 TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
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By Mike Sopher Yeah Northern Illinois finally shook off the “Toledo curse.” They deserve congratulations from Rocket fans. They played a hard fought game and won it fair and square. On the other side, Toledo disappointed a lot of Rocket fans last night. However, as I watched the game, I wasn’t surprised by the outcome. I have come to the conclusion that this year’s team is too young and inexperienced to win the MAC West and a berth for a conference championship. Here’s why: Our number one concern is the wide receivers. We drop too many balls. We do not have a go to type receiver. Junior Steve Odom is a good number two receiver, but putting him in that lead role has proved too much. Nick Moore is talented, and I expect great things out of him in the future, but he is young. Andrew Hawkins, Pete Lepley, and David Washington are talented, but constitute many of Toledo’s dropped passes and fumbles, especially last night. Bottom line is these guys have not stepped up, but the learning experience should benefit them for the next few seasons. On a side note, I pray Nick Moore will make a speedy recovery from that vicious hit he took in the fourth quarter. Hopefully, he will be able to suit up one more time in 2005. Bruce Gradkowski has been a tremendous quarterback at Toledo. He has broken several records and can arguably be a legitimate early round pick in next April’s NFL draft. But this year has tested Bruce’s poise and leadership abilities. He has passed considerably on both. Because of a lack of reliable targets, Bruce has tried too hard to win games by himself. Last night, Bruce made mistakes because he tried to make the perfect play. Sometimes he succeeds, but last night he did not. The defense has been good for most of the year. Statistically up to last night, we are number one in the MAC in overall defense. I give my congrats to these guys and the coaching staff for doing a complete 180 degree turn from last year. We have many solid defenders returning and I expect our defense to not miss a step in 2006. Without their quality play throughout the year, Toledo would not be in a position to win the MAC West. That is true. I realize we can still win the MAC. But to think we will knock off Bowling Green next week at their house with the way they played against Miami is, perhaps, wishful thinking. Omar Jacobs is back and the Falcons are rolling. Stranger things have happened in the MAC, but Toledo needs a perfect game to beat the Falcons. My! How opinions have changed in a week! If Toledo does end up at 7-4, don’t be too disappointed. Given the talent we have coming back, 2006 should be an exciting year with expectations remaining the same. A big thanks to the seniors for a tremendous four years. I know they went out on a loss at the Glass Bowl, which rarely happens, but these guys gave us their heart and soul for four years. We will miss you guys. Go Rockets and I hope the Huskies lose at Kalamazoo! Have a question or comment for Mike? Email |