 TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
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By Mike Sopher This could be Toledo’s toughest remaining foe left in the 2005 regular season. I know Toledo has an upset minded Ohio team next week on the road followed by two MAC powerhouses in Northern Illinois and arch-rival Bowling Green. But if Toledo doesn’t squeak past a solid Central Michigan squad this Saturday, those games will be even more crucial. Toledo has a golden opportunity to possibly solidify their chance to earn a trip to Ford Field for the MAC Championship if they beat the Chippewas. I know a predicted guaranteed win at Ohio and at home against those pesky Huskies is rather absurd, but if Toledo wins their next game, the door to Detroit looks wide open. Especially if BG’s Omar Jacobs is out for the rest of the season. The Chippewas seem to have a well-balanced offensive attack led by Toledo native Kent Smith, a graduate of Start High School. He has thrown for over 1,400 yards this season for a little over 205 per game average. That is higher than Bruce Gradkowski, but only by a few yards. Smith’s favorite target appears to be junior Damien Linson, who is also the punt returner with a 15.0 avg. and one touchdown. Ontario Sneed, a true freshman from Illinois, looks to be the next break out back in the MAC conference. A versatile athlete, he is averaging a little over a hundred years each game with also over 200 yards receiving this year. Calling Sneed a factor in this game would be an understatement. Shutting down this sure-to-be All-MAC performer is a key for a Rockets victory. Oh, and the Chippewa offensive line is anchored with leadership and some youth. Toledo will have its hands full in the trenches for sure. Defensively, Central Michigan has given up some yardage. Opponents are averaging over 400 yards against the Chippewas this year, which may be good news to Toledo fans. But to think Bruce & Co. will have a walk in the park is preposterous. CMU ranks second in the MAC in scoring defense (22 ppg) and is also 2nd in rush defense giving up over 135 yards per game. Toledo is ranked first in both categories. The most impressive stat is the Chippewas' #1 ranking in turnover margin with a +8 in that category. They have recovered six fumbles and intercepted opposing quarterbacks six times. Also, their redzone defense is #1 in the MAC with a 69% success rating ahead of Toledo’s 72%. Linebacker Thomas Keith leads the team with 67 tackles with defensive lineman Daniel Bazuin leading the MAC with 8 sacks. Expect Toledo to be balanced in their offensive approach. The Chippewa pass defense is ranked #10 in the MAC so one would believe Amstutz will try to pass often and early. If the Rockets can establish a solid air attack, this game could get ugly quick. Also, Trinity Dawson, Quinton Broussard, Richard Davis, and Jalen Parmele will need to make some plays to take some of the pressure off Gradkowski. The Rockets defense will be tested early and will need a better showing than last week against Buffalo to keep this game close. Last year’s defense gave up over 300 yards passing to Smith and will be looking to avenge that performance. Many consider this defense to be the rock of the team and Coach Tim Rose has earned worthy praise for doing a commendable job in making this defense the best in the conference. If Toledo does well on both sides of the ball, they should cruise to a victory. But if the Rockets execute poorly, Central Michigan will have a very good chance of winning this game. A Chippewas win this Saturday makes the MAC West title race very interesting. This game scares me more than Northern Illinois and Bowling Green because Central Michigan finally has the team to beat Toledo. This will probably be a defensive struggle for most of the game unless both defenses don’t show up. Prediction: Toledo: 27 Central Michigan: 21 Have a question or comment for Mike? Email |