 TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
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By Mike Sopher I do not want to write this article. But I have to. Similar to most Rocket fans, I share a deep love for Toledo, especially their football team. But there are days like yesterday when it is good to let out my frustrations. So here it goes. . . I am frustrated that we consistently make too many mistakes when we play on the road, on national television, and against an out of conference opponent. I am frustrated that we get too many penalties called that are rally killers. I am frustrated that Coach Amstutz plays conservative when we are down by thirty points in the 3rd quarter. I realize we have a rookie quarterback in, but we need to show the opposition that we are still playing to win. I am frustrated that Amstutz, again, was out coached in a big non-conference game. I realize he was not responsible for the fumbles, interceptions, and bad special teams coverage, but he clearly did not have a good game plan to win last night. I am frustrated that our defense looked so good against our first three opponents, and also for two series in last night’s game, but then feel apart and literally got beat on almost every play from the line of scrimmage. I am frustrated that our defensive line was owned by Fresno State all night. We may be able to match up with the MAC and Division I-AA schools, but last night showed we are too small and slow for a good offensive line from a better conference. I am frustrated that we missed so many open field tackles last night. Our fundamentals on the defensive side of the ball looked poor all night long. I am frustrated that our special teams looked ugly last night. I am frustrated that experienced players fumbled the ball and dropped passes. I am frustrated that a very experienced receiver is rarely getting the ball thrown his way. I am frustrated that Fresno State clearly had the better athletes last night. Toledo could not match the Bulldogs speed and that is why Fresno had no trouble being effective on all sides of the ball. I am frustrated that we continue to lose big non-conference games on the road, on national television, in front of big crowds. It gives the public a perception that Toledo and the MAC are not ready for the “big boys” no matter how misconstrued that statement is. I am frustrated that an Ohio State fan will look at the Columbus paper this morning, see the score, and say something along the lines of “The MAC really stunk last night!” I am frustrated that my friends, who graduated from Toledo, remain loyal Ohio State fans and will only watch Toledo when they play on ESPN. I am also frustrated when they turn to me after the game and say “That’s why I follow Ohio State.” I am also frustrated that the MAC has taken a beating against non-conference opponents all year and then we scratch our heads when the national media takes stabs at us during their live broadcasts. But, in the end, I still have an undying love for my Toledo Rockets. Although last night’s game was heartbreaking and downright ugly at times, we still have a shot to be 11-1 or 10-2 this year. I know this team can bounce back and win out the rest of their schedule and contend for a MAC championship. I know this team can make it back to a bowl game for the fourth time in the past five years. But I really thought we could win this game. It hurts so bad that we looked like this on national television. This game was hopefully not viewed by potential recruits. The bottom line is this: I will always love my Rockets and will always root for them come win or lose. I know many Rocket fans share my passion for this team and will always defend Toledo and the MAC whenever the opportunity presents itself. Last night just hurt a lot. I needed to get out these frustrations because I care about this team. I guess now we just turn our attention to the MAC schedule and hope Toledo will repeat what they did last year. I am confident they will. I still believe in this team. Have a question or comment for Mike? Email |