2009 College Football Predictions: Toledo Rockets
This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions. Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).
2008 Record: (3-9, 2-6)
Coach: Tim Beckman, 1st year (0-0 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Matt Campbell (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Mike Ward (1st year) and Paul Nichols (1st year)
Returning Starters: 20 (9 offense, 9 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Aaron Opelt)
Offense: The Rockets bring in new coach Tim Beckman who is hoping to improve a moribund offense and a leaky defense. At least they return senior QB Aaron Opelt (6-2, 225), who threw for 2,176 yards with 12 TDs in an injury-plagued season. They also return senior RB DaJuane Collins (5-10, 211), who averaged 5.5 yards per carry with five TDs (700 yards). Sophomore Morgan Williams (5-11, 195), who ran for 1,010 yards despite being hampered by. They return two of the four starting receivers including two-time All-MAC selection Stephen Williams (6-5, 199), who had 781 yards in receiving. He has 144 catches and 15 TDs in his last two seasons. UP front, Toledo returns four starters led by seniors Jared DeWalt (6-4, 318) and senior Buster Garrett (6-3, 286).
Defense: The defense returns nine starters from a unit that allowed 31.4ppg and 381.4 yards per game. Beckman’s defensive background should help in revitalizing this unit. They return three of the four starters on the defensive line. While that’s a good thing, now they need production from those players. The Rockets finished with just 10 sacks in 2008 and that’s because the line was not generating a pass rush. At linebacker, junior Archie Donald returns from their 4-2-5 scheme. He led the team in tackles with 199 last year and is the leader of the defense. The secondary returns four of the five starters including senior S Barry Church (6-2, 219). Church could graduate as a four-time All-MAC selection and is on the Bronco Nagurski and Jim Thorpe lists. He has great size and range.
Outlook: The Rockets face Purdue on the road and then host Colorado at home. They also take on Ohio State in Cleveland and face Florida International on the road. In conference, they host Western Michigan and take on Central Michigan, Ball State and Bowling Green on the road. This is a tough schedule for a new coach that needs to rebuild most of his defense.
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