NCAA Football
Toledo Football Preview
On the banks of the Maumee River sits a team that has always been good, but was always stuck playing second fiddle to NIU. This was the case until last year when, after 6 years of losing nail-biters and future classics, they finally took down Northern Illinois on their way to their first MAC Championship since 2004. They would get blown out in their bowl game. They now look to replace multiple key players, including quarterback Logan Woodside. This doesn’t seem to be much of a challenge for this team however, considering the recruits they’ve consistently landed and the talent development found in Toledo football.
One Big Question?
Can they find a quarterback that can replace Woodside? The 2017 MAC Offensive Player of the Year and 7th round pick leaves a massive hole that needs to be replaced by either Mitch Guadagni or Caleb Martin. Also, can the Rockets find consistency in their running game?
Prediction
Toledo has a favorable non-conference schedule, only facing one Power Five team. Their conference schedule isn’t too demanding either, pulling Bowling Green, Kent State, and Buffalo from the East. Overall, I can see this team going 10-2 with losses to Miami (FL) and NIU.
Game to Watch
This is pretty obvious. The game of the year in the MAC for this entire decade. The NIU and Toledo game is essentially a MAC West championship game and will probably determine who wins the conference outright. This will be fun to watch as always.
Upset Alert
Western Michigan could be a possibility, but I’m going with Buffalo. The team is up and coming. A win against a perennial MAC contender can change the program’s philosophy, and they have no one to look forward to as they have the week off afterwards. Unlike Toledo, who has to look forward to Western Michigan (a tough game that could be another upset.)
