 TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
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By Mike Sopher 
I knew this team would perform well once they got off the bus a few hours before kickoff at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.Not one player acknowledged the dozens of fans cheering and waving just feet away. Eyes were straightforward with a look of determination that could only mean one thing: This team was focused. And it showed on the field. Toledo’s 45-13 win over the University of Texas El-Paso in the GMAC Bowl put an exclamation mark on the 2005 season. Although the Rockets were not able to defend their Mid-American Conference title, the team finished with a solid 9-3 record and concluded its season with a win for the first time since 2001. The GMAC Bowl provided a new opportunity for the Rockets to showcase their talent in an area that rarely is exposed to the MAC. With the win on Wednesday night, Toledo improved the MAC’s record in Mobile, Alabama to 5-0, and folks in this particular region are becoming aware of the quality level of football being played in this conference. Toledo needed playmakers Wednesday night. They needed guys to step up and deliver on the field. Junior linebacker Mike Alston had the biggest night of his career as a Rocket. With 5 tackles and 3 sacks, Alston backed up his 1st Team All-MAC selection, and turned a lot of heads in Ladd-Peebles Stadium. But he wasn’t the only one. The biggest surprise of the night was unquestionably the play of the wide receivers. Junior Steve Odom, Sophomore David Washington, and Redshirt Freshman Nick Moore all stepped up and performed at a high level. Washington’s touchdown grab in the 2nd quarter capped a 7 play, 75 yard drive that put Toledo up by two scores. Odom’s touchdown later in the quarter perhaps became the nail in the coffin to UTEP’s hopes of a comeback, which had scored its previous two possessions. Combined these three individuals constituted over 50% of the Rocket passing attack and over 70% of its scoring. With all three returning next season, this receiving corps should be one of the most dangerous in the MAC. Not surprisingly, the Rockets were able to move the football on the ground. Amassing 175 yards of the ground, the Toledo offensive line was able to open a few holes for Trinity Dawson, Jalen Parmalee, and Quinton Broussard. Though the Rockets failed to score a rushing touchdown for the first time since the Central Michigan game, the ability to once again offer a balance attack allowed Bruce Gradkowski more flexibility and time to pick apart the UTEP defense. Going into the game not many believed Toledo’s defense would play this well. Touted as a high scoring game, experts and fans predicted both offenses would be able to score often and generally at will. However, no one bothered to inform Coach Tim Rose and the Rocket defense of these predictions. In fact, no one expected one of the MAC’s toughest defenses to shine on this night. Senior linebacker David Thomas: “We just came and played the best game we could ever play. It was kind of like everything we did was right.” Boy was that true. With at least 7 starters returning next year, expectations will again be high for this defense. But Rocket fans are beginning to believe in Coach Rose and the 3-4 scheme. All in all the victory Wednesday night did wonders for the University of Toledo. Recruits who saw the game surely came away with a smile. Fans and alumni finally tasted a bowl victory for the first time in 4 years. But most importantly, the seniors concluded their final game with a win and firmly left their mark as one of the best classes Toledo has ever had. Have a question or comment for Mike? Email |