Glass Bowl - Toledo, OH
>> VMI received just 23 votes in the preseason poll, while the next lowest team (East Tennessee State) got 53 votes. Samford is the Southern Conference favorite and received 22 votes just for first place (204 overall).
>> How bad was it last year? Not only did the Keydets lose every game, VMI finished last in the nation in both scoring (8.0 ppg) and total offense (218.5 ypg).
>> Sophomore Kris Thornton (33 receptions, 340 yards, 2 TDs) and junior Rohan Martin (26 receptions, 149 yards, 1 TD) showed some promise and will likely be key targets. Sophomore offensive lineman Brad Davis (second team) was the only Keydet player to be listed on preseason all-conference teams.
>> While VMI returns 12 starters, Toledo is getting back 14 starters and are primed for another MAC West title run. They finished just behind Northern Illinois in both the preseason media and coaches polls.
Quarterback Logan Woodside is gone, but UT has a wealth of talent around Junior Mitchell Guadagni, who head coach Jason Candle recently named as starter for the opener.
For more on the Rockets, click HERE.