 TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
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By Mike Sopher At the beginning of the 2005 season, how many Rocket fans would have accepted a 9-3 record with a bowl win? I know I would have. Starting on a Thursday night in September, the Rockets convincingly beat a supposedly “MAC Killer” in Western Illinois. Sure, the Leathernecks were only a Division 1-AA team. But with a previous 4-0 record against the MAC, some thought that on this night the Rockets could be upset on their homefield. Senior cornerback Antonio Malone put to rest those doubts with a 60 yard interception return for a touchdown on the game’s sixth play. Afterwards, Toledo would roll through two more victories over MAC opponents in Western Michigan and Temple University. Then came Fresno State where everything that had gone right for the Rockets suddenly went wrong. After the 44-14 trouncing, many fans began to question how far this team would go. The team responded with three straight wins over Eastern Michigan, Ball State, and Buffalo. The win at Ball State was impressive in that it finally broke the “curse” that had prevented the Rockets from winning in Muncie since 1999. Still, after the Buffalo game many continued to question how successful this team would be against the top teams in the MAC. With a tough road schedule looming ahead in Central Michigan, Ohio, and Bowling Green, followed by one more home game against Northern Illinois, some believed a split in these games would not be enough for Toledo to defend its MAC title and get to a bowl game. Nevertheless, Toledo did end up splitting these games with losses coming from Central Michigan and Northern Illinois. The overtime victory at Bowling Green was undoubtedly the Rockets biggest win of the regular season. Previously, the road team of this rivalry had not won since 1997 when the Rockets defeated the Falcons 35-20. With this 44-41 thriller on ESPN 2, the Rocket seniors moved their record against Bowling Green to 3-1. Furthermore, this game capped off a disappointing season for the Falcons who were tabbed by the media to win the MAC yet only finished 6-5. Unfortunately, the loss at home against the Huskies prevented Toledo from defending its Mid-American Conference title in Detroit, Michigan. However, before the championship game, Toledo accepted an invitation into the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Though upsetting many Huskie fans in the process, who felt they deserved that honor, the Rockets were poised for their fourth bowl game in the previous five seasons. Finally, on December 21, the Rockets faced the UTEP Miners on national television. The previous night, hundreds of Rocket fans joined in the annual Mardi Gras parade held in downtown Mobile. With the Jambulance and marching band in the parade route, Mobileans and UTEP followers got a taste of what Toledo brought to the picture. During the game, Toledo showcased its talent on both sides of the football. A lot of individuals stepped up on this night for Toledo and the senior class ended their careers with an exclamation point. No one expected the final score of 45-13, but Toledo fans surely enjoyed it. Thousands of Rocket fans had traveled down to Mobile and all were leaving with a smile. The game did wonders for the university and unquestionably helped Toledo in its recruiting process for the next season. Not one area on this football team performed poorly in the 2005 season. Overall, this probably could be considered as Toledo’s most balanced team since Amstutz’s first season in 2001. Nonetheless, here is a quick review by position of the 2005 Rockets. Offense: Quarterback: Bruce Gradkowski had a tremendous senior season, but the stats won’t back up that statement. True, Bruce’s numbers were down from last season. If one throws in the inexperience of the wide receivers and the depth of the running corps, it’s no wonder Bruce didn’t throw for more yards or touchdowns. However, Bruce made plays throughout the season and no one will forget his lob to tight end Chris Hopkins in overtime upset the Bowling Green Falcons. Grade: A- Running Backs: Loaded with depth and talent, this group of young men combined for over 2,500 rushing yards this season. Led by seniors Trinity Dawson and Quinton Broussard, the backs averaged over 5 yards a carry and effectively gave Toledo a solid ground game that opponents had to prepare and adjust for. Grade: A- Wide Receivers: Young and inexperienced, this talented corps initially had fans worried about their progression and execution. Dropped passes and missed routes in the early part of the season irritated fans immensely. However, as the season got to a close, the light bulb finally went off. In the last two games of the 2005 season, Toledo’s receivers accounted for much of the offense. Making big catches and holding onto key blocks, these receivers helped the Rockets earn their two biggest wins of the year. Grade: B Tight Ends: Young but experienced, this corps became Gradkowski’s most reliable targets for the season. Catching key passes and accounting for most of Bruce’s touchdown completions, these men continued Toledo’s strong history of producing talented tight ends. Grade: B+ Offensive Line: Always consistent and reliable in the trenches, these “buffet busters” opened holes for Toledo’s running backs and protected Bruce Gradkowski in the pocket. With allowing only 13 sacks on the season, this talented line will return four of the five starters next season including all backups. Grade: A Defense: Defensive Line: Question marks still surrounded this group at the beginning of the season due to its youth and inexperience. However, any doubts were put to rest as these men were consistent all season. Though not one individual at the top of the team in tackles or sacks, they gave Coach Tim Rose a lot of smiles during the season. All return next season and should give Toledo one of its most solid lines in the MAC. Grade: B+ Linebackers: Loaded with experience and talent, this was the rock of Toledo’s defense. With its switch to a 3-4 alignment at the beginning of the season, the Rockets depended on this group to carry its defense throughout the season. Led by seniors Anthony Jordan and David Thomas, and junior Mike Alston, the linebacking corps established itself as one of the best in the conference. Grade: A Secondary: This was another area of concern for Rocket fans before the season. Because of its poor play in 2004, and the loss of senior Patrick Body to the NFL, many did not expect this group to have the year it did in 2005. Holding opponents to under 200 yards passing a game and intercepting 15 passes, these men had the best turnaround of any unit this season. Led by seniors Keon Jackson and Antonio Malone, the Rockets established themselves as one of the best secondaries in Amstutz’s tenure. Grade: A- Special Teams: Kicking: One will never forget the senior season of Jason Robbins. Heavily criticized throughout his career, Robbins was a perfect 13-13 on field goals this season including a career long of 44 yards during the Bowling Green game. Though the kicking game was never a forte of Amstutz’s strategy in games, Robbins became a reliable and consistent kicker for the Rockets in 2005. Grade: A Punting: With only 33 punts in 12 games, sophomore Brett Kern made the most of his opportunities in 2005. Consistently accurate and averaging slightly less than 40 yards a punt, Kern could always be counted on for putting the opposition in bad field position. Grade: B+ Overall, 2005 was a special season for the team and its fan base. A 9-3 record is always a good accomplishment and with the last two games turning out as victories, many are excited for the following season. I know I am. Have a question or comment for Mike? Email |