By John Agovino Aug 22, 2006, 14:55 GMT
OFFENSE: Last season the Rockets were an offensive juggernaut, averaging 35.8 ppg while leading the MAC with an impressive 236 ypg on the ground. Although Toledo is returning eight players on the offensive side, two of the most important pieces from last season, QB Bruce Gradkowski and RB Trinity Dawson are not among the eight. With the loss of those two players it will be extremely hard for Toledo to match its numbers from a year ago. Taking over under center for Gradkowski will be sophomore Clint Cochran, who has had very little game experience. Last year, Cochran threw for just 262 yards with only one touchdown. Usually quarterbacks are successful under Amstutz's system, so don't be surprised if the sophomore instantly shines for the Rockets. Cochran will not be short on weapons this season considering the entire receiving group from last season returns with Steve Odom leading the way. Odom paced the Rockets with 55 catches for 690 yards and six scores. Nick Moore and Andrew Hawkins will also give Cochran options down the field. Another question mark for the Rocket offense is the team's rushing attack, which not only lost Dawson, but also Quinton Broussard. Those two combined for 1,756 yards and 10 scores last season. Fortunately for the Rockets, they will have Scooter McDougle back this season. McDougle suffered an ACL injury and was lost for the year. At 6-0 and 245 pounds, McDougle is a bruising back and should give Rockets a solid ground this season.
DEFENSE: The Rockets changed from a 4-3 formation to a 3-4 in '05 and the team adjusted to the change well, surrendering just 21.8 ppg while allowing a mere 3.5 ypc. The Rockets return five of their top six players from last season's front line and should continue to improve. A huge question mark for Toledo this season will be at linebacker as six players return, but the loss of Anthony Jordan and David Thomas leaves the Rockets looking for someone to step up and fill the void. The only returning starter is Mike Alston who finished last year with 59 tackles and a team-best 9.5 sacks. The secondary will be led by free safety Tyrrell Herbert. Herbert was second on the squad last season with 94 stops and should once again be among the top defenders for Toledo. Although Herbert is back, the loss of Keon Jackson (75 tackles and four interceptions) and Antonio Malone leaves the Rockets with some holes to fill in the defensive backfield. As of now it seems that redshirt freshman Lester Richmond and sophomore Keiron Brown will join Herbert, along with cornerback Nigel Morris in the starting backfield for Amstutz's defense.
SPECIAL TEAMS: The Rockets' return game should once again be a threat thanks in large part to both Richard Davis and Odom. Last season, Odom averaged 24.8 ypr on kick-offs, while Davis tallied 22.8 ypr and also scored once. The Rockets did lose kicker Jason Robbins who was a perfect 13-of-13 on field goal attempts, but only one of the 13 came from outside 40 yards. Brett Kern is back to resume his duties as the team's punter. Last year Kern averaged 39.5 yards per punt, but because of four blocks (two returned for TDs) the punter's net yardage was just 30.9 yards per attempt.
OUTLOOK: The Rockets have been one of the premiere teams in the MAC since the arrival of Amstutz, and although the team is strapped with a tough schedule this year it should contend for its sixth MAC title in 12 seasons. However, as mentioned before the team's schedule is very difficult, especially on the road where the Rockets will open the season at Iowa State and Western Michigan. Toledo will also face a tough Pittsburgh squad away from the Glass Bowl as well as MAC divisional foe Northern Illinois. It is hard to count out Amstutz's Rockets, but considering the schedule and the loss of Gradkowski and Dawson this could be a down year for Toledo.
© 2006 The Sports Network
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