01 to go, this Lighter Side would not be on the heels of a loss to Southern Cal. (I don't understand why, but they don't like this nick name for some odd reason. Not sure you knew it, so I thought I'd mention it). But, I digress.
Take heart (Hart?), Michigan fans - the last time you enjoyed won loss bragging rights over the Buckeyes, Troy Smith acquired the first 386 total yards of his eventual 1,051 he'd gain against your little club up there. Oh, and yes, I'm aware that Michigan finished the year 9-3 and Ohio State 8-4 making my October 9, 2004 date technically incorrect. My piece, my rules... and Ohio State beat you 37-21 regardless.
But, enough of that. The Lighter Side has one other issue it'd like to address before concluding. In the September 3, 2009 issue of the Wall Street Journal, a Darren Everson contemplates a story with the following title: The Big Ten: Down and Out? Bowl Losses and Population Shifts Sink a Revered Conference; 'Graceless in Defeat'
Wow. Let THAT sink in. In case you hadn't heard enough of this drivel from sports outlets like ESPN, a non-sports oriented paper like the Wall Street Journal can't even leave its hands off of the Big Ten now. So, how bad is the Big Ten then?
Well, after week 2, the Big Ten is plugging along at 18-4 (.818) with losses to then #25 Missouri (Illinois) and then number #3 Southern Cal (Funny story, I heard they hate being called Southern Cal. That was news to me.) among them as you probably are aware. True enough Sparty lost a game they really should have won against Central Michigan, but Purdue's loss to Oregon might not be too shameful, really. And, even the Sparty game isn't as bad as it might seem. Central did play in a bowl the last 3 years and has a pretty good QB in Dan LeFevour.
Would you rather be an ACC fan? Two losses to one-double-a teams (Richmond and William and friggin' Mary? I mean, come on..), a blow out loss worse than Missouri over Illinois (Cal over Maryland 52 - 13, the same Maryland who went to OT with former President, and long since deceased, James Madison last week, winning 38-35.) Sure, we all know that Iowa barely escaped a week one game against Northern Iowa, but how about Florida State needing a 1 yard TD run with 35 seconds remaining to beat Jacksonville State?
Would you rather be a Big XII fan? If you listen to the ESPN types, you probably would. But, after letting the WOW factor, as it relates to offense, dissipate you're left with a 35-3 loss to what we're being told is a dreadful Iowa team (Iowa State), a Kansas State loss to Louisiana Lafayette 17-15, Colorado being completely outclassed by, this week's Buckeye opponent, Toledo, and where 2 of your conference's bigger dogs are already sporting losses, OU 13-14 to BYU and Oklahoma State 35-45 to Houston... Houston!?!
Even the darlin' SEC has had its own troubles this young season, if you look at it. I mean, Georgia lost to Oklahoma State and one wonders how good Oklahoma State might be now. I mean, if you think about it, Georgia's conference win over South Carolina has to raise some flags, no? South Carolina barely squeaked past ACC "contender" NC State 7-3 and we were all being sold on how outstanding South Carolina's Defense must be (I have to note, I would love to call them the "real" USC this week but even the Lighter Side has it's limits on warping reality) and then they give up 41 to a team which couldn't score more than 10 on an Oklahoma State team that, again, had 45 put on them by Houston? Tennessee's fighting Kiffins took it on the chin to UCLA, while your defending National Champion Gators make an absolute mockery of scheduling in taking on the likes of Charleston Southern and Troy? What is this, Kansas State 1994? Texas Tech 2008? Penn State? You're the defending National Champion, Florida. Play somebody. In the NFL, the league you SEC folks think is the closest comparable, when you win the Super Bowl, you get the hardest schedule the next year. In the SEC... well.... no sense in leaving the region. But seriously, I'm not even asking Florida to leave the region, like you did last in 1991 (loss to Syracuse 38-21), I'm just asking them to play some team most people have heard of.
Now, Darren Everson of the Wall Street Journal, here's some free advice for you: Stick to writing about finances or whatever the hell it is you print there in your daily rag, and leave the football talk to us. Because here's how your "graceless in defeat" Big Ten stacks up thus far:
1. Big Ten..18 - 4 .818
2. SEC......16 - 5 .762
3. Pac 10...14 - 5 .737
4. Big East.11 - 4 .733
5. Big XII..16 - 6 .727
6. ACC......14 - 9 .609
Oh.. Aside from ripping on the Big XII, I almost forgot. This week Ohio State plays it's first road game of the year. As I mentioned above, it's against the Buffalo beating Toledo Rockets... In Cleveland. Don't let the Rockets' win over Colorado (It's division one football... it's the Big XII!) fool you. If the above rant wasn't enough, did you see the defensive preview? They're in for a beat down. And, if you need any more anecdotal evidence, consider this:
Since breaking the aforementioned 3 game losing streak in 2004, and not counting 2 wins against Michigan as they are in their own class being rivalry games (both Ohio State wins: 37-21 in 2004, 14-3 in 2007) Ohio State has a 8-0 record in games following losses and wins those games by an average score of 35-11.
Beat down, I say. Go Bucks!
Nickname
In 1923 the nicknameless University of Toledo football team (The team had been sometimes refered to as "the Blue and Gold, Munies and Dwyers Boys until then) met Carnegie Tech, losing 32-12. Writers from Pittsburgh asked a UT student named James Neal who was working in the press box to come up with a nick name for the team. He decided on "Skyrockets" as he was impressed with his team's "flashy" performance against the superior Carnegie team. The writers shortened that to "Rockets" and has been used ever since. Other names have been considered, Toreadors and Bulls (in reference to Toledo, Spain), as well as Commodores, Turtles, Jeeps and Bancroft Highwaymen.
School Colors
The colors Midnight Blue and Gold were selected by 10 of the 14 football lettermen who attended the organizational meeting for the Varsity T club on December 1, 1919.
Fight Song
"U of Toledo" was written in 1932 by Dave Connelly, who also served as UT athletic director and baseball coach through the 1930s and 1940s. Connelly's version, which he hummed to a friend named Bernie Jones who ultimately wrote the music, contained a chorus and verse, but as of 1975 the verse has been dropped.
Alma Mater
Debuting at the half of a Marshall v. Toledo basketball game on March 2, 1959, "Fair Toledo" was selected from eight entries which were submitted in the UT Alma Mater Song Contest in an effort to replace "Golden and Blue," which was set to "Amici," a tune used by several universities. Much like the fight song, the winner did not have any formal musical training. Gilbert Mohr hummed various tunes, and then later with his wife, Jean Strout, wrote lyrics. They received a $100 government bond for winning the contest.
The Cannon
Fired off before each home game, at the end of each quarter, and after every Rocket score, the cannon has been a part of UT football since 1953. A Civil War era model, the cannon was obtained from a Pi Kappa Phi member who bartered the cannon in lieu of his fraternity dues.
The Rocket
As Ohio State fans, we know about "hating" your rival. UT turns it up a notch. Obtained in 1961 UT has a genuine Nike-Ajax missile from the U.S. Army missile in the northeast corner of the Glass Bowl, just outside of the wall. The one-ton Rocket, painted midnight blue and gold has propellant boost capable of guiding the missile to a supersonic velocity. It is said that the rocket's trajectory is pointed directly towards Toledo's rival Bowling Green State University, 25 miles south and if it were to be actually fired would land on the 50-yard line of the Falcons' Doyt Perry football stadium.
The Peace Pipe
Ironically, despite aiming a live warhead at their rival, UT and Bowling Green play for an object known as the Peace Pipe. Beginning in 1948, the trophy was awarded to the winner of UT BGSU basketball games until the pipe was stolen in 1969 by a thief who was never caught. The pipe was likewise never recovered. In 1980, using a miniature peace pipe replica which sits atop a trophy the Peace Pipe is awarded to the winner of the annual gridiron battle.
Spirit Rock
Tarred and feathered, burnt, and painted hundreds of times (traditionally only painted during twilight hours), Spirit Rock has hosted many pep rallies. The original 8-ton stone donated in 1968 was replaced in 1997 owing to the expansion of the Student Union which was where it sat. The original stone now rests near a pond at Scott Park Campus. The 1997 stone is located in "the flatlands."
Rocky the Rocket
In the 1966-67 academic year Toledo's Spirits and Traditions committee decided to increase school spirit by having some student dress up during select games. In 1968, however, Bill Navarre became the first "Rocky the Rocket" dressed in a costume which was essentially a wastepaper basket with a pointed rocket top made of paper-meche. (couldn't have been any worse than the original Brutus the Buckeye). Over the years, the costume has undergone changes, including the transformation to an "astronaut" theme. In the 1970s, with the help of John Glenn, Rocky sported an authentic NASA spacesuit, helmet and boots. In 1983, Rocky became a "plush" clad mascot, undergoing minor changes and ultimately becoming the cartoon like "super hero" unveiled officially in 2008.
Rocket Fanatics
Organized in 1995 in an effort to increase student spirit, pride, attendance and participation this group saw an increase in popularity in 2000 after adopting the slogan "See you at the game" and giving out T-Shirts. Now, every UT student is considered a Rocket Fanatic the moment they enroll and Rocket Fanatic t-shirts are regularly seen in the student sections of football and basketball games.
Historical DataSchool Colors
The colors Midnight Blue and Gold were selected by 10 of the 14 football lettermen who attended the organizational meeting for the Varsity T club on December 1, 1919.
Fight Song
"U of Toledo" was written in 1932 by Dave Connelly, who also served as UT athletic director and baseball coach through the 1930s and 1940s. Connelly's version, which he hummed to a friend named Bernie Jones who ultimately wrote the music, contained a chorus and verse, but as of 1975 the verse has been dropped.
Alma Mater
Debuting at the half of a Marshall v. Toledo basketball game on March 2, 1959, "Fair Toledo" was selected from eight entries which were submitted in the UT Alma Mater Song Contest in an effort to replace "Golden and Blue," which was set to "Amici," a tune used by several universities. Much like the fight song, the winner did not have any formal musical training. Gilbert Mohr hummed various tunes, and then later with his wife, Jean Strout, wrote lyrics. They received a $100 government bond for winning the contest.
The Cannon
Fired off before each home game, at the end of each quarter, and after every Rocket score, the cannon has been a part of UT football since 1953. A Civil War era model, the cannon was obtained from a Pi Kappa Phi member who bartered the cannon in lieu of his fraternity dues.
The Rocket
As Ohio State fans, we know about "hating" your rival. UT turns it up a notch. Obtained in 1961 UT has a genuine Nike-Ajax missile from the U.S. Army missile in the northeast corner of the Glass Bowl, just outside of the wall. The one-ton Rocket, painted midnight blue and gold has propellant boost capable of guiding the missile to a supersonic velocity. It is said that the rocket's trajectory is pointed directly towards Toledo's rival Bowling Green State University, 25 miles south and if it were to be actually fired would land on the 50-yard line of the Falcons' Doyt Perry football stadium.
The Peace Pipe
Ironically, despite aiming a live warhead at their rival, UT and Bowling Green play for an object known as the Peace Pipe. Beginning in 1948, the trophy was awarded to the winner of UT BGSU basketball games until the pipe was stolen in 1969 by a thief who was never caught. The pipe was likewise never recovered. In 1980, using a miniature peace pipe replica which sits atop a trophy the Peace Pipe is awarded to the winner of the annual gridiron battle.
Spirit Rock
Tarred and feathered, burnt, and painted hundreds of times (traditionally only painted during twilight hours), Spirit Rock has hosted many pep rallies. The original 8-ton stone donated in 1968 was replaced in 1997 owing to the expansion of the Student Union which was where it sat. The original stone now rests near a pond at Scott Park Campus. The 1997 stone is located in "the flatlands."
Rocky the Rocket
In the 1966-67 academic year Toledo's Spirits and Traditions committee decided to increase school spirit by having some student dress up during select games. In 1968, however, Bill Navarre became the first "Rocky the Rocket" dressed in a costume which was essentially a wastepaper basket with a pointed rocket top made of paper-meche. (couldn't have been any worse than the original Brutus the Buckeye). Over the years, the costume has undergone changes, including the transformation to an "astronaut" theme. In the 1970s, with the help of John Glenn, Rocky sported an authentic NASA spacesuit, helmet and boots. In 1983, Rocky became a "plush" clad mascot, undergoing minor changes and ultimately becoming the cartoon like "super hero" unveiled officially in 2008.
Rocket Fanatics
Organized in 1995 in an effort to increase student spirit, pride, attendance and participation this group saw an increase in popularity in 2000 after adopting the slogan "See you at the game" and giving out T-Shirts. Now, every UT student is considered a Rocket Fanatic the moment they enroll and Rocket Fanatic t-shirts are regularly seen in the student sections of football and basketball games.
University of Toledo (Toledo, Ohio) Founded in 1872
Football 1st Season: 1917
Stadium: Glass Bowl
Constructed: 1937
Seating Capacity: 26,248
Playing Surface: Field Turf
Conference: Mid American Conference
Colors: Midnight Blue & Gold
Mascot: Rocky the Rocket
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1962
Conference Championships: 13 (10 MAC, 3 Northwest Ohio Conf)
Consensus All-Americans: 1 (Mel Long)
College Hall-of-Famers: 2 (Merle Gulick, Mel Long)
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 1 (Emlen Tunnell)
Award Winners: 0
National Championships: None recognized
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-4 years, highest was AP #12 in 1970
Records Constructed: 1937
Seating Capacity: 26,248
Playing Surface: Field Turf
Conference: Mid American Conference
Colors: Midnight Blue & Gold
Mascot: Rocky the Rocket
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1962
Conference Championships: 13 (10 MAC, 3 Northwest Ohio Conf)
Consensus All-Americans: 1 (Mel Long)
College Hall-of-Famers: 2 (Merle Gulick, Mel Long)
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 1 (Emlen Tunnell)
Award Winners: 0
National Championships: None recognized
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-4 years, highest was AP #12 in 1970
All Time: 460-385-24 (.543)
Bowl Games: 7-3-0 (.700) Note: 1984 California Bowl was a 30-13 Loss to UNLV, but UNLV was required to later forfeit the game The game is counted as a win here. Most recently a 45-13 win over UTEP in 2005 GMAC Bowl.
All Time vs the BigTen: 5-11-0 (.312) versus teams with conference membership at time of game.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 0-1-0 (.000) Most recently a 49-0 loss to the Buckeyes in 1998 in Columbus.
Coach's Record: Tim Beckman 1-1, First Season as Head Coach
2007 Season: 3-9-0 (.333)
Sep 06 at Arizona L 41-16
Sep 13 at Eastern Michigan W 41-17
Sep 20 No. 25 Fresno State L 55-54
Sep 27 Florida Internationa L 35-16
Oct 04 Ball State L 31-0
Oct 11 at Michigan W 13-10
Oct 18 at Northern Illinois L 38-7
Oct 25 Central Michigan L 24-23
Nov 05 at Akron L 47-30
Nov 15 at Western Michigan L 27-17
Nov 21 Miami (OH) W 42-14
Nov 28 Bowling Green L 38-10
2009 Schedule
Sep 05 at Purdue (L, 31-52)
Sep 11 Colorado (W, 54-38)
Sep 19 Ohio State 12:00 PM
Sep 26 at Florida International 7:00 PM
Oct 03 at Ball State 12:00 PM
Oct 10 Western Michigan 7:00 PM
Oct 17 Northern Illinois 7:00 PM
Oct 24 Temple 7:00 PM
Oct 31 at Miami (OH) 3:30 PM
Nov 11 at Central Michigan 8:00 PM
Nov 20 Eastern Michigan 7:00 PM
Nov 27 at Bowling Green TBA
Links All Time vs the BigTen: 5-11-0 (.312) versus teams with conference membership at time of game.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 0-1-0 (.000) Most recently a 49-0 loss to the Buckeyes in 1998 in Columbus.
Coach's Record: Tim Beckman 1-1, First Season as Head Coach
2007 Season: 3-9-0 (.333)
Sep 06 at Arizona L 41-16
Sep 13 at Eastern Michigan W 41-17
Sep 20 No. 25 Fresno State L 55-54
Sep 27 Florida Internationa L 35-16
Oct 04 Ball State L 31-0
Oct 11 at Michigan W 13-10
Oct 18 at Northern Illinois L 38-7
Oct 25 Central Michigan L 24-23
Nov 05 at Akron L 47-30
Nov 15 at Western Michigan L 27-17
Nov 21 Miami (OH) W 42-14
Nov 28 Bowling Green L 38-10
2009 Schedule
Sep 05 at Purdue (L, 31-52)
Sep 11 Colorado (W, 54-38)
Sep 19 Ohio State 12:00 PM
Sep 26 at Florida International 7:00 PM
Oct 03 at Ball State 12:00 PM
Oct 10 Western Michigan 7:00 PM
Oct 17 Northern Illinois 7:00 PM
Oct 24 Temple 7:00 PM
Oct 31 at Miami (OH) 3:30 PM
Nov 11 at Central Michigan 8:00 PM
Nov 20 Eastern Michigan 7:00 PM
Nov 27 at Bowling Green TBA
Official Sites:Official School Site - University of Toledo
Alumni Association Site - Toledo Alumni Association
Student Newspaper - The Independent Collegian
Official Athletic Site - Toledo Rockets
Official Coach's Site - CoachBeckman.com
Official Conference Site - MAC
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Board - Toledo Rockets (ESPN)
Message Board - RocketDigest (Scout)
Message Board - Rockets Report
Message Board - The Launch Pad
Blog - Triple Tri
Blog - Fan Nation
Blog - Midnight Blue and Gold
Blog - SBNation
Blog - FanIQ
Blog - Ball Hype
Blog - Official Site Story Archives
Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - Scout
Team Page - Rivals
Team Page - Bleacher Report
Team Page - WIKI
Team Page - Vegas Insider
Team Page - Covers
Local News Sources:
Toledo Blade - Local News
Sandusky Register - Local News
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
Season Breakdown - CFN
2009 Toledo Preview - Athlon
2009 Toledo Preview - MACSports
2009 Toledo Preview - Sports Network
2009 Toledo Preview - Football.com
2009 Game Preview - Scout
2009 Game Preview - Sporting News
2009 Game Preview - BigTen Network
2009 Game Preview - UTRockets.com
Prospectus, Rosters & Other Info.:
2009 Media Guide (PDF) - UTRockets.com
2009 Toledo Schedule - UTRockets.com
2009 Toledo Roster - UTRockets.com
2009 Toledo News Archive - UTRockets.com
2009 Toledo Depth Chart - UTRockets.com
2009 MAC Preview - National Champs
Preseason Rankings and Watch Lists Alumni Association Site - Toledo Alumni Association
Student Newspaper - The Independent Collegian
Official Athletic Site - Toledo Rockets
Official Coach's Site - CoachBeckman.com
Official Conference Site - MAC
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Board - Toledo Rockets (ESPN)
Message Board - RocketDigest (Scout)
Message Board - Rockets Report
Message Board - The Launch Pad
Blog - Triple Tri
Blog - Fan Nation
Blog - Midnight Blue and Gold
Blog - SBNation
Blog - FanIQ
Blog - Ball Hype
Blog - Official Site Story Archives
Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - Scout
Team Page - Rivals
Team Page - Bleacher Report
Team Page - WIKI
Team Page - Vegas Insider
Team Page - Covers
Local News Sources:
Toledo Blade - Local News
Sandusky Register - Local News
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
Season Breakdown - CFN
2009 Toledo Preview - Athlon
2009 Toledo Preview - MACSports
2009 Toledo Preview - Sports Network
2009 Toledo Preview - Football.com
2009 Game Preview - Scout
2009 Game Preview - Sporting News
2009 Game Preview - BigTen Network
2009 Game Preview - UTRockets.com
Prospectus, Rosters & Other Info.:
2009 Media Guide (PDF) - UTRockets.com
2009 Toledo Schedule - UTRockets.com
2009 Toledo Roster - UTRockets.com
2009 Toledo News Archive - UTRockets.com
2009 Toledo Depth Chart - UTRockets.com
2009 MAC Preview - National Champs
Nagurski - Barry Church
Thorpe - Barry Church
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data
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