OVERVIEW:
Close - but not close enough!
That phrase fit the 2021 Toledo Rockets, who nearly beat No. 8 Notre Dame (32-29) in non-conference play and dropped three MAC contests by a total of eight points. The fatal shot was a 22-20 loss to eventual MAC champ Northern Illinois. In a final disappointment, the Rockets fell to Coastal Carolina 47-41 at the Tailgreeter Cure Bowl.
Fortunately for Toledo fans, there is abundant talent to make another MAC title (and bowl) run in 2022. Sure, Northern Illinois returns its own strong contingent and got the preseason MAC media preseason nod to the title. However, UT was only two points back in overall voting and two votes behind NIU in first place votes.
► Toledo was second among MAC teams in scoring (33.4 ppg), just one-half point behind Western Michigan. The Rockets were fourth in total offense (435.8 ypg), fourth in rushing (196.4 ypg) and sixth in passing (239.4 ypg).
► Eight starters return on offense, led by Dequan Finn. UT topped the conference in pass efficiency and the sophomore quarterback completed 57.6 percent of his passes. Toledo amassed 2,067 passing yards and 18 TDs against just two interceptions during 2021. Finn also ran 112 times for a total of 501 yards and nine scores. “One thing I’ve really appreciated about DQ is his ability to do the right thing -- to make good decisions,” head coach Jason Campbell said.
► Matt Landers, who caught 20 balls and scored five TDs while averaging a whopping 25.7 ypc transferred out, but team leader Devin Maddox (41 catches, 567 yards, 4 TDs) and Jerjuan Newton return to lead the receiving corps. Tight end Jamal Turner (6.6, 245) grabbed eight aerials and tallied one TD last year.
► Top rusher Bryant Koback (NFL - Minnesota Vikings) is gone after earning First Team All-MAC honors. However, sophomore Micah Kelly (5-9, 200) and Jacquez Stuart are back. They combined for 105 carries, 564 yards and 4 TDs last year. “Once a good player moves on, that always opens up an opportunity for somebody . . . that’s kind of waiting his turn,” Campbell said. “Hopefully, somebody will take the reins, but if it's gotta be by committee, so be it, but we’re going to run that ball.”
► Benefitting both the passing and run games is a veteran line. Four starters return. Among them, Nick Rosi is back after missing 2021 due to injury, but he earned All-MAC honors in 2019.
► Toledo ranked first among MAC teams in scoring defense (21.8 ppg) and was second in total defense (350.8 ypg). The Rockets were fourth against the run (151.5 ypg) and third in passing defense (199.4 ypg).
► Eight starters return, including five All-MAC selections.
► Sophomore safety Maxen Hook led all Rocket defenders last year with 96 tackles. Nate Bauer and Quinyon Mitchell also return to anchor the secondary.
► Linebackers Jamal Hines (First Team All-MAC) and Dyontae Johnson -- both seniors -- combined for 173 tackles and 12.5 sacks.
► Defensive end Desjuan earned Second Team All-MAC honors in each of the last two seasons and notched 70 tackles and 12.5 TFL. Judge Culpepper also returns.
► Placekicker Thomas Cluckey hit all 52 PAT boots and was 14 of 24 on field goals last year. He had a long of 50 yards versus CMU. UT must replace punter Bailey Flint.
Maddox earned Second Team All-MAC honors as a punt return specialist last year, while Stuart is back to return kickoffs.
MISC:
► After home contests against Long Island University and UMass, Toledo finishes non-conference play at No. 2 Ohio and San Diego State.
► UT opens MAC action at home against a solid Central Michigan team and then must face defending MAC champ Northern Iowa in DeKalb the following week. Kent State, Buffalo and Bowling Green are MAC East opponents.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The margin for error in just reaching a MAC title game is ultra slim. Not only are there few games that can be “taken for granted,” the ultimate champ is typically the team that pulls out close games. Last year, that was Northern Illinois.
Losing at Notre Dame in the closing moments was certainly disappointing, but dropping those close MAC games -- especially against NIU - kept Toledo out of the conference championship title again.
The Rockets have a wealth of talent once again, but they’ll have to take care of business at home and rise to challenges on the road. Northern Illinois, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan are all road tilts, with the Broncos hosting UT’s regular season finale.
Asked about living up to the high expectations for Toledo football this year, Campbell said, “ We embrace that challenge.”