 TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
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By Mike Sopher I’ll take 5-7 over 4-8 any day but last night was not about the records. It was about beating your rival, your arch enemy— the team you are expected to beat each season. In many aspects, this season was hard to swallow. Most expected 8-9 wins with another bowl trip and possible conference title shot. But last night left us with a smile. It didn’t salvage the season but it is something to build on for 2007. So, Rocket fans must put aside their frustrations for a little bit and reflect on the good notes of the 2006 season. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this will be my second edition of what “I am thankful for.” I am thankful for Jalen Parmalee. He ran over Bowling Green and pretty much the last four opponents for a 1,000 yard season. He is tough, agile, and a quick back who should repeat this year’s performance as a senior. I am thankful for Bruce Gradkowksi. Yeah he moved on to bigger and better things with the NFL, but at least he acknowledged the positives of playing for Toledo on ESPN2 last night. I am thankful for Barry Church. This true freshman has a ton of potential and by playing all season; the experience will only make him better next season. He not only is one of the leaders on the team in tackles, but unequivocally is a playmaker. He is someone an offense must pay attention to and must take into account for every possession. That is impressive enough for a two-year starter, let alone someone who was in high school six months ago. I am thankful for the offensive line, especially during the second half of the season. They continued to open holes for Parmalee, Davis, Collins, and Opelt and do a decent job pass-blocking. With several returning from injury next season, it should be solid once again. I am thankful for Tim Rose. Toledo’s defense does rank near the bottom of the conference and nationally in several categories but they do one thing good—keep opponents out of the endzone. Not only did this young and inexperienced group have to log ridiculous minutes on the field but they had to find ways to shut down the opposition. With Toledo’s offense sputtering through most of the year, the defense had to be counted on, and for the most part, it held its own. I am thankful for all the seniors. Sure they will leave here disappointed, but this class won 31 games in four years including a bowl game. That’s something to be proud of. I am thankful for Mike Alston. He will leave here one of the best pass rushing linebackers in school history and no one will forget his performance at the 2005 GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. I am thankful for Steve Odom. He is generally good for one catch a night and finished his career with at least one reception in 49 straight games— every game of his career and the longest current streak in the nation. That’s consistency and a record not to be broken for a long time. I am thankful for Aaron Opelt and his ability and toughness to get through an up and down season. Being thrown to the wolves at the quarterback position as a true freshman is asking a lot. Opelt handled himself very well despite several shortcomings that will only improve with time. To see his athleticism against the Falcons proves that he will be the starting quarterback for Toledo in the future. I am thankful for all the freshmen who saw significant playing time this season. Jared Dewalt, Barry Church, Archie Donald, Aaron Opelt, DaJuane Collins, Stephen Williams, Skylaar Constant, Walter Atkins, Derrick Summers, and Alex Steigerwald will be names familiar to us for the next three years. I am thankful for Coach Amstutz. In six seasons, he has put up 50 wins including two MAC titles and a 2-2 bowl record. What is best about this man is his positive energy. Toledo is his dream job and he makes it a point to express that. I am thankful for the fans. We kick some serious butt in promoting and rooting on our beloved Rockets this season. We are the 12th man of this football team and it shows in the Glass Bowl and throughout the country. No one has more devoted fans in the Mid American Conference, period. Finally, I am thankful for Gregg Brandon and his 1-3 record against Toledo. I sincerely hope the Dirty Bird athletic department has enough coins in its piggy bank to sign him through to 2018. If not, I think I have enough spare change to lend them a few dollars… Have a question or comment for Mike? Email |