2011 Toledo Rockets Game Preview
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Preface
This will be the third meeting between these two schools, and the second in the current two-game series. Ohio State defeated Toledo, 38-0, at Cleveland Browns Stadium in 2009. Toledo was designated the home team in that game. Prior to that, the last time that the Buckeyes played a football game in Cleveland was in 1991, when tOSU defeated Northwestern 34-3 in Municipal Stadium.
Toledo has never scored against the Buckeyes. Ohio State also shut out UT in the first meeting, 49-0, in a game at Ohio Stadium in 1998. OSU was ranked No. 1 at the time.
Ohio State is 17-0 vs. MAC schools, using conference alignment when the games were played. Ohio State's all-time mark against teams currently in the MAC is 25-1, the lone loss being to an Akron team with Coach/QB John Heisman in 1894. The Buckeyes' last loss to an in-state school was to Oberlin in 1921 (a 7-6 loss before the Horseshoe was open); and the last non-victory was a 7-7 tie in the 'Shoe with Wooster in 1924).
Toledo head coach Tim Beckman was an assistant at OSU from 2005-06. He coached the cornerbacks under former head coach Jim Tressel. Beckman was born in Berea, and finished high school there about a dozen years after Jim Tressel. Beckman was hired off the Bowling Green staff to become tOSU's Cornerbacks Coach in 2005; he spent two seasons with the Buckeyes before moving to Oklahoma State to become a Defensive Coordinator. He is in his third season as a head coach in college. Last year he led Toledo to an 8-5 season that ended with them dropping a close 34-32 decision to Florida International in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
The Rockets' football history includes the second longest winning streak in major college football, with their 35 consecutive wins from 1969-71 trailing only the 47-game run that Oklahoma had in the 1950s. Those of us that grew up in Toledo remember the leadership of QB Chuck Ealey, the toughness of noseguard Mel Long, and the clutch kicking of Ken Crots. Mel Long was a consensus All-American who went on the play for the Browns, and was inducted into College Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Chuck Ealey finished 8th in the 1971 Heisman voting. Other players of note in the Rockets' history include NFL Hall of Famer Emlen Tunnell and QB Gene Swick, who finished 10th in the Heisman race when Archie Griffin repeated in 1975. Last year kick returner Eric Page became Toledo's second consensus All-American football player, joining Mel Long.
Chuck Ealey still owns the record for consecutive wins by a starting QB in major college football. His mark of 35 straight was protected by the Buckeyes in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, when Ken Dorsey's team fell short, stopping him at 34. Three years later the Texas Longhorns did the same thing to Matt Leinart in his final game at USC.
Head coaches for Toledo include Nick Saban, who went 9-2 in a MAC co-championship year of 1990, before leaving to become the DC for the Cleveland Browns. Saban was followed by Gary Pinkel, who won the MAC in '95 and had only 1 losing season within his 10-year record of 73-37-3 (.659). Pinkel left for Missouri and was succeeded by Tom Amstutz, who went 58-41 in 8 years, winning MAC crowns in 2001 and 2004.
Amstutz struggled through a 3-9 season in 2008, however one of those victories was a landmark win over TSUN in Ann Arbor. That was the only time the schools have played on the football field.
The Rockets also own a 1-0 record against Penn State, having beaten JoePa's boys 24-6 in Beaver Stadium in 2000. The overall record against teams currently in the Big Ten is 6-20, including a 31-20 win at Purdue last year.
Toledo won its season opener (a 58-22 win over New Hampshire) for the first time since 2005. UT began that season 3-0 and finished with a 9-3 record.
Toledo is 6-8 all time vs. teams ranked in the top 25, though just 1-7 in the vistor's stadium. UT's last game vs. a ranked team was a 57-14 loss to No. 4 Boise State last season.
Later in this preview, we'll look specifically at this year's offense, defense and special teams for both tOSU and Toledo. The preview also has a totally separate section that covers the opponent's coaching staff, recruiting, traditions, and history. It also contains the Behind the Numbers and The Lighter Side sections, and can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
Date and TimeToledo has never scored against the Buckeyes. Ohio State also shut out UT in the first meeting, 49-0, in a game at Ohio Stadium in 1998. OSU was ranked No. 1 at the time.
Ohio State is 17-0 vs. MAC schools, using conference alignment when the games were played. Ohio State's all-time mark against teams currently in the MAC is 25-1, the lone loss being to an Akron team with Coach/QB John Heisman in 1894. The Buckeyes' last loss to an in-state school was to Oberlin in 1921 (a 7-6 loss before the Horseshoe was open); and the last non-victory was a 7-7 tie in the 'Shoe with Wooster in 1924).
Toledo head coach Tim Beckman was an assistant at OSU from 2005-06. He coached the cornerbacks under former head coach Jim Tressel. Beckman was born in Berea, and finished high school there about a dozen years after Jim Tressel. Beckman was hired off the Bowling Green staff to become tOSU's Cornerbacks Coach in 2005; he spent two seasons with the Buckeyes before moving to Oklahoma State to become a Defensive Coordinator. He is in his third season as a head coach in college. Last year he led Toledo to an 8-5 season that ended with them dropping a close 34-32 decision to Florida International in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
The Rockets' football history includes the second longest winning streak in major college football, with their 35 consecutive wins from 1969-71 trailing only the 47-game run that Oklahoma had in the 1950s. Those of us that grew up in Toledo remember the leadership of QB Chuck Ealey, the toughness of noseguard Mel Long, and the clutch kicking of Ken Crots. Mel Long was a consensus All-American who went on the play for the Browns, and was inducted into College Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Chuck Ealey finished 8th in the 1971 Heisman voting. Other players of note in the Rockets' history include NFL Hall of Famer Emlen Tunnell and QB Gene Swick, who finished 10th in the Heisman race when Archie Griffin repeated in 1975. Last year kick returner Eric Page became Toledo's second consensus All-American football player, joining Mel Long.
Chuck Ealey still owns the record for consecutive wins by a starting QB in major college football. His mark of 35 straight was protected by the Buckeyes in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, when Ken Dorsey's team fell short, stopping him at 34. Three years later the Texas Longhorns did the same thing to Matt Leinart in his final game at USC.
Head coaches for Toledo include Nick Saban, who went 9-2 in a MAC co-championship year of 1990, before leaving to become the DC for the Cleveland Browns. Saban was followed by Gary Pinkel, who won the MAC in '95 and had only 1 losing season within his 10-year record of 73-37-3 (.659). Pinkel left for Missouri and was succeeded by Tom Amstutz, who went 58-41 in 8 years, winning MAC crowns in 2001 and 2004.
Amstutz struggled through a 3-9 season in 2008, however one of those victories was a landmark win over TSUN in Ann Arbor. That was the only time the schools have played on the football field.
The Rockets also own a 1-0 record against Penn State, having beaten JoePa's boys 24-6 in Beaver Stadium in 2000. The overall record against teams currently in the Big Ten is 6-20, including a 31-20 win at Purdue last year.
Toledo won its season opener (a 58-22 win over New Hampshire) for the first time since 2005. UT began that season 3-0 and finished with a 9-3 record.
Toledo is 6-8 all time vs. teams ranked in the top 25, though just 1-7 in the vistor's stadium. UT's last game vs. a ranked team was a 57-14 loss to No. 4 Boise State last season.
Later in this preview, we'll look specifically at this year's offense, defense and special teams for both tOSU and Toledo. The preview also has a totally separate section that covers the opponent's coaching staff, recruiting, traditions, and history. It also contains the Behind the Numbers and The Lighter Side sections, and can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
Date: Saturday, September 10th, 2011
Time: Noon ET Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: President Gordon Gee welcomes members of the Little Sisters of the Poor, an actual group from Oregon, Ohio (across the Maumee River from Toledo)
Time: Noon ET Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: President Gordon Gee welcomes members of the Little Sisters of the Poor, an actual group from Oregon, Ohio (across the Maumee River from Toledo)
Broadcast Information: TV Broadcast: BTN: Tom Hart (play-by-play), Derek Rackley (commentary), and Lisa Byington on the sidelines.
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS FM 97.1 The Fan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline); also on Sirius XM satellite radio channels 94 and 198.
2011 Toledo Rockets Offensive Preview
2011 Toledo Rockets Offensive Preview
Head coach Tim Beckman and offensive coordinator Matt Campbell saw their offense struggle for the first half of last season and then explode in the second half, scoring over 30 points in the final 6 regular season games and leading the team to a 7-1 MAC record and a bowl game. Expectations are even higher this season, and after demolishing FCS foe New Hampshire, optimism is high at the Glass Bowl. Beckman is a defensive guy by trade but has a good football mind and has made great strides with the offense since taking over in 2009. He also coaches the offensive line, which should help out a relatively inexperienced interior Toledo line. The team has turned around quickly, as they went 7-1 in conference play, 8-5 overall and made a bowl game in Beckman's second season. Much more is anticipated for 2011.
Last season Toledo was a middle-of-the-pack offense, ranking 74th nationally with 365.4 yards per game. They had a pretty even distribution of running (167.4 YPG, 43rd) and passing (210.5 YPG, 78th). Their 27.8 PPG ranked 54th in the country, respectable but not great. The offensive line did a good job in pass protection, allowing just 22 sacks, but they did toss 14 picks, which is too many for a middling passing offense. The 2010 Rockets did not generate a lot of first downs (232, 80th) and had trouble moving the chains on 3rd down (37.2%, T63). All of those stats would need to improve if the Rockets are going to make a run at the 2011 MAC West division title, as many are predicting. After one game, so far so good, though it was only against FCS foe New Hampshire. After one week the Rockets rank 5th nationally in total offense with 591 yards, which included an impressive balance of running (287 yards, 13th) and passing (304 yards, T21). The Rockets racked up 28 first downs in the opener and moved the chains 68.4% of the time on 3rd down (13/19). They didn't allow and sacks, didn't throw any picks, and tossed 5 TDs. So far the Rockets are looking like the successful teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s, so they will present a stiff test for the Ohio State defense on Saturday after the Buckeyes coasted past very inferior competition last week.
Quarterbacks
QB #4 Austin Dantin (6-2, 200, JR, Leon HS, Tallahassee, FL)
Dantin has started at QB over the past 3 seasons, starting 3 games in 2009, 9 games before getting hurt in 2010, and the first game this year. He is a good QB for the spread, with an accurate arm and the ability to gain yards on the ground. In his first 2 seasons, he completed 66% of his passes each year. Last year he threw for 1254 yards and 7 TDs. Unfortunately he also threw 8 picks and was sacked 14 times, both numbers he will be trying to improve this year. He also ran for almost 300 yards (2nd on the team) and 8 scores in 2010 in just 9 games, so his ability to make something happen in the ground game is evident. Dantin's best game last year was the Purdue game, where he went 24/31 for 209 yards and 2 scores, ran for 64 yards on 17 carries for 2 more, and almost single-handedly decimated the Boilermakers on the way to a big victory over the Big 10. He will be looking to replicate that magic against the Buckeyes this year. He has good size, good mobility, and plenty of game experience, and he seems to be the perfect player to lead Toledo on a run toward the MAC title in 2011 after missing our narrowly on the title game in 2010.
Backing up Dantin is Terrance Owens (#2). The Glenville product is tall but lean (6-4, 180) and has plenty of speed and agility. He took over when Dantin got hurt in the Eastern Michigan game last season and promptly threw for 234 yards and 4 TDs. After a shaky game against Northern Illinois, he finished the regular season with a flourish, torching Central Michigan for 304 yards and 3 TDs on 75% completions. Though he struggled mightily in the bowl game and is behind Dantin on the depth chart, he saw plenty of action in the 2011 opener, going 10/13 for 122 yards and 2 TDs. Toledo considers him as more of a "1B" than a "2", and he has the game experience and results to warrant that approach. Though he doesn't run as much as one might think, his 10 carries for 65 yards and a score in the bowl game last year show he has the ability when called upon.
QB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Toledo QB versus OSU QB
Dantin: 15/21 (71.4%), 161 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 183.0 rating; 4/27, 0 TDs
Bauserman: 12/16 (75.0%), 163 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 222.5 rating; 6/32, 1 TD
Both Toledo QBs are capable and both are effective in running the offense. Dantin is the starter but it would be no surprise to see Owens play, even if Dantin doesn't struggle. If he does, Owens could finish the game. The Buckeye QBs both looked a lot better than many expected last weekend in decimating MAC foe Akron, as Bauserman showed more athletic ability than many thought he had and Braxton Miller showed some high quality with his throws and decision-making. Game experience goes to the Rockets, performance in the opening weekend goes to the Buckeyes based on the competition, and depth is relatively even, as this is another game where all 4 QBs could collectively see action. Dantin's past propensity for throwing picks was not evident in week 1, but could return against a tougher defense. This one is about even, but give the overachieving Bucks a bit of an edge because of the multiple dimensions that each QB brings to the table and the way they took care of the football in week 1.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
RB #24 Adonis Thomas (5-10, 185, SR, Weeguahic HS, Newark, NJ)
After playing sparingly his first 2 years, Thomas exploded onto the scene, finishing 2nd in the MAC in yards per game and putting up over 1100 total on his way to being a second team All-MAC selection. He, like the rest of the Rocket offense, picked up his level of play in the second half of the season after the Boise State game, gaining over 100 yards in 4 of the final 6 games. He can be a workman-like back (24 carries, 163 yards, TD against Bowling Green) or an explosive back with limited touches (10 carries, 152 yards, 2 TDs against Northern Illinois) and what cannot be overlooked is that he was also 2nd on the team in receptions with 31, which could cause all kinds of problems for defenses not used to keying on backs in the passing game. In the opener he picked right up where he left off last year, gaining 115 yards on just 9 carries with a TD while also catching 4 passes. He is elusive, has great speed and sure hands, and he very well could be the conference's best tailback and could make it very far in the Doak Walker Award process.
Backing up Thomas is the explosive sophomore David Fluellen (#22). He is a bit bigger (6-0, 215) but is shifty and elusive and can break the big play. He ran for 224 yards last season (averaging almost 6 per carry) and gained 42 yards on 8 carries and caught 3 passes in this year's season opener. Also in the mix is senior Morgan Williams (#23). The former McKinley Bulldog gained over 1000 yards and scored 6 times as a redshirt freshman in 2008, but has played more sparingly since then, gaining 302 yards and appearing in all 13 games last year. He had 7 carries for 36 yards and a 15 yard TD reception against New Hampshire, so it is likely that he will see some playing time on Saturday.
RB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Toledo RB versus OSU RB
Thomas: 9/115 yards, 1 TD, 12.8 YPC; 4 rec/26 yards, 0 TDs, 6.5 YPR
Fluellen: 8/42 yards, 0 TDs, 5.3 YPC; 3 rec/6 yards, 0 TDs, 2.0 YPR
Hyde: 19/83 yards, 0 TDs, 4.9 YPC; 1 rec/11 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Smith: 18/74 yards, 1 TD, 4.1 YPC; 1 rec/5 yards, 0 TDs, 5.0 YPR
Thomas is one of the league's best talents and could likely start for many larger programs. He is not only a good runner but is exceptional in the passing game. In fact throwing to the backs is a hallmark of the Toledo offense, which is not something seen every game anymore and will be something for the Buckeyes to be mindful of. Fluellen and Williams give the Rockets 3 proven commodities at the position. The Buckeyes broke in a couple of players new to having primary roles, and Hyde and Smith both responded admirably. It will be interesting to see how they fare against an upgrade in competition. For this comparison, the big season that Thomas had last year combined with the depth and experience give the Rockets the edge, but the Buckeyes are, as usual, stacked with (somewhat raw) talent at the position as well.
Edge: Toledo
Wide Receivers
WR-X #3 Cordale Scott (6-4, 220, JR, H.L. Glenville HS, Cleveland, OH)
WR-Z #11 Bernard Reedy (5-9, 175, SO, Lakewood HS, St. Petersburg, FL)
WR-M #12 Eric Page (5-10, 180, JR, Springfield HS, Toledo, OH)
Page is front and center and quite frankly could be the best player in the entire conference. After being 2nd team All-MAC in 2009 by catching 82 passes for 1159 yards and 7 TDs, he owned the league last year on his way to first team all-conference as a receiver and return man and All-American honors as a kick returner. Of the 228 passes Toledo completed last season, Page caught 99 of them, for 1105 yards and 8 TDs. He caught at least 9 passes 5 times and topped 100 receiving yards 6 times in 2010. He played sparingly in the opener, but still caught 5 passes for 60 yards. He is fast, runs precise routes, has good hands, and is an all-around great player. Oh and in addition to that he's also one of the nation's best kick returners. Given all of his accolades and the % of the passing offense that runs through him, it should not be surprising that the corps around him is otherwise a bit suspect. Reedy played sparingly last year, making 4 starts but catching a grant total of just 5 passes. He matched that in the opener, however, pacing the offense with 5 catches for 113 yards and 2 TDs. He is another small, fast receiver who can get down the field. Scott, an Illinois transfer, has emerged as the other starter after sitting out last season. The former Glenville product caught just one pass in the opener but has good size to be a red zone target and deceptive speed.
The backups provide some depth. The top reserve is senior Kenny Stafford (#7). He has 38 receptions for 634 yards and 7 TDs in his career, including 18/337/4 last season in 9 starts. He has good size (6-4, 204) and offers some of the same dimensions to the passing game as Scott. He caught 2 passes for 26 yards in the opener. Junior Julian Bellinger (#83) started 7 games last year but caught just 6 passes for 46 yards. He is a smaller, faster receiver and had one catch in the opener. Rounding out the 2-deep is sophomore James Green (#8). He caught 9 passes last season in 12 games (1 start) and didn't catch a pass in the opener.
WR Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Toledo WRs versus OSU WRs
Reedy: 5 catches, 113 yards, 2 TDs, 22.6 YPR
Page: 5 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD, 12.0 YPR
Scott: 1 catch, 2 yards, 0 TDs, 2.0 YPR
Reed: 3 catches, 66 yards, 0 TDs, 22.0 YPR
Smith: 3 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD, 17.3 YPR
Like the tailback position, the Buckeyes are breaking in some new faces here. Several showed flashes in week 1, though Stoneburner owned the day. Page is obviously the showcase here, but Toledo has little established production behind him. Still, Reedy had a good opening game and Scott is raw but talented. They also have some quality depth with game experience. Page is enough to carry the day for Toledo regardless, and the rating would be much higher as a unit with an established #2.
Edge: Toledo
Tight Ends
TE #9 Danny Noble (6-5, 233, SR, Elyria HS, Elyria, OH)
Noble is a nice player with good size and plenty of experience. He has made 24 starts at TE and has been an active part of the passing attack, catching 18 passes last year and 26 in 2009. He is also a good blocker and can create matchup problems in the red zone (5 TDs last season). He has played well in big games as well, catching TD passes against Boise State and in the bowl game last year. Backup Jerome Jones (#88; 6-7, 240) is a beast as a second blocker and he can also catch an occasional pass. JUCO transfer Colby Kratch (#82) is also in the mix.
TE Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Toledo TE versus OSU TE
Noble: 1 catch, 8 yards, 1 TD, 8.0 YPR
Stoneburner: 4 catches, 50 yards, 3 TDs, 12.5 YPR
In any other recent year this would be an obvious advantage for Toledo, but Stoneburner turned in a career game last week, showing sure hands and being a nightmare in the secondary to the tune of 3 TD catches, a first for an Ohio State TE. Many have felt over the years that the Buckeye TEs were woefully underutilized, and maybe he made that case for everyone last week. He appears to be the player with the most confidence from his QBs, so his production in the passing game should continue. He is also a good blocker and plays an active part in the run game. Depth is also an advantage for the Buckeyes, as they have a quality player in Fragel with lots of big game experience who can also be part of the passing attack or a second blocker on the wing.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
LT #74 Mike VanDerMeulen (6-7, 304, SR, Marshall HS, Marshall, MI)
LG #78 Phillipkeith Manley (6-5, 309, SR, Hamilton HS, Hamilton, OH)
C #67 Zac Kerin (6-5, 294, SO, Olentangy HS, Delaware, OH)
RG #75 Greg Mancz (6-5, 280, FR, Anderson HS, Cincinnati, OH)
RT #72 John Morookian (6-5, 301, SR, LaSalle HS, Providence, RI)
The Rockets have a good offensive line and are anchored at the corners by 2 of their best and most experienced players. At left tackle VanDerMeulen has started every game since he arrived at Toledo, totaling 38 in a row, and was selected 3rd team All-MAC last season. He is tall, strong, and more than capable in both running and passing situations. On the other side, Morookian has started 36 straight games at RT, dating back to early in his freshman season. He also has good size and technique and is good in both running and passing situations. Though the Rockets have no concerns on the edges, they could be vulnerable up the middle. Manley at LG has made 14 consecutive starts, and seems to be locked into the position. He is mammoth for a guard and is a real road-grater in running plays. Kerin played sparingly as a reserve last year and Mancz is new to the lineup, so both lack experience and are a bit undersized, which could be exploited by a large and physical Buckeye front line. Still the entire line played near flawless football in week one so they appear to have no issues gelling as a unit and should have supreme confidence entering Saturday's tussle.
As good as the Rockets are up front, they are phenomenally thin should anyone miss any action. The reserves are made up of inexperienced upperclassmen and redshirt freshmen, and no one has so much as played in more than 5 games in their Toledo careers. Josh Hendershot (#56) and Jeff Myers (#54), a pair of redshirt freshmen, man the left side, while a pair of juniors, A.J. Lindeman (#60) and Fadi Farha (#79) man the right side. Sophomore Erik Carlson (#61), a former walk-on, is the backup in the middle.
OL Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Toledo OL versus OSU OL
The ranking for the Rockets might be a tad higher if they weren't so thin and vulnerable to injury. As good as the tackles are, they have little experience in the interior of the line and zero experience in the 2-deep behind the starters. The bookends make a run at a MAC title a distinct possibility if they can avoid injury, but the physical Ohio State D-line may be able to make some inroads on the interior. The Buckeyes looked good in the first week in pass protection and the running game was also functioning well for much of the game, especially early. Depth is not nearly the same issue at Ohio State, and they have their share of studs up front (led by Brewster) with ample big game experience as well.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
Unlike last week, when the Buckeyes played one of the worst offenses in civilization, this week the level of competition will be a good measuring stick for the defense. The Rockets have 2 premier players at their position in the MAC, 2 bookend tackles, and 2 QBs with plenty of experience. If they can keep the turnovers to a minimum and move the ball with a bit of consistency, the 2011 season should resemble the second half of 2010, when they were arguably the conference's best offense for a 6 game stretch. Toledo had plenty of explosive offenses during their run in the late 90s and early 200s, and this group looks to be right in line with those. Page and Thomas will be challenging for the Buckeye defense, and the ability of the backs to catch the ball could keep some heat off of the QBs. The interior of the line will have to overachieve to stop the Buckeye front 4, but they should be in good shape during the MAC campaign. Offensively, there's no reason to believe this won't end up being the best team in the MAC. Whether they can compete with Ohio State or not remains to be seen this weekend.
Overall Offensive Rating: B+
2011 Toledo Rockets Defensive Preview
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The Rockets have co-defensive coordinators, Mike Ward and Paul Nichols. Ward came to UT in 2009 with 17 years of experience as an assistant at Bowling Green. He began as the program's strength coach from 1992-99 before coaching the defensive linemen from 2000-06. Ward spent his last two seasons at BGSU as the defensive coordinator. From 2000-08, Ward coached one All-American, one Academic All-American and nine All-MAC performers. The Falcons had six winning seasons and played in three bowl games during that span.[/FONT]
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Prior to becoming a Falcon, Ward was an assistant football coach and strength coach at his alma mater, Georgetown College, for two years. At Georgetown, he earned second-team NAIA Division I All-America football honors as an offensive guard in 1983. Ward earned a bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Georgetown in 1984, and later earned a graduate degree in secondary education. After completing his education at Georgetown, Ward became an assistant football coach (LBs and S&C Coordinator) at the University of Findlay for six years. [/FONT]
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Previous to his stint at UT, Nichols served as an assistant at Marshall University for three seasons. Prior to his tenure at Marshall, Nichols completed two seasons as a graduate assistant at Ohio State from 2004-05 where he assisted with the defensive backs and defensive line. He worked in the 2004 Alamo Bowl victory over Oklahoma State and the 2006 Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame.[/FONT] [FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]A native of Dunwoody, GA, Nichols graduated from Davidson College with bachelor's degrees in political science and history in 2003. While at Davidson, Nichols set school records for career passing yards (5,822), completions (465) and touchdown passes (51), and compiled a 22-6 record as a starting quarterback, which stands as the best mark in program history. As a sophomore in 2000, Nichols led the Wildcat squad to a perfect 10-0 record, marking the school's first undefeated season in history.[/FONT]
Now in their third season as the Rockets' co-defensive coordinators, they helped guide the Rockets' defense to significant improvement in just about every phase in 2010. UT went from allowing 37.7 points per game in 2009 to 28.5 last year. The Rocket 'D' also increased its forced turnovers from 21 to 34, the fifth-highest takeaway total in the nation in 2010 and tied for eighth-most interceptions in the country with 20. The defensive turnaround helped propel Toledo to an 8-5 season and its first bowl appearance in five years.
The defense returns a pair of All-MAC performers in middle linebacker Dan Molls and defensive end T.J. Fatinikun, but lost some experienced players. Isaiah Ballard was one of the best linebackers in the conference (playing the star position), but was kicked off the team following an offseason arrest. Starting senior safety Mark Singer is also injured for the season.
Last week Toledo faced FCS opponent New Hampshire. The Wildcats reached the red zone 3 times, scoring two TDs (15 points) and losing the ball on a fumble in their other possession. They converted 5-13 (38.5%) on 3rd down, and were 2-2 on 4th down attempts. Last season, the Rockets defense yielded 31 TDs and 9 FGs in 52 red zone efforts, or 4.69 points per RZ possession.
The Rockets forced 5 turnovers last week, and since they committed none on offense they lead the nation in turnover margin (+5). Last season the team forced 34 turnovers (20 INTs) in 13 games. They allowed 4.0 yards per rushing attempt, just under 365 total yards per game. They were 44th in the country in pass efficiency defense, and had 22 sacks.
Defensive Line
DE #97 Malcolm Riley (6-3, 281, Sr.)
NT #94 Johnie Roberts (6-3, 280, Sr.)
DT #52 Johnathan Lamb (6-4, 285, Sr.)
DE #23 T.J. Fatinikun (6-2, 245, Jr.)
Fatinikun earned All-MAC honors last season with 51 tackles, five sacks, 13 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. He's built like an outside linebacker and has excellent quickness for a lineman. He fills the defensive end role that the Buckeyes call Leo. The native of Lagos, Nigeria is very disruptive and frequently gets into the backfield, registering a sack last week. Roberts started most of last season making 34 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss. While he's not built like a typical nose guard, he was a great JUCO recruit out of Pearl River Community College and was a big get for the program. He's played a key role in the defensive turnaround, and had 7 tackles against Purdue.
Lamb only had 1 start in 2010, and tallied 9 tackles and 1 QB hurry. He has good quickness for an interior lineman. Riley had 44 tackles (19 solo), with 10 TFLs, of which 5.5 were sacks. He has the size to play inside, but when Lamb is at tackle Riley plays the strongside DE. He's quick enough to have had 9 QB hurries last season.
Depth is provided by DEs: #84 Christian Smith (6-2, 260, So.) who started 3 games and was credited with 2.5 TFL (he is athletic enough to sometimes handle kicking off); #99 Jayrone Elliott (6-3, 220, So.) from Cleveland Glenville, who tallied 5 tackles at the Leo spot last year; #40 Hank Keighley (6-4. 250. Jr.) who played at TE in 2010, but is a natural defensive end with 4.66 speed who and is now back on the D-Line; and #91 Andre "Tank" Sturdivant (6-3, 265, Fr) an all-state DE last year at Cleveland Glenville who was on tOSU's recruiting radar.
Inside depth comes from: NT #98 Elijah Jones (6-2, 295, So.) one of the team's strongest players, who had 3 TFLs and 2 sacks vs Kent State last year; and #93 Phil Lewis (6-2, 285, Jr.), who was defensive MVP at Grand Rapids CC in 2009.
DL Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Toledo DL versus OSU DL
Toledo's line improved last year but struggled to contain good rushing teams, yielding 422 yards on the ground to Northern Illinois in last year's only conference loss. Purdue and Boise State also ran the ball effectively against them. They have a good pair of defensive ends, with talented but young backups at that position. With multiple guys that are able to get into the backfield, they do a fairly good job at getting a pass rush and forcing turnovers, and don't get beat deep a lot, but are vulnerable to a short passing game that spreads the ball around. They play a scheme that is similar to the one that the Buckeyes run, with Leo and Star positions, but they don't have the same talent level, especially on the inside.
The Buckeyes are better at generating pressure - even if not necessarily recording the sack - and clearly better at stopping opposing rushing attacks. Chances are the Rockets will try short passing routes, employing the same formula as many teams did last season in hopes of slowing down the front four. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes will surely test the rushing defense while spreading the ball around to keep Toledo off-balance.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
MLB #32 Dan Molls (6-1, 222, Jr.)
WLB #38 Robert Bell (6-0 227, Jr.)
Star #10 Charles Rancifer (6-3, 217, Sr.)
NOTE - Molls has been ruled out for this gmae due to a leg injury.
Junior linebacker Danny Molls was 10th in the nation and second on the team last season with 143 tackles. With the graduation of leading tackler Archie Donald, All-MAC performer Molls should have even more tackles this year and could rank near the very top nationally. Molls made several big plays, with 3 INTs, 2 forced fumbles and a pair of recoveries; and put up big numbers with 19 tackles vs NIU and 17 vs Wyoming. Not just a run stopper, Molls can also get into the backfield, finishing with five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. He's not all that big for being the Mike, but he has good mobility and isn't afraid to hit anybody.
Bell had 8 solo tackles last year but earned the starting job and had 1 sack last week against New Hampshire. If the line can occupy blockers, he has the range to make a lot of plays. Rancifer plays the Star position (like tOSU's Tyler Moeller) and can create havoc as well as cover a slot receiver. The former high school QB had 8 tackles last week.
Depth in the middle is provided by #49 Terrell Anderson (6-1, 215, Sr.), who was supposed to be a top playmaker a few years ago, but hasn?t lived up to his potential. The backup Will is #55 Ray Bush (6-3, 220, rFr.), a former Toledo Rogers teammate of PeeWee Gambrell, who has good size and the burst to cause trouble in the backfield. The depth at Star comes from #6 Byron Best (5-9, 200, Jr.). Best played CB the last 2 seasons, has good quickness, but hasn't been able to make enough plays when the ball is in the air.
LB Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Toledo LBs versus OSU LBs
This is a somewhat smallish group that has toughness, but gets shoved around by the big boys. Overall, the Toledo linebackers are like larger safeties. The Rocket LBs will have trouble covering the Buckeye RBs, TEs, and slot receivers, and the power running game will be difficult for the Rockets to slow down. Molls and Bell are likely to make a lot of tackles, but the Buckeyes will keep moving the chains.
The Buckeye LBs (Sweat. Sabino, Klein, and Moeller) have more size and more athleticism than their Rocket counterparts, and while they will likely have fewer tackles than the group from Toledo, should do a better job of stopping their opposition.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
FCB #2 Taikwon Paige (5-11 185, Sr.)
FS #5 Diauntae Morrow (6-0, 199, Sr.)
SS #29 Jermaine Robinson (6-3, 188, Jr.)
BCB #3 Desmond Marrow (6-3, 210, Sr.)
The deployment of the secondary is like tOSU's, in that they designate boundary (near-side) and field (wide-side) CBs, rather than having left side and right side corners.
Senior boundary CB Desmond Marrow is probably Toledo's best pro prospect among their current seniors. He considered going pro after last season, but because of missing most of 2007 and 2009 with injuries was granted a sixth year of eligibility (he came in with the 2006 class that included star DB Barry Church), and he decided to come back. The Youngstown Mooney product had a 15-yard pick-6 vs Western Michigan last season. With a fine work ethic and solid tackling skills, Marrow finished fourth on the team with 72 tackles to go along with three picks. At 6-3 and 210 pounds, he's a very big defender who likes being physical with receivers. The field corner is Paige, a one-time Auburn signee who didn't enroll, but became a JUCO All-American at Georgia Military. He started 8 games for Toledo last year and recorded 19 tackles (14 solo), 1 int, and 1 fumble recovery.
With the loss of injured free safety Mark Singer, Diauntae Morrow has taken over at the FS spot. Morrow is a Cleveland St Edward product who transferred from Iowa, and had 40 tackles (19 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 INTs last year. He's an active player who also grabbed an interception in last week's opener. The strong safety is Robinson, who had 46 tackles (20 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 INT last year. He had 8 tackles in the Arizona game, but an Achilles injury on bowl game made him miss spring practice. This is his third year as as a starter.
Backup corners are: field - #26 Keith Suggs (5-10, 175, Fr.) a grayshirt from Indianapolis Ben Davis, who is a very fast player able to work anywhere in the secondary; and boundary - #13 Anthony Washington (6-0, 175, Sr.), who had a pick against New Hampshire. #36 Cheatham Norrils (6-0, 185, Fr.) from Toledo St. John's was the NW Ohio District Player of the Year and an all-stater, he played in the North-South and Big-33 games, and could also get some action on Saturday.
Safety depth comes from: strong - #28 Ethan Kagy (5-11, 192, So.), and free #21 Ross Madison (6-1, 193, So.). Madison came from Hargrave Military Academy and appears ready to be a playmaker with good speed and all-around athleticism.
DB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Toledo DBs versus OSU DBs
Despite some injury issues, the Rockets have experienced players in the secondary. Toledo doesn't give up too many big plays, and they came up with 20 picks, but they also were nickle-and-dimed effectively at times, allowing 413 yards to Arizona and 403 to Western Michigan. Expect the Buckeyes to call a lot of short routes, often on rollouts to confuse the pass rush, and mix in an occasional deep ball on play-action. And they'll be sure to mix in some throws to that newfound weapon at tight end.
The Buckeyes should be in nickel most of the time this week, and will need a good pass rush to help contain dangerous playmaker Eric Page. The secondary welcomes back Travis Howard, who along with Clarke and Roby should see plenty of action. Once again, better athletes give the overall edge to the Buckeyes.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Toledo's offense has piled up big numbers in the past, but in 2009 at Browns Stadium the Buckeyes were able to get a shutout. Toledo's improved defense should spend less time on the field than they did 2 years ago, and improved depth makes them less likely to wear down. The Rockets are highly likely to get on the scoreboard for the first time ever against tOSU, and don't be surprised if they reach the end zone more than once, but the Buckeyes rushing attack will take its toll and the Rockets won't be able to cover the better Buckeye athletes all over the field.
Overall Defensive Rating: C+
2011 Toledo Rockets Special Teams Preview
Well there wasn't much to say about last week's Special Teams' effort against the Akron Zips. The game was such a walk-over that Special Teams' play did not factor in at the slightest.
Season Stats
Toledo
Punting: Vince Penza 2 for 76 yds, 38.0 avg, no returns (does not qualify for NCAA rankings)
Punt Returns: Eric Page 2 for 43 yds, 21.5 avg, 29 long (6th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns: Individual Eric Page 2 for 61 yds, 30.5 avg (15th Nationally), Bernard Reedy 1 for 17, 17 yds avg (does not qualify for NCAA rankings)
Punt Return Defense: No punts returns vs New Hampshire (does not qualify for NCAA rankings)
Kickoff Return Defense: 10 for 222 yds, 22.2 avg (74th Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting: Ben Buchanon 3 for 126 yds, 42.0 avg, 49 long, 2 inside the 20 (does not qualify for NCAA rankings)
Punt Returns: Individual: Corey Brown 2 for 28 yds, 14 avg, 17 long (16th Nationally), Devin Smith 1 for 3 yds, Chris Fields 1 for 7 yds Team: 4 for 38 yds, 9.5 avg
Kickoff Returns: Team/Individual Corey Brown 1 for 44 yds (does not qualify for NCAA rankings)
Punt Return Defense: 2 for 8 yds, 4.0 avg, 8 long (28th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense: 5 for 92 yds, 18.4 avg, 42 long (36th Nationally)
Special Teams
Placekicker:
#4 Ryan Casano (5-10, 178, Sr., Dripping Springs HS, Dripping Springs, TX)
Punter:
#35 Vince Penza (6-1 201 So., Cardinal Mooney HS, Canfield, OH)
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Kickoff Returners:
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]#12 Eric Page (5-10 180 Jr., Springfield HS, Toledo, OH)[/FONT]
[/FONT][FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]#11 Bernard Reedy (5-9 175 So., Lakewood HS, St. Petersburg, FL)[/FONT]
#22 David Fluellen (6-0, 215, So., Lockport HS, Lockport, NY)
Punt Returners:[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]#12 Eric Page (5-10 180 Jr., Springfield HS, Toledo, OH)[/FONT]
[/FONT][FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]#11 Bernard Reedy (5-9 175 So., Lakewood HS, St. Petersburg, FL)[/FONT]
Holder:
#35 Vince Penza (6-1 201 So., Cardinal Mooney HS, Canfield, OH)
Long Snapper:
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]#5 Matt Wall (6-1 218 So., Centerville HS, Centerville, OH)[/FONT]
Ohio State (Rivals)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
Punt Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
Kickoff Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
#16 Evan Spencer (6-1, 190, Fr., Vernon Hills HS, Vernon Hills, IL)
#15 Devin Smith (6-3, 190, Fr., Washington HS, Massillon, OH)
Head-to-Head: Toledo Punt team vs. Ohio State Punt Return Team.
It is impossible to gauge the effectiveness of Toledo's Punt team as they only had 2 punts last week against New Hampshire and neither were returned. The Buckeyes had a good game last week against Akron, returning 4 punts for 38 yds, a 9.5 avg.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Toledo Kickoff team vs. Ohio State Kickoff Return Team
The Rockets kickoff team was busy last week with 10 total kickoffs in their 58-22 victory. They allowed 222 yards (22.2 avg) with one return being 57 yds. Even though the Buckeyes only returned 1 kick last week against Akron, they made the most of it as Corey Brown took it back for 44 yards. OSU should win out in this one due to superior athletes.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Punt team vs. Toledo Punt Return Team
Ben Buchanan had a decent game against Akron last week averaging 42 yds per punt and putting 2 inside the 20. The Rockets returned 2 punts last week against New Hampshire for 43 yards, a stellar 21.5 average. The Buckeyes only allowed 8 yards in returns last week (one for 8 and the other for 0). Have they exorcised the ghosts of the last couple of years?
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Kickoff team vs. Toledo Kickoff Return Team.
Toledo's Eric Page can be tough in the kickoff return game, averaging a very nice 30.5 yards on 2 returns. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes defended 5 returns against Akron, allowing 92 yds, a 18.4 avg. This includes one return of 42 yards. They are ranked 46th nationally in this statistic after week one, a substantial improvement over last year. Again, I will lean on the "superior athletes" theory here, but Page will hurt them if they aren't aware of him and take care of business.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis
It is still difficult to predict Special Team's effectiveness due to the lack of statistical information. But we do have some numbers this year, albeit only 1 game. Neither teams' units were spectacular or abysmal. Toledo's kickoff defense unit got a workout defending 10 total kicks and allowing 222 yards, which is significant. Early returns are showing that the Buckeyes have shored up their hot-and-cold special teams play from last year, especially in the return defenses. While there is plenty of reason to believe that the offense and defense will not put pressure on the Special Teams to win the game, they should do their part to add to the firepower of this year's addition of Ohio State Football.
PredictionsLast season Toledo was a middle-of-the-pack offense, ranking 74th nationally with 365.4 yards per game. They had a pretty even distribution of running (167.4 YPG, 43rd) and passing (210.5 YPG, 78th). Their 27.8 PPG ranked 54th in the country, respectable but not great. The offensive line did a good job in pass protection, allowing just 22 sacks, but they did toss 14 picks, which is too many for a middling passing offense. The 2010 Rockets did not generate a lot of first downs (232, 80th) and had trouble moving the chains on 3rd down (37.2%, T63). All of those stats would need to improve if the Rockets are going to make a run at the 2011 MAC West division title, as many are predicting. After one game, so far so good, though it was only against FCS foe New Hampshire. After one week the Rockets rank 5th nationally in total offense with 591 yards, which included an impressive balance of running (287 yards, 13th) and passing (304 yards, T21). The Rockets racked up 28 first downs in the opener and moved the chains 68.4% of the time on 3rd down (13/19). They didn't allow and sacks, didn't throw any picks, and tossed 5 TDs. So far the Rockets are looking like the successful teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s, so they will present a stiff test for the Ohio State defense on Saturday after the Buckeyes coasted past very inferior competition last week.
Quarterbacks
QB #4 Austin Dantin (6-2, 200, JR, Leon HS, Tallahassee, FL)
Dantin has started at QB over the past 3 seasons, starting 3 games in 2009, 9 games before getting hurt in 2010, and the first game this year. He is a good QB for the spread, with an accurate arm and the ability to gain yards on the ground. In his first 2 seasons, he completed 66% of his passes each year. Last year he threw for 1254 yards and 7 TDs. Unfortunately he also threw 8 picks and was sacked 14 times, both numbers he will be trying to improve this year. He also ran for almost 300 yards (2nd on the team) and 8 scores in 2010 in just 9 games, so his ability to make something happen in the ground game is evident. Dantin's best game last year was the Purdue game, where he went 24/31 for 209 yards and 2 scores, ran for 64 yards on 17 carries for 2 more, and almost single-handedly decimated the Boilermakers on the way to a big victory over the Big 10. He will be looking to replicate that magic against the Buckeyes this year. He has good size, good mobility, and plenty of game experience, and he seems to be the perfect player to lead Toledo on a run toward the MAC title in 2011 after missing our narrowly on the title game in 2010.
Backing up Dantin is Terrance Owens (#2). The Glenville product is tall but lean (6-4, 180) and has plenty of speed and agility. He took over when Dantin got hurt in the Eastern Michigan game last season and promptly threw for 234 yards and 4 TDs. After a shaky game against Northern Illinois, he finished the regular season with a flourish, torching Central Michigan for 304 yards and 3 TDs on 75% completions. Though he struggled mightily in the bowl game and is behind Dantin on the depth chart, he saw plenty of action in the 2011 opener, going 10/13 for 122 yards and 2 TDs. Toledo considers him as more of a "1B" than a "2", and he has the game experience and results to warrant that approach. Though he doesn't run as much as one might think, his 10 carries for 65 yards and a score in the bowl game last year show he has the ability when called upon.
QB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Toledo QB versus OSU QB
Dantin: 15/21 (71.4%), 161 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 183.0 rating; 4/27, 0 TDs
Bauserman: 12/16 (75.0%), 163 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 222.5 rating; 6/32, 1 TD
Both Toledo QBs are capable and both are effective in running the offense. Dantin is the starter but it would be no surprise to see Owens play, even if Dantin doesn't struggle. If he does, Owens could finish the game. The Buckeye QBs both looked a lot better than many expected last weekend in decimating MAC foe Akron, as Bauserman showed more athletic ability than many thought he had and Braxton Miller showed some high quality with his throws and decision-making. Game experience goes to the Rockets, performance in the opening weekend goes to the Buckeyes based on the competition, and depth is relatively even, as this is another game where all 4 QBs could collectively see action. Dantin's past propensity for throwing picks was not evident in week 1, but could return against a tougher defense. This one is about even, but give the overachieving Bucks a bit of an edge because of the multiple dimensions that each QB brings to the table and the way they took care of the football in week 1.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
RB #24 Adonis Thomas (5-10, 185, SR, Weeguahic HS, Newark, NJ)
After playing sparingly his first 2 years, Thomas exploded onto the scene, finishing 2nd in the MAC in yards per game and putting up over 1100 total on his way to being a second team All-MAC selection. He, like the rest of the Rocket offense, picked up his level of play in the second half of the season after the Boise State game, gaining over 100 yards in 4 of the final 6 games. He can be a workman-like back (24 carries, 163 yards, TD against Bowling Green) or an explosive back with limited touches (10 carries, 152 yards, 2 TDs against Northern Illinois) and what cannot be overlooked is that he was also 2nd on the team in receptions with 31, which could cause all kinds of problems for defenses not used to keying on backs in the passing game. In the opener he picked right up where he left off last year, gaining 115 yards on just 9 carries with a TD while also catching 4 passes. He is elusive, has great speed and sure hands, and he very well could be the conference's best tailback and could make it very far in the Doak Walker Award process.
Backing up Thomas is the explosive sophomore David Fluellen (#22). He is a bit bigger (6-0, 215) but is shifty and elusive and can break the big play. He ran for 224 yards last season (averaging almost 6 per carry) and gained 42 yards on 8 carries and caught 3 passes in this year's season opener. Also in the mix is senior Morgan Williams (#23). The former McKinley Bulldog gained over 1000 yards and scored 6 times as a redshirt freshman in 2008, but has played more sparingly since then, gaining 302 yards and appearing in all 13 games last year. He had 7 carries for 36 yards and a 15 yard TD reception against New Hampshire, so it is likely that he will see some playing time on Saturday.
RB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Toledo RB versus OSU RB
Thomas: 9/115 yards, 1 TD, 12.8 YPC; 4 rec/26 yards, 0 TDs, 6.5 YPR
Fluellen: 8/42 yards, 0 TDs, 5.3 YPC; 3 rec/6 yards, 0 TDs, 2.0 YPR
Hyde: 19/83 yards, 0 TDs, 4.9 YPC; 1 rec/11 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Smith: 18/74 yards, 1 TD, 4.1 YPC; 1 rec/5 yards, 0 TDs, 5.0 YPR
Thomas is one of the league's best talents and could likely start for many larger programs. He is not only a good runner but is exceptional in the passing game. In fact throwing to the backs is a hallmark of the Toledo offense, which is not something seen every game anymore and will be something for the Buckeyes to be mindful of. Fluellen and Williams give the Rockets 3 proven commodities at the position. The Buckeyes broke in a couple of players new to having primary roles, and Hyde and Smith both responded admirably. It will be interesting to see how they fare against an upgrade in competition. For this comparison, the big season that Thomas had last year combined with the depth and experience give the Rockets the edge, but the Buckeyes are, as usual, stacked with (somewhat raw) talent at the position as well.
Edge: Toledo
Wide Receivers
WR-X #3 Cordale Scott (6-4, 220, JR, H.L. Glenville HS, Cleveland, OH)
WR-Z #11 Bernard Reedy (5-9, 175, SO, Lakewood HS, St. Petersburg, FL)
WR-M #12 Eric Page (5-10, 180, JR, Springfield HS, Toledo, OH)
Page is front and center and quite frankly could be the best player in the entire conference. After being 2nd team All-MAC in 2009 by catching 82 passes for 1159 yards and 7 TDs, he owned the league last year on his way to first team all-conference as a receiver and return man and All-American honors as a kick returner. Of the 228 passes Toledo completed last season, Page caught 99 of them, for 1105 yards and 8 TDs. He caught at least 9 passes 5 times and topped 100 receiving yards 6 times in 2010. He played sparingly in the opener, but still caught 5 passes for 60 yards. He is fast, runs precise routes, has good hands, and is an all-around great player. Oh and in addition to that he's also one of the nation's best kick returners. Given all of his accolades and the % of the passing offense that runs through him, it should not be surprising that the corps around him is otherwise a bit suspect. Reedy played sparingly last year, making 4 starts but catching a grant total of just 5 passes. He matched that in the opener, however, pacing the offense with 5 catches for 113 yards and 2 TDs. He is another small, fast receiver who can get down the field. Scott, an Illinois transfer, has emerged as the other starter after sitting out last season. The former Glenville product caught just one pass in the opener but has good size to be a red zone target and deceptive speed.
The backups provide some depth. The top reserve is senior Kenny Stafford (#7). He has 38 receptions for 634 yards and 7 TDs in his career, including 18/337/4 last season in 9 starts. He has good size (6-4, 204) and offers some of the same dimensions to the passing game as Scott. He caught 2 passes for 26 yards in the opener. Junior Julian Bellinger (#83) started 7 games last year but caught just 6 passes for 46 yards. He is a smaller, faster receiver and had one catch in the opener. Rounding out the 2-deep is sophomore James Green (#8). He caught 9 passes last season in 12 games (1 start) and didn't catch a pass in the opener.
WR Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Toledo WRs versus OSU WRs
Reedy: 5 catches, 113 yards, 2 TDs, 22.6 YPR
Page: 5 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD, 12.0 YPR
Scott: 1 catch, 2 yards, 0 TDs, 2.0 YPR
Reed: 3 catches, 66 yards, 0 TDs, 22.0 YPR
Smith: 3 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD, 17.3 YPR
Like the tailback position, the Buckeyes are breaking in some new faces here. Several showed flashes in week 1, though Stoneburner owned the day. Page is obviously the showcase here, but Toledo has little established production behind him. Still, Reedy had a good opening game and Scott is raw but talented. They also have some quality depth with game experience. Page is enough to carry the day for Toledo regardless, and the rating would be much higher as a unit with an established #2.
Edge: Toledo
Tight Ends
TE #9 Danny Noble (6-5, 233, SR, Elyria HS, Elyria, OH)
Noble is a nice player with good size and plenty of experience. He has made 24 starts at TE and has been an active part of the passing attack, catching 18 passes last year and 26 in 2009. He is also a good blocker and can create matchup problems in the red zone (5 TDs last season). He has played well in big games as well, catching TD passes against Boise State and in the bowl game last year. Backup Jerome Jones (#88; 6-7, 240) is a beast as a second blocker and he can also catch an occasional pass. JUCO transfer Colby Kratch (#82) is also in the mix.
TE Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Toledo TE versus OSU TE
Noble: 1 catch, 8 yards, 1 TD, 8.0 YPR
Stoneburner: 4 catches, 50 yards, 3 TDs, 12.5 YPR
In any other recent year this would be an obvious advantage for Toledo, but Stoneburner turned in a career game last week, showing sure hands and being a nightmare in the secondary to the tune of 3 TD catches, a first for an Ohio State TE. Many have felt over the years that the Buckeye TEs were woefully underutilized, and maybe he made that case for everyone last week. He appears to be the player with the most confidence from his QBs, so his production in the passing game should continue. He is also a good blocker and plays an active part in the run game. Depth is also an advantage for the Buckeyes, as they have a quality player in Fragel with lots of big game experience who can also be part of the passing attack or a second blocker on the wing.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
LT #74 Mike VanDerMeulen (6-7, 304, SR, Marshall HS, Marshall, MI)
LG #78 Phillipkeith Manley (6-5, 309, SR, Hamilton HS, Hamilton, OH)
C #67 Zac Kerin (6-5, 294, SO, Olentangy HS, Delaware, OH)
RG #75 Greg Mancz (6-5, 280, FR, Anderson HS, Cincinnati, OH)
RT #72 John Morookian (6-5, 301, SR, LaSalle HS, Providence, RI)
The Rockets have a good offensive line and are anchored at the corners by 2 of their best and most experienced players. At left tackle VanDerMeulen has started every game since he arrived at Toledo, totaling 38 in a row, and was selected 3rd team All-MAC last season. He is tall, strong, and more than capable in both running and passing situations. On the other side, Morookian has started 36 straight games at RT, dating back to early in his freshman season. He also has good size and technique and is good in both running and passing situations. Though the Rockets have no concerns on the edges, they could be vulnerable up the middle. Manley at LG has made 14 consecutive starts, and seems to be locked into the position. He is mammoth for a guard and is a real road-grater in running plays. Kerin played sparingly as a reserve last year and Mancz is new to the lineup, so both lack experience and are a bit undersized, which could be exploited by a large and physical Buckeye front line. Still the entire line played near flawless football in week one so they appear to have no issues gelling as a unit and should have supreme confidence entering Saturday's tussle.
As good as the Rockets are up front, they are phenomenally thin should anyone miss any action. The reserves are made up of inexperienced upperclassmen and redshirt freshmen, and no one has so much as played in more than 5 games in their Toledo careers. Josh Hendershot (#56) and Jeff Myers (#54), a pair of redshirt freshmen, man the left side, while a pair of juniors, A.J. Lindeman (#60) and Fadi Farha (#79) man the right side. Sophomore Erik Carlson (#61), a former walk-on, is the backup in the middle.
OL Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Toledo OL versus OSU OL
The ranking for the Rockets might be a tad higher if they weren't so thin and vulnerable to injury. As good as the tackles are, they have little experience in the interior of the line and zero experience in the 2-deep behind the starters. The bookends make a run at a MAC title a distinct possibility if they can avoid injury, but the physical Ohio State D-line may be able to make some inroads on the interior. The Buckeyes looked good in the first week in pass protection and the running game was also functioning well for much of the game, especially early. Depth is not nearly the same issue at Ohio State, and they have their share of studs up front (led by Brewster) with ample big game experience as well.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
Unlike last week, when the Buckeyes played one of the worst offenses in civilization, this week the level of competition will be a good measuring stick for the defense. The Rockets have 2 premier players at their position in the MAC, 2 bookend tackles, and 2 QBs with plenty of experience. If they can keep the turnovers to a minimum and move the ball with a bit of consistency, the 2011 season should resemble the second half of 2010, when they were arguably the conference's best offense for a 6 game stretch. Toledo had plenty of explosive offenses during their run in the late 90s and early 200s, and this group looks to be right in line with those. Page and Thomas will be challenging for the Buckeye defense, and the ability of the backs to catch the ball could keep some heat off of the QBs. The interior of the line will have to overachieve to stop the Buckeye front 4, but they should be in good shape during the MAC campaign. Offensively, there's no reason to believe this won't end up being the best team in the MAC. Whether they can compete with Ohio State or not remains to be seen this weekend.
Overall Offensive Rating: B+
2011 Toledo Rockets Defensive Preview
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The Rockets have co-defensive coordinators, Mike Ward and Paul Nichols. Ward came to UT in 2009 with 17 years of experience as an assistant at Bowling Green. He began as the program's strength coach from 1992-99 before coaching the defensive linemen from 2000-06. Ward spent his last two seasons at BGSU as the defensive coordinator. From 2000-08, Ward coached one All-American, one Academic All-American and nine All-MAC performers. The Falcons had six winning seasons and played in three bowl games during that span.[/FONT]
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Prior to becoming a Falcon, Ward was an assistant football coach and strength coach at his alma mater, Georgetown College, for two years. At Georgetown, he earned second-team NAIA Division I All-America football honors as an offensive guard in 1983. Ward earned a bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Georgetown in 1984, and later earned a graduate degree in secondary education. After completing his education at Georgetown, Ward became an assistant football coach (LBs and S&C Coordinator) at the University of Findlay for six years. [/FONT]
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Previous to his stint at UT, Nichols served as an assistant at Marshall University for three seasons. Prior to his tenure at Marshall, Nichols completed two seasons as a graduate assistant at Ohio State from 2004-05 where he assisted with the defensive backs and defensive line. He worked in the 2004 Alamo Bowl victory over Oklahoma State and the 2006 Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame.[/FONT] [FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]A native of Dunwoody, GA, Nichols graduated from Davidson College with bachelor's degrees in political science and history in 2003. While at Davidson, Nichols set school records for career passing yards (5,822), completions (465) and touchdown passes (51), and compiled a 22-6 record as a starting quarterback, which stands as the best mark in program history. As a sophomore in 2000, Nichols led the Wildcat squad to a perfect 10-0 record, marking the school's first undefeated season in history.[/FONT]
Now in their third season as the Rockets' co-defensive coordinators, they helped guide the Rockets' defense to significant improvement in just about every phase in 2010. UT went from allowing 37.7 points per game in 2009 to 28.5 last year. The Rocket 'D' also increased its forced turnovers from 21 to 34, the fifth-highest takeaway total in the nation in 2010 and tied for eighth-most interceptions in the country with 20. The defensive turnaround helped propel Toledo to an 8-5 season and its first bowl appearance in five years.
The defense returns a pair of All-MAC performers in middle linebacker Dan Molls and defensive end T.J. Fatinikun, but lost some experienced players. Isaiah Ballard was one of the best linebackers in the conference (playing the star position), but was kicked off the team following an offseason arrest. Starting senior safety Mark Singer is also injured for the season.
Last week Toledo faced FCS opponent New Hampshire. The Wildcats reached the red zone 3 times, scoring two TDs (15 points) and losing the ball on a fumble in their other possession. They converted 5-13 (38.5%) on 3rd down, and were 2-2 on 4th down attempts. Last season, the Rockets defense yielded 31 TDs and 9 FGs in 52 red zone efforts, or 4.69 points per RZ possession.
The Rockets forced 5 turnovers last week, and since they committed none on offense they lead the nation in turnover margin (+5). Last season the team forced 34 turnovers (20 INTs) in 13 games. They allowed 4.0 yards per rushing attempt, just under 365 total yards per game. They were 44th in the country in pass efficiency defense, and had 22 sacks.
Defensive Line
DE #97 Malcolm Riley (6-3, 281, Sr.)
NT #94 Johnie Roberts (6-3, 280, Sr.)
DT #52 Johnathan Lamb (6-4, 285, Sr.)
DE #23 T.J. Fatinikun (6-2, 245, Jr.)
Fatinikun earned All-MAC honors last season with 51 tackles, five sacks, 13 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. He's built like an outside linebacker and has excellent quickness for a lineman. He fills the defensive end role that the Buckeyes call Leo. The native of Lagos, Nigeria is very disruptive and frequently gets into the backfield, registering a sack last week. Roberts started most of last season making 34 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss. While he's not built like a typical nose guard, he was a great JUCO recruit out of Pearl River Community College and was a big get for the program. He's played a key role in the defensive turnaround, and had 7 tackles against Purdue.
Lamb only had 1 start in 2010, and tallied 9 tackles and 1 QB hurry. He has good quickness for an interior lineman. Riley had 44 tackles (19 solo), with 10 TFLs, of which 5.5 were sacks. He has the size to play inside, but when Lamb is at tackle Riley plays the strongside DE. He's quick enough to have had 9 QB hurries last season.
Depth is provided by DEs: #84 Christian Smith (6-2, 260, So.) who started 3 games and was credited with 2.5 TFL (he is athletic enough to sometimes handle kicking off); #99 Jayrone Elliott (6-3, 220, So.) from Cleveland Glenville, who tallied 5 tackles at the Leo spot last year; #40 Hank Keighley (6-4. 250. Jr.) who played at TE in 2010, but is a natural defensive end with 4.66 speed who and is now back on the D-Line; and #91 Andre "Tank" Sturdivant (6-3, 265, Fr) an all-state DE last year at Cleveland Glenville who was on tOSU's recruiting radar.
Inside depth comes from: NT #98 Elijah Jones (6-2, 295, So.) one of the team's strongest players, who had 3 TFLs and 2 sacks vs Kent State last year; and #93 Phil Lewis (6-2, 285, Jr.), who was defensive MVP at Grand Rapids CC in 2009.
DL Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Toledo DL versus OSU DL
Toledo's line improved last year but struggled to contain good rushing teams, yielding 422 yards on the ground to Northern Illinois in last year's only conference loss. Purdue and Boise State also ran the ball effectively against them. They have a good pair of defensive ends, with talented but young backups at that position. With multiple guys that are able to get into the backfield, they do a fairly good job at getting a pass rush and forcing turnovers, and don't get beat deep a lot, but are vulnerable to a short passing game that spreads the ball around. They play a scheme that is similar to the one that the Buckeyes run, with Leo and Star positions, but they don't have the same talent level, especially on the inside.
The Buckeyes are better at generating pressure - even if not necessarily recording the sack - and clearly better at stopping opposing rushing attacks. Chances are the Rockets will try short passing routes, employing the same formula as many teams did last season in hopes of slowing down the front four. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes will surely test the rushing defense while spreading the ball around to keep Toledo off-balance.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
MLB #32 Dan Molls (6-1, 222, Jr.)
WLB #38 Robert Bell (6-0 227, Jr.)
Star #10 Charles Rancifer (6-3, 217, Sr.)
NOTE - Molls has been ruled out for this gmae due to a leg injury.
Junior linebacker Danny Molls was 10th in the nation and second on the team last season with 143 tackles. With the graduation of leading tackler Archie Donald, All-MAC performer Molls should have even more tackles this year and could rank near the very top nationally. Molls made several big plays, with 3 INTs, 2 forced fumbles and a pair of recoveries; and put up big numbers with 19 tackles vs NIU and 17 vs Wyoming. Not just a run stopper, Molls can also get into the backfield, finishing with five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. He's not all that big for being the Mike, but he has good mobility and isn't afraid to hit anybody.
Bell had 8 solo tackles last year but earned the starting job and had 1 sack last week against New Hampshire. If the line can occupy blockers, he has the range to make a lot of plays. Rancifer plays the Star position (like tOSU's Tyler Moeller) and can create havoc as well as cover a slot receiver. The former high school QB had 8 tackles last week.
Depth in the middle is provided by #49 Terrell Anderson (6-1, 215, Sr.), who was supposed to be a top playmaker a few years ago, but hasn?t lived up to his potential. The backup Will is #55 Ray Bush (6-3, 220, rFr.), a former Toledo Rogers teammate of PeeWee Gambrell, who has good size and the burst to cause trouble in the backfield. The depth at Star comes from #6 Byron Best (5-9, 200, Jr.). Best played CB the last 2 seasons, has good quickness, but hasn't been able to make enough plays when the ball is in the air.
LB Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Toledo LBs versus OSU LBs
This is a somewhat smallish group that has toughness, but gets shoved around by the big boys. Overall, the Toledo linebackers are like larger safeties. The Rocket LBs will have trouble covering the Buckeye RBs, TEs, and slot receivers, and the power running game will be difficult for the Rockets to slow down. Molls and Bell are likely to make a lot of tackles, but the Buckeyes will keep moving the chains.
The Buckeye LBs (Sweat. Sabino, Klein, and Moeller) have more size and more athleticism than their Rocket counterparts, and while they will likely have fewer tackles than the group from Toledo, should do a better job of stopping their opposition.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
FCB #2 Taikwon Paige (5-11 185, Sr.)
FS #5 Diauntae Morrow (6-0, 199, Sr.)
SS #29 Jermaine Robinson (6-3, 188, Jr.)
BCB #3 Desmond Marrow (6-3, 210, Sr.)
The deployment of the secondary is like tOSU's, in that they designate boundary (near-side) and field (wide-side) CBs, rather than having left side and right side corners.
Senior boundary CB Desmond Marrow is probably Toledo's best pro prospect among their current seniors. He considered going pro after last season, but because of missing most of 2007 and 2009 with injuries was granted a sixth year of eligibility (he came in with the 2006 class that included star DB Barry Church), and he decided to come back. The Youngstown Mooney product had a 15-yard pick-6 vs Western Michigan last season. With a fine work ethic and solid tackling skills, Marrow finished fourth on the team with 72 tackles to go along with three picks. At 6-3 and 210 pounds, he's a very big defender who likes being physical with receivers. The field corner is Paige, a one-time Auburn signee who didn't enroll, but became a JUCO All-American at Georgia Military. He started 8 games for Toledo last year and recorded 19 tackles (14 solo), 1 int, and 1 fumble recovery.
With the loss of injured free safety Mark Singer, Diauntae Morrow has taken over at the FS spot. Morrow is a Cleveland St Edward product who transferred from Iowa, and had 40 tackles (19 solo), 1 TFL, and 2 INTs last year. He's an active player who also grabbed an interception in last week's opener. The strong safety is Robinson, who had 46 tackles (20 solo), 1 TFL, and 1 INT last year. He had 8 tackles in the Arizona game, but an Achilles injury on bowl game made him miss spring practice. This is his third year as as a starter.
Backup corners are: field - #26 Keith Suggs (5-10, 175, Fr.) a grayshirt from Indianapolis Ben Davis, who is a very fast player able to work anywhere in the secondary; and boundary - #13 Anthony Washington (6-0, 175, Sr.), who had a pick against New Hampshire. #36 Cheatham Norrils (6-0, 185, Fr.) from Toledo St. John's was the NW Ohio District Player of the Year and an all-stater, he played in the North-South and Big-33 games, and could also get some action on Saturday.
Safety depth comes from: strong - #28 Ethan Kagy (5-11, 192, So.), and free #21 Ross Madison (6-1, 193, So.). Madison came from Hargrave Military Academy and appears ready to be a playmaker with good speed and all-around athleticism.
DB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Toledo DBs versus OSU DBs
Despite some injury issues, the Rockets have experienced players in the secondary. Toledo doesn't give up too many big plays, and they came up with 20 picks, but they also were nickle-and-dimed effectively at times, allowing 413 yards to Arizona and 403 to Western Michigan. Expect the Buckeyes to call a lot of short routes, often on rollouts to confuse the pass rush, and mix in an occasional deep ball on play-action. And they'll be sure to mix in some throws to that newfound weapon at tight end.
The Buckeyes should be in nickel most of the time this week, and will need a good pass rush to help contain dangerous playmaker Eric Page. The secondary welcomes back Travis Howard, who along with Clarke and Roby should see plenty of action. Once again, better athletes give the overall edge to the Buckeyes.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Toledo's offense has piled up big numbers in the past, but in 2009 at Browns Stadium the Buckeyes were able to get a shutout. Toledo's improved defense should spend less time on the field than they did 2 years ago, and improved depth makes them less likely to wear down. The Rockets are highly likely to get on the scoreboard for the first time ever against tOSU, and don't be surprised if they reach the end zone more than once, but the Buckeyes rushing attack will take its toll and the Rockets won't be able to cover the better Buckeye athletes all over the field.
Overall Defensive Rating: C+
2011 Toledo Rockets Special Teams Preview
Well there wasn't much to say about last week's Special Teams' effort against the Akron Zips. The game was such a walk-over that Special Teams' play did not factor in at the slightest.
Season Stats
Toledo
Punting: Vince Penza 2 for 76 yds, 38.0 avg, no returns (does not qualify for NCAA rankings)
Punt Returns: Eric Page 2 for 43 yds, 21.5 avg, 29 long (6th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns: Individual Eric Page 2 for 61 yds, 30.5 avg (15th Nationally), Bernard Reedy 1 for 17, 17 yds avg (does not qualify for NCAA rankings)
Punt Return Defense: No punts returns vs New Hampshire (does not qualify for NCAA rankings)
Kickoff Return Defense: 10 for 222 yds, 22.2 avg (74th Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting: Ben Buchanon 3 for 126 yds, 42.0 avg, 49 long, 2 inside the 20 (does not qualify for NCAA rankings)
Punt Returns: Individual: Corey Brown 2 for 28 yds, 14 avg, 17 long (16th Nationally), Devin Smith 1 for 3 yds, Chris Fields 1 for 7 yds Team: 4 for 38 yds, 9.5 avg
Kickoff Returns: Team/Individual Corey Brown 1 for 44 yds (does not qualify for NCAA rankings)
Punt Return Defense: 2 for 8 yds, 4.0 avg, 8 long (28th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense: 5 for 92 yds, 18.4 avg, 42 long (36th Nationally)
Special Teams
Placekicker:
#4 Ryan Casano (5-10, 178, Sr., Dripping Springs HS, Dripping Springs, TX)
Punter:
#35 Vince Penza (6-1 201 So., Cardinal Mooney HS, Canfield, OH)
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Kickoff Returners:
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]#12 Eric Page (5-10 180 Jr., Springfield HS, Toledo, OH)[/FONT]
[/FONT][FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]#11 Bernard Reedy (5-9 175 So., Lakewood HS, St. Petersburg, FL)[/FONT]
#22 David Fluellen (6-0, 215, So., Lockport HS, Lockport, NY)
Punt Returners:[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]#12 Eric Page (5-10 180 Jr., Springfield HS, Toledo, OH)[/FONT]
[/FONT][FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]#11 Bernard Reedy (5-9 175 So., Lakewood HS, St. Petersburg, FL)[/FONT]
Holder:
#35 Vince Penza (6-1 201 So., Cardinal Mooney HS, Canfield, OH)
Long Snapper:
[FONT=tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]#5 Matt Wall (6-1 218 So., Centerville HS, Centerville, OH)[/FONT]
Ohio State (Rivals)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
Punt Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
Kickoff Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
#16 Evan Spencer (6-1, 190, Fr., Vernon Hills HS, Vernon Hills, IL)
#15 Devin Smith (6-3, 190, Fr., Washington HS, Massillon, OH)
Head-to-Head: Toledo Punt team vs. Ohio State Punt Return Team.
It is impossible to gauge the effectiveness of Toledo's Punt team as they only had 2 punts last week against New Hampshire and neither were returned. The Buckeyes had a good game last week against Akron, returning 4 punts for 38 yds, a 9.5 avg.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Toledo Kickoff team vs. Ohio State Kickoff Return Team
The Rockets kickoff team was busy last week with 10 total kickoffs in their 58-22 victory. They allowed 222 yards (22.2 avg) with one return being 57 yds. Even though the Buckeyes only returned 1 kick last week against Akron, they made the most of it as Corey Brown took it back for 44 yards. OSU should win out in this one due to superior athletes.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Punt team vs. Toledo Punt Return Team
Ben Buchanan had a decent game against Akron last week averaging 42 yds per punt and putting 2 inside the 20. The Rockets returned 2 punts last week against New Hampshire for 43 yards, a stellar 21.5 average. The Buckeyes only allowed 8 yards in returns last week (one for 8 and the other for 0). Have they exorcised the ghosts of the last couple of years?
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Kickoff team vs. Toledo Kickoff Return Team.
Toledo's Eric Page can be tough in the kickoff return game, averaging a very nice 30.5 yards on 2 returns. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes defended 5 returns against Akron, allowing 92 yds, a 18.4 avg. This includes one return of 42 yards. They are ranked 46th nationally in this statistic after week one, a substantial improvement over last year. Again, I will lean on the "superior athletes" theory here, but Page will hurt them if they aren't aware of him and take care of business.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis
It is still difficult to predict Special Team's effectiveness due to the lack of statistical information. But we do have some numbers this year, albeit only 1 game. Neither teams' units were spectacular or abysmal. Toledo's kickoff defense unit got a workout defending 10 total kicks and allowing 222 yards, which is significant. Early returns are showing that the Buckeyes have shored up their hot-and-cold special teams play from last year, especially in the return defenses. While there is plenty of reason to believe that the offense and defense will not put pressure on the Special Teams to win the game, they should do their part to add to the firepower of this year's addition of Ohio State Football.
BB73's prediction: 37-16, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 35-0, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 35-24, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 42-13, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 35-17, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 48-10, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 35-0, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 35-24, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 42-13, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 35-17, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 48-10, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game Result: (tOSU 42, Akron 0)
(06) jwinslow's prediction: 45-3, Ohio State (6 + 0 last week = 06)
(07) BB73's prediction: 41-6, Ohio State (7 + 0 last week = 07)
(10) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-7, Ohio State (10 + 0 last week = 10
(10) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 52-0, Ohio State (10 + 0 last week = 10)
(13) JCOSU86's prediction: 48-7, Ohio State (13 + 0 last week= 13)
(17) Bucklion's prediction: 31-6, Ohio State (17 + 0 last week = 17)
(17) Bucky Katt's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (17 + 0 last week = 17)
Scores are adjusted for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
(06) jwinslow's prediction: 45-3, Ohio State (6 + 0 last week = 06)
(07) BB73's prediction: 41-6, Ohio State (7 + 0 last week = 07)
(10) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-7, Ohio State (10 + 0 last week = 10
(10) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 52-0, Ohio State (10 + 0 last week = 10)
(13) JCOSU86's prediction: 48-7, Ohio State (13 + 0 last week= 13)
(17) Bucklion's prediction: 31-6, Ohio State (17 + 0 last week = 17)
(17) Bucky Katt's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (17 + 0 last week = 17)
Scores are adjusted for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
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