Milford Prep Academy wide receiver Alonzo Russell has committed to the University of Toledo. The three star recruit, originally from Washington DC, committed to Toledo over an impressive offer list that includes Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina State, Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Temple, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia. Rivals.com rated Russell the #14 prep school prospect in the country. Russell (6-4, 188, 4.5) took an official visit to Toledo the weekend of December 10th.
Russell had 27 receptions for 353 yards and 6 TD's this past season for Milford Academy. His game high was 9 receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Grumpy Golden Panthers Growling to Take on Rockets
My View – Bonus Holiday Edition
Playing the Rockets in the school’s first ever bowl appearance has a somewhat bitter taste on the Panthers pallet. To a player and coach they felt dissed by the bowl selection committee. Sharing the Sunbelt title with Troy, a team they handled 52-35, FIU felt they deserved to play in the New Orleans Bowl. They view Detroit and the Little Caesar Bowl as a consolation prize. Not far below the surface I’m guessing is a the-Sunbelt-is-better-than-the-MAC attitude too.
Emotions aside, this is a big game for both schools. The FIU football program is in its ninth year winning, okay, sharing its first league title and first bowl trip. This year the Rockets have stopped the bleeding of four consecutive losing seasons while posting the second best league record this year.
The parallels between UT and FIU on the field this year continue. Reviewing the NCAA regular season stats have the two teams very evenly matched with three exceptions: turnover and kickoff returns advantage goes to the Rockets while field goal scoring advantage goes to FIU.
FIU on Offense
The success of the Golden Panthers goes mostly to the offense triggered by Mississippi State transfer QB Wesley Carroll. For most of the season Carroll and his receiving corps carried the load waiting the rushing attack to jell. Carroll has connected on about 62 percent of his passes for 2,438 yards. He has 15 TD passes to go with 13 INTs.
Carroll’s top two receivers, T.Y. Hilton (5’10”, 183#) and Greg Ellingson (6’4”, 195#), have accounted for 42% of the catches, 53% of the passing yardage and 60% of the TD receptions. Wayne Times and RB Darian Mallary have 26 and 22 receptions respectively, each with one TD grab.
The FIU ground game showed up later in the season and is led by a tandem of RBs. Darian Mallary (699 yards, 5.7 ypc) and Darriet Perry (730 yards, 4.6 ypc) provide a solid 1-2 punch. Mallary (5’8”, 175#) has the speed while Perry (5’9”, 202#) runs with power and has 14 rushing TDs. Hilton has run the ball 26 times averaging close to 11 yards per touch.
All-Sun Belt first team center Brad Serini leads an offensive line that has been solidified with the same starters in the last four games overcoming early shuffling along the OL.
FIU on Defense
It’s been an up and down year for the Golden Panthers defensive unit. Going from a 3-4 scheme to a 4-3 alignment from the second game on, the defense steadily improved. By mid-season the rap on this group was their tendency to give up yards in bunches. The defense tighten up during the second half of the season thanks in part to the offense racking up points and taking time off the clock.
Three FIU players earned All-Sun Belt first team defensive honors: DE Jarvis Wilson (13 TFL and 7.5 sacks), LB Toronto Smith (10.5 TFL and 4 sacks) and CB Anthony Gaitor (8.5 TFL, 3 sacks, and 2 INTs). DE Tourek Williams (12.5 TFL and 6 sacks) and S Jonathan Cyprien (a team high105 tackles) were named to the second team.
FIU Special Teams
Punting and kickoff coverage are two of the weak spots for FIU. The punt return unit is decent while the kickoff return team is excellent, both thanks to T.Y. Hilton. SO Jack Griffin has connected on 15 of 18 FG attempts including a season long of 50 yards.
What to Look For:
• FIU will try to make it the T.Y. Hilton show. He’s a legitimate threat to score every time he touches the ball running the ball on sweeps, catching the ball, and handling kick and punt returns.
• The Rockets to bring pressure early and often to get Carroll uncomfortable.
• Rockets to win the turnover battle mostly on INTs.
• TO to offset FIU’s defensive rush with his quick release.
• Rockets OL to create running lanes for UT running backs, particularly in the second half as their size wears on FIU smaller defensive lineman and line backers.
• FIU will have more, perhaps significantly more, penalties than the Rockets.
• FIU to put heavy pressure on UT’s punting unit going for blocks.
• A game with T.Y. Hilton and Eric Page will be fun to watch.
• Somewhere around 1,000 FIU fans in the stands of Ford Field surrounded by lots of Gold and Midnight Blue.
• The Golden Dazzlers – Terry knows!
GO ROCKETS!
Game Time: Sunday, December 26 (8:30 p.m.ET, ESPN)
Location: Ford Field, Detroit
Weather Forecast: High of 26 degrees, low of 17 outside; inside just right;-)
Tickets: Call 419-530-GOLD
Playing the Rockets in the school’s first ever bowl appearance has a somewhat bitter taste on the Panthers pallet. To a player and coach they felt dissed by the bowl selection committee. Sharing the Sunbelt title with Troy, a team they handled 52-35, FIU felt they deserved to play in the New Orleans Bowl. They view Detroit and the Little Caesar Bowl as a consolation prize. Not far below the surface I’m guessing is a the-Sunbelt-is-better-than-the-MAC attitude too.
Emotions aside, this is a big game for both schools. The FIU football program is in its ninth year winning, okay, sharing its first league title and first bowl trip. This year the Rockets have stopped the bleeding of four consecutive losing seasons while posting the second best league record this year.
The parallels between UT and FIU on the field this year continue. Reviewing the NCAA regular season stats have the two teams very evenly matched with three exceptions: turnover and kickoff returns advantage goes to the Rockets while field goal scoring advantage goes to FIU.
FIU on Offense
The success of the Golden Panthers goes mostly to the offense triggered by Mississippi State transfer QB Wesley Carroll. For most of the season Carroll and his receiving corps carried the load waiting the rushing attack to jell. Carroll has connected on about 62 percent of his passes for 2,438 yards. He has 15 TD passes to go with 13 INTs.
Carroll’s top two receivers, T.Y. Hilton (5’10”, 183#) and Greg Ellingson (6’4”, 195#), have accounted for 42% of the catches, 53% of the passing yardage and 60% of the TD receptions. Wayne Times and RB Darian Mallary have 26 and 22 receptions respectively, each with one TD grab.
The FIU ground game showed up later in the season and is led by a tandem of RBs. Darian Mallary (699 yards, 5.7 ypc) and Darriet Perry (730 yards, 4.6 ypc) provide a solid 1-2 punch. Mallary (5’8”, 175#) has the speed while Perry (5’9”, 202#) runs with power and has 14 rushing TDs. Hilton has run the ball 26 times averaging close to 11 yards per touch.
All-Sun Belt first team center Brad Serini leads an offensive line that has been solidified with the same starters in the last four games overcoming early shuffling along the OL.
FIU on Defense
It’s been an up and down year for the Golden Panthers defensive unit. Going from a 3-4 scheme to a 4-3 alignment from the second game on, the defense steadily improved. By mid-season the rap on this group was their tendency to give up yards in bunches. The defense tighten up during the second half of the season thanks in part to the offense racking up points and taking time off the clock.
Three FIU players earned All-Sun Belt first team defensive honors: DE Jarvis Wilson (13 TFL and 7.5 sacks), LB Toronto Smith (10.5 TFL and 4 sacks) and CB Anthony Gaitor (8.5 TFL, 3 sacks, and 2 INTs). DE Tourek Williams (12.5 TFL and 6 sacks) and S Jonathan Cyprien (a team high105 tackles) were named to the second team.
FIU Special Teams
Punting and kickoff coverage are two of the weak spots for FIU. The punt return unit is decent while the kickoff return team is excellent, both thanks to T.Y. Hilton. SO Jack Griffin has connected on 15 of 18 FG attempts including a season long of 50 yards.
What to Look For:
• FIU will try to make it the T.Y. Hilton show. He’s a legitimate threat to score every time he touches the ball running the ball on sweeps, catching the ball, and handling kick and punt returns.
• The Rockets to bring pressure early and often to get Carroll uncomfortable.
• Rockets to win the turnover battle mostly on INTs.
• TO to offset FIU’s defensive rush with his quick release.
• Rockets OL to create running lanes for UT running backs, particularly in the second half as their size wears on FIU smaller defensive lineman and line backers.
• FIU will have more, perhaps significantly more, penalties than the Rockets.
• FIU to put heavy pressure on UT’s punting unit going for blocks.
• A game with T.Y. Hilton and Eric Page will be fun to watch.
• Somewhere around 1,000 FIU fans in the stands of Ford Field surrounded by lots of Gold and Midnight Blue.
• The Golden Dazzlers – Terry knows!
GO ROCKETS!
Game Time: Sunday, December 26 (8:30 p.m.ET, ESPN)
Location: Ford Field, Detroit
Weather Forecast: High of 26 degrees, low of 17 outside; inside just right;-)
Tickets: Call 419-530-GOLD
Thursday, December 16, 2010
More on Bjorklund's Commitment
Toledo dipped into the state of Minnesota for a 2nd time in the 2011 recruiting class, with a commitment from Rosemount High School offensive lineman Joe Bjorklund. The 6-5, 285 pound Bjorklund committed to Toledo head coach Tim Beckman and the Toledo Rockets earlier this evening. Bjorklund joins tight end Colby Kratch, North Dakota State College of Science, but originally from Watertown High School in Watertown, as Minnesota natives in Toledo's 2011 football recruiting class.
Bjorklund chose the Rockets over offers from Wyoming, Northern Iowa, Illinois State, and North Dakota State. Bjorklund has also been receiving interest from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan State, and Iowa.
Minnesota began recruiting Bjorklund when Jerry Kill left Northern Illinois to become the head coach at the Minnesota Golden Gophers. In fact, Bjorklund visited Minnesota last weekend. He then visited North Dakota State yesterday, before deciding to make his commitment to Toledo.
Bjorklund helped lead Rosemount to a 12-1 record this past fall, losing in the Minnesota Class 5A Prep Bowl.
Bjorklund chose the Rockets over offers from Wyoming, Northern Iowa, Illinois State, and North Dakota State. Bjorklund has also been receiving interest from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan State, and Iowa.
Minnesota began recruiting Bjorklund when Jerry Kill left Northern Illinois to become the head coach at the Minnesota Golden Gophers. In fact, Bjorklund visited Minnesota last weekend. He then visited North Dakota State yesterday, before deciding to make his commitment to Toledo.
Bjorklund helped lead Rosemount to a 12-1 record this past fall, losing in the Minnesota Class 5A Prep Bowl.
OL Commits
OL Joe Bjorklund (6-5, 285) of Rosemount, MN has committed to Toledo. Offers from Toledo, Wyoming, Northern Iowa, and North Dakota State. More info on this latest commitment will be posted later this evening.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Rocket Football Signs Two JUCO Transfers
Today is the first day that mid-year transfers and JUCO's can sign NLI's, and the University of Toledo signed two very talented players in LB Jordan Barnes and TE Colby Kratch.
Jordan Barnes signed with Oklahoma State, after originally giving an oral commitment to Michigan and then deciding to switch to Oklahoma State, in the 2009 recruiting class. The Fort Wayne, IN native was a three star recruit and ranked the 28th best prospect in the country at his position. He signed with Oklahoma State over offers from Alabama, Indiana, Illinois, Louisville, Michigan, Northwestern, Oregon, Purdue, and Wisconsin.
Barnes (6-0, 243, 4.5) redshirted at Oklahoma State in 2009 and then transferred to Western Oklahoma to finish an Associate's degree. He will have three years of eligibility remaining and he will be eligible to play right away in 2011, beginning with spring practices. His father played football for Purdue and then the Detroit Lions in the NFL.
Colby Kratch is a 6-4, 245 pound tight end that played his JUCO ball at North Dakota State College of Science. He had 10 receptions for 99 yards this past fall. He has three years to play two (two years of eligibility remaining) at the University of Toledo. He will also be available for spring practices.
Jordan Barnes signed with Oklahoma State, after originally giving an oral commitment to Michigan and then deciding to switch to Oklahoma State, in the 2009 recruiting class. The Fort Wayne, IN native was a three star recruit and ranked the 28th best prospect in the country at his position. He signed with Oklahoma State over offers from Alabama, Indiana, Illinois, Louisville, Michigan, Northwestern, Oregon, Purdue, and Wisconsin.
Barnes (6-0, 243, 4.5) redshirted at Oklahoma State in 2009 and then transferred to Western Oklahoma to finish an Associate's degree. He will have three years of eligibility remaining and he will be eligible to play right away in 2011, beginning with spring practices. His father played football for Purdue and then the Detroit Lions in the NFL.
Colby Kratch is a 6-4, 245 pound tight end that played his JUCO ball at North Dakota State College of Science. He had 10 receptions for 99 yards this past fall. He has three years to play two (two years of eligibility remaining) at the University of Toledo. He will also be available for spring practices.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Haden Brothers Transferring to UT
Josh and Jordan Haden visited the University of Toledo over the weekend and have decided to enroll at Toledo for January classes, and join the Toledo Rockets football program.
Josh is a former 4 star recruit from the class of 2008. He was ranked the #3 running back prospect in the country by Rivals for the 2008 recruiting class. He signed with Boston College over offers from Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio State, and Tennessee. Josh is 5-8, 185 pounds, and runs a 4.41 forty yard dash.
As a freshman at Boston College in 2008, he rushed for 479 yards and one touchdown, while catching 13 passes for 100 yards. His rushing attempts were cut in half as a sophomore in 2009, and he decided to transfer. He sat out the 2010 season. He will be joining the Rockets in January with two years of eligibility left.
Jordan is a former 4 star recruit from the class of 2010. He was ranked the #12 defensive back prospect in the country by Rivals for the 2010 recruiting class. He signed with Florida over offers from Boston College, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest. Jordan is 6-0, 198 pounds, and he runs a 4.41 forty yard dash.
Jordan was granted his release in August of this year and sat out 2010, so he still has four years of eligibility left. His father said that the reason he decided to leave Florida was because it was not a good fit for Jordan. The Florida Gators Sports Information Department said that Jordan enrolled in January of 2010 and participated in spring practices. Then in August he asked for a release and was granted a full release with no restrictions on which college he could transfer to.
The brothers attended Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Maryland. Their older brother, Joe, was an All-American safety with the Florida Gators and was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. They also have a younger brother that is just a freshman in high school.
Josh is a former 4 star recruit from the class of 2008. He was ranked the #3 running back prospect in the country by Rivals for the 2008 recruiting class. He signed with Boston College over offers from Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio State, and Tennessee. Josh is 5-8, 185 pounds, and runs a 4.41 forty yard dash.
As a freshman at Boston College in 2008, he rushed for 479 yards and one touchdown, while catching 13 passes for 100 yards. His rushing attempts were cut in half as a sophomore in 2009, and he decided to transfer. He sat out the 2010 season. He will be joining the Rockets in January with two years of eligibility left.
Jordan is a former 4 star recruit from the class of 2010. He was ranked the #12 defensive back prospect in the country by Rivals for the 2010 recruiting class. He signed with Florida over offers from Boston College, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest. Jordan is 6-0, 198 pounds, and he runs a 4.41 forty yard dash.
Jordan was granted his release in August of this year and sat out 2010, so he still has four years of eligibility left. His father said that the reason he decided to leave Florida was because it was not a good fit for Jordan. The Florida Gators Sports Information Department said that Jordan enrolled in January of 2010 and participated in spring practices. Then in August he asked for a release and was granted a full release with no restrictions on which college he could transfer to.
The brothers attended Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Maryland. Their older brother, Joe, was an All-American safety with the Florida Gators and was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. They also have a younger brother that is just a freshman in high school.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Local Prep Star Commits to Toledo
St. John's Jesuit prep star Cheatham Norrils has committed to the University of Toledo. The 5-11, 175 pound WR/DB will play cornerback at Toledo. Norrils reportedly chose Toledo over offers from Air Force, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, and Miami (OH).
Monday, December 6, 2010
Kicker Commits to Toledo
Kicker J.D. Detmer of Hilliard Davidson High School has committed to play football at the University of Toledo. He will be part of the 2011 recruiting class.
Detmer, 5-8 and 170 pounds, received an offer from Toledo a little over a month ago and gave head coach Tim Beckman his verbal commitment today. Detmer was a soccer player that went out for the football team as a sophomore in high school, and made it as their kicker. As a senior this fall he made 13 of 16 field goal attempts, including a 58 yard field goal. Six of his 13 made field goals were from over 40 yards. He made 53 of 55 extra points this season.
He was named 1st Team All Metro by the Columbus Dispatch. He is also a very good student, currently holding a 3.3 GPA.
Detmer, 5-8 and 170 pounds, received an offer from Toledo a little over a month ago and gave head coach Tim Beckman his verbal commitment today. Detmer was a soccer player that went out for the football team as a sophomore in high school, and made it as their kicker. As a senior this fall he made 13 of 16 field goal attempts, including a 58 yard field goal. Six of his 13 made field goals were from over 40 yards. He made 53 of 55 extra points this season.
He was named 1st Team All Metro by the Columbus Dispatch. He is also a very good student, currently holding a 3.3 GPA.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Rockets to Face Florida International in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
The University of Toledo Rockets learned their fate and their opponent for the upcoming bowl season today when it was officially announced that UT will face Florida International University in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl on December 26th in Detroit at Ford Field. Coach Tim Beckman met with the press immediately following his squad's scrimmage this afternoon, their 4th of the post-season. Asked for his thoughts, Coach said they're excited, "it's close by, and we should have a great great crowd. We always preach about family around here, ...and now it's a great opportunity because we have so many Ohio and Michigan and Indiana players, their families get to get back to Detroit to see their kids play, so we're really excited to be in the Little Caesars Bowl." Beckman went on that "they're a great opponent. So we know they're a very very good opponent and they've had an outstanding year. And again, Mario's (head coach Mario Cristobol) done a great job with that program. They've done a great job this year. They're co-champions of the Sun Belt, so we know it will be a test...".
Facing off against FIU will provide the Rockets with the opportunity to see an old friend, Offensive Coordinator Scott Satterfield, who left Toledo at the end of last season to take the same position with the Golden Panthers. Toledo has played FIU in each of the last 2 seasons, with each team claiming a win on the other's home field. Naturally, with a change in offensive coordinators, there are likely to be some wrinkles in the Panther offense that weren't there before, but the defense has likely seen much of it before. Beckman said "Scott Satterfield is as good a coordinator as there is in the country, and I know they'll be very well prepared for us. I think they're a different team (than last year) with Coach Satterfield running their offense, so of course it will be a different team. But our players know some of their players from last year and two years ago." Toledo's Archie Donald said "we're going to look at some film and see what we can do to stop them."
One of the benefits of going to a bowl game of course is the additional practices that the NCAA allows bowl teams. "I can't tell you how much these practices help us," said Beckman. "It gets us better, we work on the fundamentals of football, and our young kids get a lot of reps. You can't take that back and will definitely help us prepare for next year." And that led to Coach's next comment about the team's goals: "We need to get there (Ford Field) next year. That's where the championship game will be, so hopefully this will be a little bit of a taste and they'll get the idea of 'hey, let's get back here Dec 2nd next year' ".
Austin Dantin practiced today and may be available for action in the bowl game. The other players who have been out due to injury have not practiced and will likely miss the game. "Austin will have a chance to get back".
Toledo lineback Archie Donald said "I'm happy to get back to it. Florida International...they're a good team. We'll have the film in tomorrow and we'll see how good these guys are. We played them last year and they were a pretty good team. They're going to come at us with a vengeance because we got after them last year. So it's going to be a good one". FIU has played some solid competition this past season, including Texas A&M, Maryland, and Rutgers. The Panthers lost all 3 of those games, but put up a serious fight in all of them. They finished 6-2 and tied for the conference championship. "They're going to come in here ready to fight...we're going to have to get after them and play 60 minutes of football." Asked if he's excited, Archie said "absolutely! First time in a bowl game, this is my 5th season here, it's big for me!"
Dan Molls calls it "a pretty amazing feeling, something that all of us have never experienced before. Just to be in this position, it's great. Hopefully, this is just the starting point to it. We just want to bring the tradition back." No current members of the Rocket team except coaches have any bowl experience to draw on, so the players will be looking to their coaches for guidance in how to handle the bowl game. "Pretty much all of our coaches have been somewhere, so they know. All we can do is listen to what they have to say about it. They know pretty much all there is to know about it, so we just have to go from that. But we're excited. It's a great opportunity us."
For the first time in their history, the Rockets will be practicing for a bowl game in the comfort of an indoor practice facility. Gone are the days when players were outside struggling to stay warm, or dry, or both. Gone are the low-speed practices on the wood floors at the old health-ed building. Now they practice in comfort in the Fetterman Center, on turf much like they'll experience in Detroit. "I don't know what FIU has, but this can only give us an advantage going in", said Molls.
Coach Beckman left immediately following the press conference to go on the road recruiting.
Facing off against FIU will provide the Rockets with the opportunity to see an old friend, Offensive Coordinator Scott Satterfield, who left Toledo at the end of last season to take the same position with the Golden Panthers. Toledo has played FIU in each of the last 2 seasons, with each team claiming a win on the other's home field. Naturally, with a change in offensive coordinators, there are likely to be some wrinkles in the Panther offense that weren't there before, but the defense has likely seen much of it before. Beckman said "Scott Satterfield is as good a coordinator as there is in the country, and I know they'll be very well prepared for us. I think they're a different team (than last year) with Coach Satterfield running their offense, so of course it will be a different team. But our players know some of their players from last year and two years ago." Toledo's Archie Donald said "we're going to look at some film and see what we can do to stop them."
One of the benefits of going to a bowl game of course is the additional practices that the NCAA allows bowl teams. "I can't tell you how much these practices help us," said Beckman. "It gets us better, we work on the fundamentals of football, and our young kids get a lot of reps. You can't take that back and will definitely help us prepare for next year." And that led to Coach's next comment about the team's goals: "We need to get there (Ford Field) next year. That's where the championship game will be, so hopefully this will be a little bit of a taste and they'll get the idea of 'hey, let's get back here Dec 2nd next year' ".
Austin Dantin practiced today and may be available for action in the bowl game. The other players who have been out due to injury have not practiced and will likely miss the game. "Austin will have a chance to get back".
Toledo lineback Archie Donald said "I'm happy to get back to it. Florida International...they're a good team. We'll have the film in tomorrow and we'll see how good these guys are. We played them last year and they were a pretty good team. They're going to come at us with a vengeance because we got after them last year. So it's going to be a good one". FIU has played some solid competition this past season, including Texas A&M, Maryland, and Rutgers. The Panthers lost all 3 of those games, but put up a serious fight in all of them. They finished 6-2 and tied for the conference championship. "They're going to come in here ready to fight...we're going to have to get after them and play 60 minutes of football." Asked if he's excited, Archie said "absolutely! First time in a bowl game, this is my 5th season here, it's big for me!"
Dan Molls calls it "a pretty amazing feeling, something that all of us have never experienced before. Just to be in this position, it's great. Hopefully, this is just the starting point to it. We just want to bring the tradition back." No current members of the Rocket team except coaches have any bowl experience to draw on, so the players will be looking to their coaches for guidance in how to handle the bowl game. "Pretty much all of our coaches have been somewhere, so they know. All we can do is listen to what they have to say about it. They know pretty much all there is to know about it, so we just have to go from that. But we're excited. It's a great opportunity us."
For the first time in their history, the Rockets will be practicing for a bowl game in the comfort of an indoor practice facility. Gone are the days when players were outside struggling to stay warm, or dry, or both. Gone are the low-speed practices on the wood floors at the old health-ed building. Now they practice in comfort in the Fetterman Center, on turf much like they'll experience in Detroit. "I don't know what FIU has, but this can only give us an advantage going in", said Molls.
Coach Beckman left immediately following the press conference to go on the road recruiting.
Toledo to Play in Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl
Even though no official announcement has been made, I have learned that Toledo has accepted an invitation to the Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl in Detroit, MI on December 26th. The Rockets will play Florida International of the Sun Belt Conference. Toledo is 1-1 against FIU.
The game will air live on ESPN at 8:30pm on the day after Christmas, December 26th. Toledo is 8-4 on the season, while FIU is 6-6. The Golden Panthers are averaging 28.3 points per game. Their offensive coordinator is former Toledo co-offensive coordinator Scott Satterfield. Satterfield was at Toledo for one year, in 2009, as the quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator.
The game will air live on ESPN at 8:30pm on the day after Christmas, December 26th. Toledo is 8-4 on the season, while FIU is 6-6. The Golden Panthers are averaging 28.3 points per game. Their offensive coordinator is former Toledo co-offensive coordinator Scott Satterfield. Satterfield was at Toledo for one year, in 2009, as the quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator.
Monday, November 29, 2010
UT/BG Photos
Photographer Paul Nelson has posted his full list of photos from the Toledo/Bowling Green football game. Click the link below to see the photo gallery.
UT/BG Photo Gallery
UT/BG Photo Gallery
Sunday, November 21, 2010
JUCO TE Commits
Colby Kratch of North Dakota State College of Science has committed to play football at the University of Toledo. Kratch is a 6-4, 245 pound tight end prospect with two years of eligibility remaining, plus a redshirt year if needed, giving him three years to play two.
Colby had 10 receptions for 99 yards and a TD in five games this year according to the North Dakota State College of Science website. He played his high school ball at Watertown-Mayer High School in Watertown, MN.
Colby had 10 receptions for 99 yards and a TD in five games this year according to the North Dakota State College of Science website. He played his high school ball at Watertown-Mayer High School in Watertown, MN.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Let the Chips Fall Where They May ~ Rockets Entertain CMU in Glass Bowl Finale
The kickoff time for next Friday’s regular season finale was just announced yesterday. Game time is 2:00 pm ET. What hasn’t been determined is which Central Michigan team (3-8) will show up. Will it be the team that took pre-season MAC favorite Temple into overtime before losing by three or the CMU squad that missed a two-point conversion that would have given them an upset over Navy last Saturday? Or will it be the Chippewas who lost to Ball State, Miami and Bowling Green, all at Kelly/Shorts stadium?
One thing’s for sure, first year CMU head coach Dan Enos’s squad is having a rough season highlighted by a six-game losing streak running from late September through the month of October. This performance has been anything but expected for last year’s MAC Champions.
The Chippewas on Offense:
Injuries along the offensive line have resulted in a shuffling of players and positions. Losing two starting left tackles and a right guard for the season will have that effect. The impact of these loses on the Chippewas running and passing games have been significant. The Chips have rushed for just 1,206 while allowing 32 sacks.
A bright spot for CMU is the play of first year starter QB Quarterback Ryan Radcliff. He has surpassed the 3,000 yard mark in passing yardage completing 59.5% of his throws. He is coming off a superb game against Navy, completing 36 of 58 passes for 394 yards and three touchdowns. Radcliff’s favorite target is WR Cody Wilson, who has 73 receptions for 1,028 yards and 5 TDs. The Radcliff-to-Wilson connection lit up Navy’s secondary to the tune of 13 catches for 126 yards. Five other receivers have between 20 and 38 catches each. Tight end David Blackburn has 20 catches including three for TDs.
Jr. RB Paris Cotton (5’9”, 179#) is the top rusher with a 4.7 ypr and a team-leading six TDs. RBs Carl Volny (5.1 ypr) and Zurlon Tipton (3.8 ypr) back up Cotton. As a team, the Chips are ranked 105th in rushing.
The Chippewas on Defense:
The leaders of the Chip’s D are LBs Matt Berning and Nick Bellore, the top two tacklers. Berning has 13.5 TFL and a team high four sacks.
The Chips defensive unit has tallied 20 sacks, only two less than the Rockets. They have been, however, susceptible to giving up big plays. Their red zone defense has been suspect as well giving up points 81% of the time. Losing a starting CB also hurt the secondary.
Chippewas on Special Teams:
Cody Wilson is a sure handed punt return player. Zurlon Tipton and Kito Poblah handled kickoff returns averaging 20+ yards per return. Brett Hartmann has a solid 40.1 ypp average. He also handles kickoffs putting 27% of them into the end zone for touchbacks.
David Hartman is the third field goal kicker used this season. He’s 8 for 11 making all of his field goals inside of forty yards out.
CMU kickoff coverage is better that their punt return coverage.
What to look for:
• Cody Wilson to be used on the jet sweep or WR reverse
• A fake punt by CMU . . . and possibly by the Rockets
• Multiple sacks by the Rockets
• Rockets needing 27+ points for the win
• The game to be decided in the fourth quarter, one that has favored CMU this year
• Eric Page to have a at least one punt return of more than 10 yards
• At least one INT for the Rockets
• Rockets defense will limit the Chips running game making them primarily a passing team similar to BG
• Rockets to have a good ground game
GO ROCKETS!
Media Coverage
Live coverage on ESPN3 on your PC or MAC.
Live Internet audio coverage is available via RocketVision and WSPD.com Audio also available on the Rocket Sports Network (WJMO-AM 1300 Cleveland and WDTW-AM 1310 Detroit).
Kickoff at 2:07 pm (ET)
Weather Forecast:
Chilly and sunny with high of 33° (feels like 16°); N winds of 16 mph with gusts to 32 mph. Bundle up with spirit and a few close friends.
One thing’s for sure, first year CMU head coach Dan Enos’s squad is having a rough season highlighted by a six-game losing streak running from late September through the month of October. This performance has been anything but expected for last year’s MAC Champions.
The Chippewas on Offense:
Injuries along the offensive line have resulted in a shuffling of players and positions. Losing two starting left tackles and a right guard for the season will have that effect. The impact of these loses on the Chippewas running and passing games have been significant. The Chips have rushed for just 1,206 while allowing 32 sacks.
A bright spot for CMU is the play of first year starter QB Quarterback Ryan Radcliff. He has surpassed the 3,000 yard mark in passing yardage completing 59.5% of his throws. He is coming off a superb game against Navy, completing 36 of 58 passes for 394 yards and three touchdowns. Radcliff’s favorite target is WR Cody Wilson, who has 73 receptions for 1,028 yards and 5 TDs. The Radcliff-to-Wilson connection lit up Navy’s secondary to the tune of 13 catches for 126 yards. Five other receivers have between 20 and 38 catches each. Tight end David Blackburn has 20 catches including three for TDs.
Jr. RB Paris Cotton (5’9”, 179#) is the top rusher with a 4.7 ypr and a team-leading six TDs. RBs Carl Volny (5.1 ypr) and Zurlon Tipton (3.8 ypr) back up Cotton. As a team, the Chips are ranked 105th in rushing.
The Chippewas on Defense:
The leaders of the Chip’s D are LBs Matt Berning and Nick Bellore, the top two tacklers. Berning has 13.5 TFL and a team high four sacks.
The Chips defensive unit has tallied 20 sacks, only two less than the Rockets. They have been, however, susceptible to giving up big plays. Their red zone defense has been suspect as well giving up points 81% of the time. Losing a starting CB also hurt the secondary.
Chippewas on Special Teams:
Cody Wilson is a sure handed punt return player. Zurlon Tipton and Kito Poblah handled kickoff returns averaging 20+ yards per return. Brett Hartmann has a solid 40.1 ypp average. He also handles kickoffs putting 27% of them into the end zone for touchbacks.
David Hartman is the third field goal kicker used this season. He’s 8 for 11 making all of his field goals inside of forty yards out.
CMU kickoff coverage is better that their punt return coverage.
What to look for:
• Cody Wilson to be used on the jet sweep or WR reverse
• A fake punt by CMU . . . and possibly by the Rockets
• Multiple sacks by the Rockets
• Rockets needing 27+ points for the win
• The game to be decided in the fourth quarter, one that has favored CMU this year
• Eric Page to have a at least one punt return of more than 10 yards
• At least one INT for the Rockets
• Rockets defense will limit the Chips running game making them primarily a passing team similar to BG
• Rockets to have a good ground game
GO ROCKETS!
Media Coverage
Live coverage on ESPN3 on your PC or MAC.
Live Internet audio coverage is available via RocketVision and WSPD.com Audio also available on the Rocket Sports Network (WJMO-AM 1300 Cleveland and WDTW-AM 1310 Detroit).
Kickoff at 2:07 pm (ET)
Weather Forecast:
Chilly and sunny with high of 33° (feels like 16°); N winds of 16 mph with gusts to 32 mph. Bundle up with spirit and a few close friends.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Countdown ~ Rockets Welcome Falcons to the Glass Bowl
For football fans in Northwest Ohio, the back-to-back mid-week EPSN2 games were hard to watch. Nature played a role in the viewers’ difficulties. On Tuesday, it was the nature of the play of the Rockets that was hard to watch.
On Wednesday, the fog made it hard to even see the players.
Those games are over and it’s time to focus on the annual Battle of I-75, a game with a long history and one which is a target contest for both teams beginning in spring practice. I’m sure Coach Clawson would like nothing better than to knock off the Rockets in the Glass Bowl to provide some spark to an otherwise disappointing campaign. Coach Beckman knows full well the historical importance of this game having coached on both sides now (queue Joni Mitchell.) Beyond history, this game portends more for the Rockets immediate future, securing a winning record and an almost certain bowl bid. While the goal this year was getting to the MAC championship game, these alternative accomplishments would be very noteworthy in Coach Beckman’s second year.
The Falcons on Offense:
Injuries along the offensive line has made every point scored by the Brown and Orange, a most cherished event, topping 20 points only once in the last three games. And its’ no wonder with their rushing offense ranked at the bottom of NCAA current statistics with a 2.03 yard per carry average. The Falcon air game is significantly better garnering nearly 234 yard per game via the pass. One key example is in the last three games, a different center has started for the Falcons.
Senior RB Willie Jeter (5’8”, 176#) has more than half of BG’s rushes with a 3.5 ypc average. Freshman RB Jordan Hopgood (6’0”, 200#), while averaging less than two yards per tote, is used in short yardage situations. Hopgood has crossed the goal line six times, the same as Jeter.
Freshman QB Matt Schilz (6’2”, 212#) has been the Falcon starter from game one, missing two games with a shoulder injury. Ranked as the fifth best QB recruit of non-BCS schools, Schliz has performed admirably. While completing 60.4% of his passes, Schilz ranks 12th nationally in passes completed per game at 23+. His 9 INTs to 5 TD passes stat is noteworthy putting his passing efficiency at the bottom of the statistical heap. A large percentage of the BG aerial attack is via the screen pass to running backs, tight ends and wide outs. One reason is to offset the number of QB sacks, 27 and counting, taken by BG QBs.
JC transfer WR Kamar Jorden (6’3”, 196#)) has nearly 37% of all Falcon receptions averaging 8 grabs per game and more than 92 yards per game putting him in the top five receivers in the nation in total catches. By way of comparison, Eric page is averaging 7.3 catches per game accounting for nearly 43% of Rocket receptions. WRs Tyrone Pronty, Calvin Wiley, and RB Jeter have collectively tallied 75 grabs.
The Falcons on Defense:
The secondary has taken some hits this year with a starter losing his position and then regaining it; a starting CB going out in the Kent State game with an ankle injury and yet to return; a starting FS out with a should injury followed by a concussion; and another CB (team leader in passes defended) being dismissed from the team. Despite this turmoil, the Falcon pass defense is allowing some 20 yards per game fewer than the Rockets. The major problem for Coach Clawson’s defensive unit is stopping the run where they rank just above the bottom 10 of the nation.
The BG D is led by LBs Dwayne Woods (tops in total tackles with 111 to go with two forced fumbles and eight passes defended) and Eugene Fells (tops with 8.5 TFL). Upfront, DT Chris Jones is the sack leader with 6.0 and has 7.5 TFL while DT Darius Smith has accounted for three of the team’s eight QB hurries. The secondary is led by S Jovan Leacock with a second best 83 tackles with S Keith Morgan leading the Falcons in picks with three.
The switching of defensive personnel has been an issue in the last couple games or so with injuries and that suspension. Still, the Falcons find a way to stay in most of their games and hang in ‘til the end.
The Falcons Special Teams:
The field goal duties have been shifted from Bryan Wright (4 for 9, missing every kick 30 yards and beyond) to Kyle Burkhardt (1 for 2, missing from 43 yards against Miami.)
Wright also handles the punting with the coverage team allowing 9.4 yards per return; less than half his punts have been returned. PR Eugene Cooper, back from an ankle tweak, does a good job returning punts and has taken one the distance for six points. Wright handles the kickoffs with more than one in five kickoffs resulting in a touchback. Kickoff coverage for the Falcons has been good holding opponents to about 20 yards per return. Tyrone Pronty and Boo Boo Gates share kickoff returns, both averaging between 20 and 25 yards per return. Gates has gone to the house on a season long 75 yard return.
What to look for:
- Tight end screen when freshman Alex Bayer comes into the game
- Wide open play calling - what else would you expect from a BG v UT game?
- Jordan Hopgood running out of the wildcat formation
- Lots of screen pass plays from BG
- BG to test the Rockets’ flanks with sweeps and sideline passes
- Rockets to return their running game in fine fashion in the Glass Bowl
- Too many penalties on both teams
- Turnovers to favor the Rockets by two or more
- Rockets will have more sacks than they allow
- The game will be close into the fourth quarter
This is always more than a game for both teams. While some Rocket players may have not been aware that they were playing in a homecoming game against Wyoming, there will be no such misunderstanding the importance of THE RIVALRY in Northwestern Ohio. A rivalry both teams and their fans get to share with the nation on ESPN2.
I've looked at life from both sides now,
From win and lose, and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall.
I really don't know life at all. “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell
GO ROCKETS!
Media Coverage
Televised on ESPN2 HD College Football Primetime at 8:00 pm (ET)
Live Internet audio coverage is available via RocketVision and WSPD.com Audio also available on the Rocket Sports Network (WJMO-AM 1300 Cleveland and WDTW-AM 1310 Detroit). For a Bird’s eye perspective tune into WFAL.
Kickoff at 8:07 pm (ET)
Weather Forecast:
Chilly, high of 49° (feels like 43°), low of 37° (feels like 25°) with occasional evening rainand drizzle, SWS winds of 16 mph with gusts to 24 mph. Bundle up with spirit. The country will be watching!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Game On! Rockets Battle Huskies for MAC West Lead
The talk and expectations this week will give way on the second Tuesday of November. No question this will be the Rockets biggest game in several years. While Northern Illinois was viewed in August as the team poised to challenge for the MAC West title, most had Toledo picked to finish in the middle of the West pack at best. Given six years of sub .500 records, I suspect not many in Rocket Nation, in their heart of hearts, envisioned the Rockets with a perfect 5-0 conference record entering November.
For both the Huskies and the Rockets, this has been a season which has unfolded much as coaching staffs and players have envisioned from the beginning of the year. The Huskies have performed up to expectations but I’m guessing that they would like to replay the Iowa State game much as the Rockets would like to have a re-do with Wyoming. But that’s not what players and coaches are thinking about now. That’s yesterday’s history. The focus is on making history beginning at Huskie Stadium.
Northern Illinois on Offense:
These Huskies love to run and it shows. They have put up at least 200 rushing yardage in each of their last six games, all Ws. The ground game combines a major dose of Chad Spann (1,000 rushing yards) and a big splash of Chandler Harnish (559 yards) followed by a big dashes of Cameron Bell (6-foot-2, 242-pound) and backup QB Jordan Lynch. Bell has 91 yards last two games while Lynch had racked up 133 yards on12 carries over the last five weeks.
Senior TB Span (5’9”, 198#) leads the MAC in rushing yardage averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He is currently ranked number 11 among all NCAA rushers averaging 111.11 yards per game. QB Harnish is averaging 5.8 yards per carry with Lynch, NIU’s smaller version of David Pasquale, averaging 11.1 yards per carry. With all this running around, the Huskies have nearly doubled their opponents on the ground.
But this year’s NIU team is far from being one-dimensional. Harnish has completed 65.8% of his passes with 12 TD tosses and just 4 INTs. He has the highest passing efficiency rating (147.31) in the MAC per NCAA rankings. With his arm and legs he’s compiling 222 yards of offense per game. Of note, with limited action, Terrance Owens has a passing efficiency rating of 181.12%.
Two of the Huskies’ concerns coming into this season were lack of experience at wide receiver and along the OL.
The receiving corps has jelled into a group of four WRs who have caught more than half of Chandler Harnish’s tosses. Their range of receptions is 21 -26 averaging between 10 to 15 yards per reception. They have caught 12 of the 13 NIU TD passes and accumulated 75% of the passing yardage.
Despite losing All MAC linemen at center and left guard, the Huskies’ OL has not missed a major beat. Their run blocking is excellent and they are allowing, on average, just one sack a game, tied with OU, for tops in the MAC. They have allowed just four QB hurries, another impressive stat.
Northern Illinois on Defense:
With nine returning starters from last year’s top ranked defense in the MAC, this unit is playing their stingy selves again. They are allowing just 216 yards per game in the air and 126 yards on the ground which is only 10 yards per game more than the Rockets. They have two less INTs (14) that UT.
Veteran DE Jake Coffman is the leader of the defense with a team best 7 TFL but he is getting a lot of support from a trio of very good line backers. Collectively, they have more than 1/4 of all tackles. CB Chris Smith leads the secondary with 3 INTs and 9 PD.
The Huskies are also in the top 20 nationally in defending their red zone as are the Rockets.
Northern Illinois on Special Teams:
K Michael Cklamovskiff has been inconsistent connecting on just 11 of 18 from 20 yards out. Punt and kickoff coverage are a bit subpar compared to the other NIU defensive efforts. P Josh Wilber has helped with punt covering by having nearly 40% of his punts fair caught.
Kickoff and punt returns are both averaging less than NIU’s opponents so when stacked against the offense as a whole, this is not a Huskie strength.
What to Look For:
Two evenly matched teams in many aspects. Both are good defending against the run and a somewhat suspect against the pass. While NIU has shown a consistent ground game, the Rockets are capable of moving the ball on the ground. QB Harnish has to be considered the front runner for All-MAC QB. That said, TO has performed at a very high level filling in for Austin Dantin against EMU.
· the Rockets to use the pass to set up the run
· the outside containment of the Rockets keeping Spann and Harnish working in the middle of the field
· another long kickoff return by the Rockets
· few penalties for both teams – six or less per team
· quick pass plays from both teams to counter defensive rushes
· a few deep routes from both squads but not many
· Rockets to win the take away battle
· NIU to go all out to block one or two of Vince Penza’s punts
· Jerry Kill doing a spot-on impersonation of Pat Hill along the sidelines
GO ROCKETS!
Media Coverage
Televised on ESPN2 HD College Football Primetime at 7:00 pm (ET) with Beth Mowins doing play-by-play and David Norrie and Robert Smith doing analysis
Live Internet audio coverage is available via RocketVision and WSPD.com Audio also available on the Rocket Sports Network (WJMO-AM 1300 Cleveland and WDTW-AM 1310 Detroit)
Internet video coverage provided by All-MAC Access and RocketVision for Rocket Nation fans outside the Toledo area. Kickoff at 7:07 pm (ET)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Rockets Face off Against Eagles ~More Feathers to Fly
This is not, as the saying goes, your father’s Eastern Michigan football team. Yes, they won one game this year snapping an 18-game losing streak a couple weeks ago. Yes, they are 1-8. But this group of Eagles, down 21 points, rallied to beat Ball State when the Cardinals had their offensive star Eric Williams playing. Williams did not travel to the Glass Bow last Saturday. EMU also put points (twenty of them) on the scoreboard in the Horseshoe, something the Rockets have not done in our last two meetings with the Buckeyes.
Second year coach Ron English is clearly building for the future part of which is paying dividends now. The Eagles are finding ways to move the ball and score. Against the Buckeyes, it was through the air. Against the Cavaliers in Charlottesville, it was on the ground racking up 290 net yards rushing.
The Eagles on Offense:
Sophomore QB Alex Gillett (6’1”, 205# from Clyde High School) gets the Eagles offense going. He’s the team’s leading rusher with 462 yards on 110 rushes (4.2 ypr). He ran for 189 yards and two touchdowns against Ball State. EMU’s second leading rusher RB Dwayne Priest is averaging 4.4 ypr on 86 rushes. Priest has not played since the Ohio University game on October 2nd. The Eagles may have found his replacement in the person of true freshman Javonti Greene (5’10”, 180#). Making his starting debut against UVA, Green had 155 yards on just eight carries. He had two rushing touchdowns on gallops of 55 and 53 yards. [EMU statisticians seem to have trouble picking him up as well as he is listed twice, once as Javontie Green.]
The offensive line, with only one change in the starters, has been good at helping the Eagles establish a running game. Dual tight ends are part of the Eagles package. The results are 161 yards per game on the ground with a dozen rushing TDs, one more than via the air.
Passing is not the Eagles’ strength but can be effective if the opposition focuses too much on the run. EMU’s preference is to run the ball and the clock to keep the game in hand. Gillett is completing a feather more than 55% of his passes with the team averaging just 172 yards per game via the pass. Gillett has thrown 10 TDs with 7 INTs.
Leading the receiving corps are sophomore WR Kinsman Thomas (6’2”, 205#) and senior TE Ben Thayer (6’4”, 240#), each with 20 receptions and four and three TD catches respectively. Thomas is averaging a hefty 20.3 ypr while Thayer is averaging more than 12 ypr. WR Tyrone Burke and TE Josh LeDuc are the other two Eagle receivers with double digit catches and an identical 8.1 ypr. LeDuc also threw a 71-yard TD pass to Thomas after taking a lateral from Gillett in their MAC opener at Miami.
The Eagles on Defense:
The Eagles’ run defense ranks 117th in the country and their passing defense is ranked 74th in the country with just 2 INTs.
The strength of EMU’s defense lies with its two LBs. SLB Tim Fort leads the team in total tackles (68) and TFL (4). WLB Neal Howey is second in tackles (61) and TFL (3). RCB Marcell Rose (5 passes defended and 1 INT) and FS Ryan Downard both have 44 tackles.
DE Javon Reese leads the Eagles with 3.5 of the team’s 9 sacks.
In reality, Coach English prefers that his defense stay off the field and let the offense run time off the clock.
Eagles Special Teams:
Missing his last two field goal attempts, sophomore Sean Graham was replaced by freshman Kody Fulkerson for the Virginia game and promptly missed a 28 yard attempt. Fulkerson handles the kickoff duties averaging 53.5 ypko putting the opponents in business starting at their own 35.
Aussie Jay Karantz, a rugby-style kicker, is averaging 40.4 ypp with his coverage unit allowing 7.5 yards per return.
What to Look For:
• Based on Ball State’s early and late success, look for the Eagles to mix in rushes by Greene and Gillett with quick passes down the seams to the tight end and slot receivers
• Javonti Greene (#32) lined up as a receiver to get the ball on a hand-off in a jet sweep right/left
• The jet sweep to set up a fake with QB Gillett keeping the ball running to the opposite side
• TE option pass with LeDuc
• At least one Rocket INT
• The Eagles to go for the first down on 4th down plays inside the Rockets 35 but outside of the red zone
• A punt return of more than 10 yards by Eric Page
• Quick pass plays to Javonti Greene to get him the ball in space
• A Rocket kickoff return into EMU territory
• Seven or more penalties on each team
• Rockets balanced attack will not allow EMU to move up in rush and pass defense stats
• How well the Rockets DE contain the sweep
• The first half to be closer than the current 14 point favorite Rockets would like
• A good crowd of Rocket Nation fans at Rynearson Stadium
• Listen for the siren early and often
GO ROCKETS!
Media Coverage
Live Internet audio coverage is available via RocketVision and WSPD.com
Audio also available on WEMU.org
Internet video coverage provided by All-MAC Access, RocketVision, and Eagles All-Access
Kickoff at 4:07 pm (ET)
Video provided by BCSN on tape delay
Current forecast: High of 54°F partly sunny turning partly cloudy in the evening with temps dropping into the upper 30s well after game is over; great afternoon for football.
Second year coach Ron English is clearly building for the future part of which is paying dividends now. The Eagles are finding ways to move the ball and score. Against the Buckeyes, it was through the air. Against the Cavaliers in Charlottesville, it was on the ground racking up 290 net yards rushing.
The Eagles on Offense:
Sophomore QB Alex Gillett (6’1”, 205# from Clyde High School) gets the Eagles offense going. He’s the team’s leading rusher with 462 yards on 110 rushes (4.2 ypr). He ran for 189 yards and two touchdowns against Ball State. EMU’s second leading rusher RB Dwayne Priest is averaging 4.4 ypr on 86 rushes. Priest has not played since the Ohio University game on October 2nd. The Eagles may have found his replacement in the person of true freshman Javonti Greene (5’10”, 180#). Making his starting debut against UVA, Green had 155 yards on just eight carries. He had two rushing touchdowns on gallops of 55 and 53 yards. [EMU statisticians seem to have trouble picking him up as well as he is listed twice, once as Javontie Green.]
The offensive line, with only one change in the starters, has been good at helping the Eagles establish a running game. Dual tight ends are part of the Eagles package. The results are 161 yards per game on the ground with a dozen rushing TDs, one more than via the air.
Passing is not the Eagles’ strength but can be effective if the opposition focuses too much on the run. EMU’s preference is to run the ball and the clock to keep the game in hand. Gillett is completing a feather more than 55% of his passes with the team averaging just 172 yards per game via the pass. Gillett has thrown 10 TDs with 7 INTs.
Leading the receiving corps are sophomore WR Kinsman Thomas (6’2”, 205#) and senior TE Ben Thayer (6’4”, 240#), each with 20 receptions and four and three TD catches respectively. Thomas is averaging a hefty 20.3 ypr while Thayer is averaging more than 12 ypr. WR Tyrone Burke and TE Josh LeDuc are the other two Eagle receivers with double digit catches and an identical 8.1 ypr. LeDuc also threw a 71-yard TD pass to Thomas after taking a lateral from Gillett in their MAC opener at Miami.
The Eagles on Defense:
The Eagles’ run defense ranks 117th in the country and their passing defense is ranked 74th in the country with just 2 INTs.
The strength of EMU’s defense lies with its two LBs. SLB Tim Fort leads the team in total tackles (68) and TFL (4). WLB Neal Howey is second in tackles (61) and TFL (3). RCB Marcell Rose (5 passes defended and 1 INT) and FS Ryan Downard both have 44 tackles.
DE Javon Reese leads the Eagles with 3.5 of the team’s 9 sacks.
In reality, Coach English prefers that his defense stay off the field and let the offense run time off the clock.
Eagles Special Teams:
Missing his last two field goal attempts, sophomore Sean Graham was replaced by freshman Kody Fulkerson for the Virginia game and promptly missed a 28 yard attempt. Fulkerson handles the kickoff duties averaging 53.5 ypko putting the opponents in business starting at their own 35.
Aussie Jay Karantz, a rugby-style kicker, is averaging 40.4 ypp with his coverage unit allowing 7.5 yards per return.
What to Look For:
• Based on Ball State’s early and late success, look for the Eagles to mix in rushes by Greene and Gillett with quick passes down the seams to the tight end and slot receivers
• Javonti Greene (#32) lined up as a receiver to get the ball on a hand-off in a jet sweep right/left
• The jet sweep to set up a fake with QB Gillett keeping the ball running to the opposite side
• TE option pass with LeDuc
• At least one Rocket INT
• The Eagles to go for the first down on 4th down plays inside the Rockets 35 but outside of the red zone
• A punt return of more than 10 yards by Eric Page
• Quick pass plays to Javonti Greene to get him the ball in space
• A Rocket kickoff return into EMU territory
• Seven or more penalties on each team
• Rockets balanced attack will not allow EMU to move up in rush and pass defense stats
• How well the Rockets DE contain the sweep
• The first half to be closer than the current 14 point favorite Rockets would like
• A good crowd of Rocket Nation fans at Rynearson Stadium
• Listen for the siren early and often
GO ROCKETS!
Media Coverage
Live Internet audio coverage is available via RocketVision and WSPD.com
Audio also available on WEMU.org
Internet video coverage provided by All-MAC Access, RocketVision, and Eagles All-Access
Kickoff at 4:07 pm (ET)
Video provided by BCSN on tape delay
Current forecast: High of 54°F partly sunny turning partly cloudy in the evening with temps dropping into the upper 30s well after game is over; great afternoon for football.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Green Out for Ball State Game
I have learned that true freshman wide receiver James Green will miss this Saturday's game, while still recovering from a mild concussion he suffered against Kent State last week. He is expected to be 100% for the Eastern Michigan game the following week.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Alex Johnson Cleared to Play
Defensive end Alex Johnson has been cleared to play this Saturday night, when the Rockets host the Ball State Cardinals. Johnson had been sidelined with an injury he suffered late in the Western Michigan game.
Freshman wide receiver James Green suffered a mild concussion during the 3rd quarter of last Saturday's win over Kent State. He is expected to return to practice this week, but his status for Saturday's game against Ball State is still unknown. Freshman running back David Fluellen will miss his 2nd straight game with a knee injury he suffered against Boise State. Despite the knee injury, Flu could be available as early as the Northern Illinois or Bowling Green games.
Freshman wide receiver James Green suffered a mild concussion during the 3rd quarter of last Saturday's win over Kent State. He is expected to return to practice this week, but his status for Saturday's game against Ball State is still unknown. Freshman running back David Fluellen will miss his 2nd straight game with a knee injury he suffered against Boise State. Despite the knee injury, Flu could be available as early as the Northern Illinois or Bowling Green games.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Ball State Looks To Rebound ~ Rockets Host the Cardinals
MAC conference play this year is best described as unpredictable. Two quick examples: a 1-6 team nearly beat the pre-season runaway pick to be MAC Champs last Saturday; the Ball State Cardinals (2-5, 1-2 Mid-American Conference) beat the defending MAC Champ at Mt. Pleasant two weeks ago and then lose to a team that hasn’t won a game in 18 previous starts.
It’s this type of peak and valley performances that keep MAC coaches up at night. For Cardinals coach Stan Parrish, I image he’s pulling out lots of feathers as of late as the valleys are getting deeper. And a lot of that has to do with injuries and the performance of the survivors. In his own words: “. . . we don’t have the ability to put anyone away yet.”
Cardinals on Offense:
The Cardinal offensive line was a projected strength for the Red. That was before injuries hit the up-fronters.
First it was LT Cam Lowry, BSU’s best offensive lineman with a good shot at being All-MAC, who suffered a torn ACL against Purdue in the third game. His replacement, Austin Holtz, sustained a sprained ankle. He didn’t play against Eastern. In the Iowa game, tight end Zane Fakes injured his knee and is out for the year. Starting center Kreg Hunter was suspended due to an arrest and then last week he was walking with a boot on his foot. Backup center Jerrod Gray will be starting Saturday. Against Purdue, the Cardinals played just six lineman. Against EMU, the number was seven with two being tight ends. Freshman LT Matthew Page has been listed as a backup but has not seen a single snap this year.
Per Coach Parrish, the difference in the CMU game was the play “along the offensive and defensive lines,” Parrish said. “We out-hit them and we out-hustled them.” That was then.
Last week, the Red generated only 98 rushing yards against EMU. This year’s previous low for rushing yards against Eastern Michigan was 181 yards by the RedHawks. "It didn't shock me," Parish explained. "We're really beat-up up front."
And the beat goes on. RB Eric Williams (5’10”, 203 #) with the most rushing yardage (5.3 ypc) is questionable against the Rockets. He left action in the second half against EMU with an ankle injury. Eric is also second in team reception yardage with 108 yards on six catches. He ranks first in the MAC in kickoff returns and all-purpose yards and seventh in rushing. Williams has scored six TDs, including a 92 kickoff return. In total, BSU has tallied 17 TDs this year. If he’s out that’s another huge hit for the Cardinals.
TB Cory Sykes, (5’7”, 160#, 6.1 ypc) missed two games in September with a knee injury. He was held out of the EMU game because of the same injury. True freshman David Brown (5’10”, 198#) has the best average of all the RBs at 6.9 ypc.
And then there’s the mystery back of the Red. TB MiQuale Lewis (5’6”, 201#) needed 669 yards his senor year for the Ball State career rushing record. Through seven games he has tallied just 190 yards (3.1 ypc). About this time last year he was riding high among the MAC’s leading rushers until the Rockets came to Muncie. He was bottled up 24 yards on 14 carries. He did score the go-ahead points with 42 seconds left in the game and had recaptured a bit of his “attitude.” Fifteen seconds later, Aaron Opelt hit a wide open Stephen Williams for a 51-yard TD pass plus a 2-point conversion pass to Eric Page to seal the win for Toledo. I’m guessing his feathers are still ruffled.
The fledgling aerial game is triggered by freshman QB Keith Wenning (6’4”, 220#). He has played in seven games starting the last five. He’s clearly learning to fly. Against CMU he went 12 for 18, throwing two TDs without an INT. The following week against Western Michigan he was one for eight. He did throw for three TDs against the Eagles brining his season total to six TDs with five INTs. For the season he is completing 55.9% of his throws for a 5.9 yards per attempt average.
Thirteen different Cardinals have made receptions including seven true freshmen and a sophomore. WR Dan Ifft (6’3”, 178#) leads the Cardinals with 13 catches for 123 total yards for the year. That’s a good night’s work for Eric Page. RS freshman QB turned TE Aaron Mershman (6’2”, 211# from Bowling Green) has 11 catches averaging 9.5 ypr.
Cardinals on Defense:
Against the run only two MAC teams are doing worse than the Cardinals. The same with pass defense, the Rockets being one of those MAC units.
Leading the D-line is DE Robert Eddins (6’3”, 244#) with team high six TFLs and five sacks, 4.5 against CMU. DT Rene Perry went out in the last quarter of the EMU game with an apparent knee injury. Per Coach Parrish “Rene Perry will play if he can walk.”
Ball State has been getting strong play from its tiro of LBs. Travis Freeman and Tony Martin rank one, two in tackles with 69 and 61 respectively which compare favorably with Donald (72) and Molls (65). The play of third LB, senior Davyd Jones, has added 35 tackles to the line backing total.
Leading the secondary is S Sean Baker with 57 tackles and 4 INTs. He is now tied for career interceptions at Ball State with 14. CBs Charlie Todd and Jason Pinkston have been active in the Cardinals secondary. Having S Kyle Hoke go down with a broken ankle puts just adds more pressure to a depleted defense.
Cardinals Special Teams:
Senior PK Ian McGarvey is having another solid year connecting on 8-of-11 field goals. He has struggled from beyond 40 yards making only one of four attempts. Coming into this year he was 13 for 16 in the 40 to 49 yard range. He has missed only four of 112 XPAs in his career.
Kickoff and punt coverage for the Cardinals has been among their better performing units allowing less than 19 yards per KOR and less than four yards per punt return.
P Scott Kovanda is averaging 41.0 ypp with seven of his 36 punts traveling 50 yards or more. Only a dozen have been returned.
If Eric Williams is out, the Red return game suffers. He’s averaging nearly 32 yards per KOR. The other Cardinals are averaging less than 20 yards per KOR. Jamill Smith returns punts at a 9.8 yard per return average.
What to Look For:
• The Cardinals to run right behind RG Kitt O'Brien and RT Dan Manick, the only two OL starters playing the same positions throughout the year
• If the Rockets defense plays the entire game, the Red will not hit triple digits on the ground improving their 27th ranking in the nation against the run
• A short passing game from Wenning hoping for his receivers to pick up YAC
• Two sacks or more for the Midnight Blue and Gold
• Should be an evening for multiple picks by the Rockets defense
• Continued excellent special team play covering kick-offs and punt returns
• A handful of three-and-outs for BSU
• Eric Page to make a fair catch (please!)
• A crowd pleasing performance by Morgan Williams and Adonis Thomas
• Coach Tim Beckman to again be .500 in his head coaching career and the Rockets to take the lead in the overall series with BSU
• A continuation of Rockets penalties lengthening game time (if you’re not tailgating better eat before the game or plan on a late night dinner)
• Most of the fans remaining in the stands to show their appreciation for the Rockets efforts in MAC contests
GO ROCKETS!
Media Coverage
Live Internet audio coverage is available via RocketVision and WSPD.com Audio also available on the Ball State Radio Network (WLBC 104.1 FM Muncie)
Internet video coverage provided by All-MAC Access and RocketVision for Rocket Nation fans outside the Toledo area. Kickoff at 7:07 pm (ET)
It’s this type of peak and valley performances that keep MAC coaches up at night. For Cardinals coach Stan Parrish, I image he’s pulling out lots of feathers as of late as the valleys are getting deeper. And a lot of that has to do with injuries and the performance of the survivors. In his own words: “. . . we don’t have the ability to put anyone away yet.”
Cardinals on Offense:
The Cardinal offensive line was a projected strength for the Red. That was before injuries hit the up-fronters.
First it was LT Cam Lowry, BSU’s best offensive lineman with a good shot at being All-MAC, who suffered a torn ACL against Purdue in the third game. His replacement, Austin Holtz, sustained a sprained ankle. He didn’t play against Eastern. In the Iowa game, tight end Zane Fakes injured his knee and is out for the year. Starting center Kreg Hunter was suspended due to an arrest and then last week he was walking with a boot on his foot. Backup center Jerrod Gray will be starting Saturday. Against Purdue, the Cardinals played just six lineman. Against EMU, the number was seven with two being tight ends. Freshman LT Matthew Page has been listed as a backup but has not seen a single snap this year.
Per Coach Parrish, the difference in the CMU game was the play “along the offensive and defensive lines,” Parrish said. “We out-hit them and we out-hustled them.” That was then.
Last week, the Red generated only 98 rushing yards against EMU. This year’s previous low for rushing yards against Eastern Michigan was 181 yards by the RedHawks. "It didn't shock me," Parish explained. "We're really beat-up up front."
And the beat goes on. RB Eric Williams (5’10”, 203 #) with the most rushing yardage (5.3 ypc) is questionable against the Rockets. He left action in the second half against EMU with an ankle injury. Eric is also second in team reception yardage with 108 yards on six catches. He ranks first in the MAC in kickoff returns and all-purpose yards and seventh in rushing. Williams has scored six TDs, including a 92 kickoff return. In total, BSU has tallied 17 TDs this year. If he’s out that’s another huge hit for the Cardinals.
TB Cory Sykes, (5’7”, 160#, 6.1 ypc) missed two games in September with a knee injury. He was held out of the EMU game because of the same injury. True freshman David Brown (5’10”, 198#) has the best average of all the RBs at 6.9 ypc.
And then there’s the mystery back of the Red. TB MiQuale Lewis (5’6”, 201#) needed 669 yards his senor year for the Ball State career rushing record. Through seven games he has tallied just 190 yards (3.1 ypc). About this time last year he was riding high among the MAC’s leading rushers until the Rockets came to Muncie. He was bottled up 24 yards on 14 carries. He did score the go-ahead points with 42 seconds left in the game and had recaptured a bit of his “attitude.” Fifteen seconds later, Aaron Opelt hit a wide open Stephen Williams for a 51-yard TD pass plus a 2-point conversion pass to Eric Page to seal the win for Toledo. I’m guessing his feathers are still ruffled.
The fledgling aerial game is triggered by freshman QB Keith Wenning (6’4”, 220#). He has played in seven games starting the last five. He’s clearly learning to fly. Against CMU he went 12 for 18, throwing two TDs without an INT. The following week against Western Michigan he was one for eight. He did throw for three TDs against the Eagles brining his season total to six TDs with five INTs. For the season he is completing 55.9% of his throws for a 5.9 yards per attempt average.
Thirteen different Cardinals have made receptions including seven true freshmen and a sophomore. WR Dan Ifft (6’3”, 178#) leads the Cardinals with 13 catches for 123 total yards for the year. That’s a good night’s work for Eric Page. RS freshman QB turned TE Aaron Mershman (6’2”, 211# from Bowling Green) has 11 catches averaging 9.5 ypr.
Cardinals on Defense:
Against the run only two MAC teams are doing worse than the Cardinals. The same with pass defense, the Rockets being one of those MAC units.
Leading the D-line is DE Robert Eddins (6’3”, 244#) with team high six TFLs and five sacks, 4.5 against CMU. DT Rene Perry went out in the last quarter of the EMU game with an apparent knee injury. Per Coach Parrish “Rene Perry will play if he can walk.”
Ball State has been getting strong play from its tiro of LBs. Travis Freeman and Tony Martin rank one, two in tackles with 69 and 61 respectively which compare favorably with Donald (72) and Molls (65). The play of third LB, senior Davyd Jones, has added 35 tackles to the line backing total.
Leading the secondary is S Sean Baker with 57 tackles and 4 INTs. He is now tied for career interceptions at Ball State with 14. CBs Charlie Todd and Jason Pinkston have been active in the Cardinals secondary. Having S Kyle Hoke go down with a broken ankle puts just adds more pressure to a depleted defense.
Cardinals Special Teams:
Senior PK Ian McGarvey is having another solid year connecting on 8-of-11 field goals. He has struggled from beyond 40 yards making only one of four attempts. Coming into this year he was 13 for 16 in the 40 to 49 yard range. He has missed only four of 112 XPAs in his career.
Kickoff and punt coverage for the Cardinals has been among their better performing units allowing less than 19 yards per KOR and less than four yards per punt return.
P Scott Kovanda is averaging 41.0 ypp with seven of his 36 punts traveling 50 yards or more. Only a dozen have been returned.
If Eric Williams is out, the Red return game suffers. He’s averaging nearly 32 yards per KOR. The other Cardinals are averaging less than 20 yards per KOR. Jamill Smith returns punts at a 9.8 yard per return average.
What to Look For:
• The Cardinals to run right behind RG Kitt O'Brien and RT Dan Manick, the only two OL starters playing the same positions throughout the year
• If the Rockets defense plays the entire game, the Red will not hit triple digits on the ground improving their 27th ranking in the nation against the run
• A short passing game from Wenning hoping for his receivers to pick up YAC
• Two sacks or more for the Midnight Blue and Gold
• Should be an evening for multiple picks by the Rockets defense
• Continued excellent special team play covering kick-offs and punt returns
• A handful of three-and-outs for BSU
• Eric Page to make a fair catch (please!)
• A crowd pleasing performance by Morgan Williams and Adonis Thomas
• Coach Tim Beckman to again be .500 in his head coaching career and the Rockets to take the lead in the overall series with BSU
• A continuation of Rockets penalties lengthening game time (if you’re not tailgating better eat before the game or plan on a late night dinner)
• Most of the fans remaining in the stands to show their appreciation for the Rockets efforts in MAC contests
GO ROCKETS!
Media Coverage
Live Internet audio coverage is available via RocketVision and WSPD.com Audio also available on the Ball State Radio Network (WLBC 104.1 FM Muncie)
Internet video coverage provided by All-MAC Access and RocketVision for Rocket Nation fans outside the Toledo area. Kickoff at 7:07 pm (ET)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Photos from Boise State
It was a great opportunity to be on "The Blue" and take photographs of the Rockets in action along with a good number of Rocket faithful in attendance.
Here's my album of game photos: http://www.photoshop.com/users/NewMexRocketFan/albums/fd357993b9ea40a5a4e58915c48e75b1
and here's my album of fan photos: http://www.photoshop.com/users/NewMexRocketFan/albums/877b6067499a4012991685cc96b96751
Here's my album of game photos: http://www.photoshop.com/users/NewMexRocketFan/albums/fd357993b9ea40a5a4e58915c48e75b1
and here's my album of fan photos: http://www.photoshop.com/users/NewMexRocketFan/albums/877b6067499a4012991685cc96b96751
Rocket Football Update
One of the biggest questions on the minds of Rocket fans as Toledo heads into a key conference match-up with Kent State this weekend is where does the team stand with injuries. DE Alex Johnson is still out, and not expected back for at least a few weeks. But what about the injuries that occurred at Boise State last weekend?
The Toledo Blade's Zach Silka has reported that UT head coach Tim Beckman told him that Austin Dantin has completely recovered from a minor concussion and will start this weekend against Kent State. He also said that redshirt freshman QB Terrance Owens will see playing time as well.
True freshman running back David Fluellen is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a knee injury. The rest is all good news.
True freshman wide receiver James Green, redshirt freshman defensive end Christian Smith, and sophomore defensive end TJ Fatinikun are all expected to play Saturday against Kent State.
The Rockets are 3-3 on the season, but more importantly they are 2-0 in conference play. Toledo will be looking to start the MAC season 3-0 for the first time since 2005.
It will once again be a busy weekend for recruiting as well. The Rockets are expecting to welcome 45 recruits at the game for unofficial visits.
The Toledo Blade's Zach Silka has reported that UT head coach Tim Beckman told him that Austin Dantin has completely recovered from a minor concussion and will start this weekend against Kent State. He also said that redshirt freshman QB Terrance Owens will see playing time as well.
True freshman running back David Fluellen is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a knee injury. The rest is all good news.
True freshman wide receiver James Green, redshirt freshman defensive end Christian Smith, and sophomore defensive end TJ Fatinikun are all expected to play Saturday against Kent State.
The Rockets are 3-3 on the season, but more importantly they are 2-0 in conference play. Toledo will be looking to start the MAC season 3-0 for the first time since 2005.
It will once again be a busy weekend for recruiting as well. The Rockets are expecting to welcome 45 recruits at the game for unofficial visits.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Golden Flashes Striving for Ignition ~ Sparks Should Fly Saturday at Glass Bowl
Admit it, in August many Rocket Nation faithful looked at the Rockets schedule and penciled in a W next to KSU. As things have unfolded a bit east of the Cuyahoga River, this will probably be a close, tough fought football game.
Seventh year head coach Doug Martin, a former KSU offensive coordinator, has a defense that sits atop the NCAA statistical heap against the run allowing less than 60 yards per game (1.80 ypr) on the ground. They are second with 44 TFLs and tied for ninth with 16 sacks. Who saw that coming in August?
Kent State on Defense:
As the saying goes, defenses win championships. If so, the Golden Flashes are in a position to battle for the MAC East despite losing to the RedHawks by a touchdown. And that’s saying something given that the Golden Flashes last won the Mid-American Conference championship and played in a bowl game when Richard Nixon was president.
It’s LB Cobrani Mixon (6’1”, 240#), who’s leading the defensive unit in total tackles. With his fellow line backer Dorian Wood, third in tackles, they are plugging holes. Together, they’ve accounted for 20% of the TFLs. Adding in defensive linemen Roosevelt Nix, Lee Stalker, and Quinton Rainey along with DE Jake Dooley, and that figure jumps to 70%. And this is in spite of using an eight-man rotation on the DL.
Kent State has recorded at least two sacks in every game except against Penn State. They have 17 sacks to date with 44 tackles for losses. (The Rockets are 14 and 34 in these categories.) Roosevelt “Rosie” Nix (6’0”, 240#) has 6.5 sacks and 10 TFL placing him third in the nation in both categories. He’s making a case to be an All-MAC selection and a candidate for an All-American Freshman team.
The play of the Golden Flashes secondary has them ranked 76th nationally against the pass, better than five other MAC teams including the Rockets. CB Norman Wolfe has four interceptions in a four-game span tying him for 1st in INTs per game. Of his 26 total tackles, he has made 18 tackles in the last two games. DB Josh Pleasant has a team-high 6 passes broken up to go with his 27 tackles.
In total, KSU tops the MAC in fewest points allowed per game at 20.8.
Kent State on Offense:
Compared to the defense, the Golden Flashes offensive unit has been inconsistent. The Flashes are less than electrifying on the ground averaging a bit more than 81 yards per game. Losing Eugene Jarvis for the last five games to a groin injury, junior TB Jacquise Terry (6’0”, 183#) has taken over the running duties for KSU averaging just 3 yards per carry.
They are averaging just south of 197 yards per game through the air. Third down conversions have limited KSU drives converting just one-out-of-three on third down opportunities. They have, however, converted on four of five fourth down attempts.
Sophomore QB Spencer Keith (6’3”, 215#) became the seventh player in KSU history to record 3,000 career passing yards and in total completions with 263. He passed both marks against Akron. This year he’s completing less than 57% of his passes and has thrown for five TDs while being picked seven times.
More than 80% of Keith’s pass completions have been caught by five receivers. WR Sam Kirkland (6’1”, 191#) tops this group with 25 catches averaging nearly 14 yards per grab. WR Tyshon Goode (6’1”, 182#) has 19 receptions (9.4 ypc). RB Dri Archer has a dozen catches over the last four games (5.0 ypc) along with fellow RB Terry who has 11 receptions, 2 TDs (14.7 ypc). TE Justin Thompson has 10 catches.
Jacquise Terry has accounted for half of the Golden Flashes’ offensive touchdowns. In addition to running out of the TB position and catching passes out of the backfield, he has also taken direct snaps in the Wildcat formation.
The KSU offensive line, while not providing much in the way of running room, has allowed just 9 sacks and 42 TFL compared to 14 and 39 for the Rockets.
Part of the offensive struggles can be contributed to different starting combinations of running backs, receivers and tight ends in each game.
Kent State’s Special Teams:
Punt coverage has been solid holding opponents to less than six yards per return. P Matt Reinhart, All-MAC First teamer, is averaging 41+ ypp. He had a banner day against Akron with six of his nine kicks being downed inside the 20 yard line.
KO coverage is very good allowing opponents less than 18 yards per kick return. The Flashes’ KO return unit is averaging 23.05 ypr. which is about a yard less than the Rockets. WR Anthony Bowman and Dri Archer share return duties. Both weigh less than 170# with the ball but are fast and are capable of big returns.
Freddy Cortez is four-for-six on field goal attempts missing his last two. He is a perfect 13-for-13 on PATs.
What to Look For:
• A close game; early lines favor the Rockets by two to three points but one odds maker has KSU -1
• The play of our OL as the barometer; despite the score in Boise, our offensive line worked hard and did a decent job against the strongest defense we faced all year
• How well the Rockets offense handles #55 (Rosie the Divoter)
• The Rockets defense to yield less than 200 yards in passing yardage and less than 100 yards on the ground
• The Rockets to have fewer penalties than their opponents for the first time this year
• Rockets to pick off two KSU passes
• Look for the Rockets to return a kickoff more than 25 yards
• Rockets’ best home performance of the year
GO ROCKETS!
Game Info:
Kickoff at 7:00 pm (ET) with video via RocketVision and All-MACcess. Audio by Rocket Sports Network and www.wspd.com
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Blog Swap
We teamed up with BlueTurfNation.com, a Boise State blog site, for a blog swap. Below are our questions for BTN, and their answers:
Expectations are high in Boise, with the chance of playing in the BCS National Championship Game being floated around. This could be a recipe for overlooking opponents that are not in BCS AQ conferences, yet Boise State has outscored those opponents 110-6 so far this year. How has Coach Petersen been able to keep their focus up for these games when they are favored by large spreads?
Well lets start with "Expectations". Boise State does not expect to play in the BCS National Championship game. The players and coaching staff know it is not in their hands, so they have a philosophy of taking things one game at a time and letting the chips fall as they will. The Broncos may have overlooked teams in past years but this team - Not a chance. Coach Pete really puts an emphasis on the next game and the players all have bought in to this. As for why are they favored by such large margins? Success with large margins and the field of opponents warranting such margins.
Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore has put up "video game" like numbers the last couple of years. Has there been talk of him leaving early for the NFL?
If Boise State makes it to The Big Show, I would think that Kellen may explore his options. If they play in a lesser Bowl, them most likely not. I think he'll finish his collegiate career then move on to Sunday appearances.
What can Rocket fans expect from Boise State this Saturday?
The most aggressive team they have faced to date. They will strike fast and keep after it until it's time to bring in the bench. What can you expect from the bench? These are the future of the program and they are every bit as hungry and every bit as aggressive.
For the Rocket fans that are traveling to Boise for this game, what are the "must-see" places in Boise?
You mean besides the Blue Turf? The stadium is open to the public for photos (check with The Athletic Office for more information).The Train Depot, it has some of the best views of the Boise Skyline, Foothills and The State Capital. A hike up Table Rock can always be fun if you are into that sort of thing.
What is your prediction for Saturday's game?
Boise 45 Toledo 9. I think The rockets will most likely have difficulty with the red zone defense and will settle for a few field goals.
Expectations are high in Boise, with the chance of playing in the BCS National Championship Game being floated around. This could be a recipe for overlooking opponents that are not in BCS AQ conferences, yet Boise State has outscored those opponents 110-6 so far this year. How has Coach Petersen been able to keep their focus up for these games when they are favored by large spreads?
Well lets start with "Expectations". Boise State does not expect to play in the BCS National Championship game. The players and coaching staff know it is not in their hands, so they have a philosophy of taking things one game at a time and letting the chips fall as they will. The Broncos may have overlooked teams in past years but this team - Not a chance. Coach Pete really puts an emphasis on the next game and the players all have bought in to this. As for why are they favored by such large margins? Success with large margins and the field of opponents warranting such margins.
Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore has put up "video game" like numbers the last couple of years. Has there been talk of him leaving early for the NFL?
If Boise State makes it to The Big Show, I would think that Kellen may explore his options. If they play in a lesser Bowl, them most likely not. I think he'll finish his collegiate career then move on to Sunday appearances.
What can Rocket fans expect from Boise State this Saturday?
The most aggressive team they have faced to date. They will strike fast and keep after it until it's time to bring in the bench. What can you expect from the bench? These are the future of the program and they are every bit as hungry and every bit as aggressive.
For the Rocket fans that are traveling to Boise for this game, what are the "must-see" places in Boise?
You mean besides the Blue Turf? The stadium is open to the public for photos (check with The Athletic Office for more information).The Train Depot, it has some of the best views of the Boise Skyline, Foothills and The State Capital. A hike up Table Rock can always be fun if you are into that sort of thing.
What is your prediction for Saturday's game?
Boise 45 Toledo 9. I think The rockets will most likely have difficulty with the red zone defense and will settle for a few field goals.
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