4 games in the books. I thought we'd be 2-2 so we're ahead of the curve for now. And, for 2 1/2 quarters we gave a rusty #14 team a game. Access Bowl is almost certainly out of the picture now, so let's focus on something real--a MAC championship.

Can we still win the MAC West? Sure, but it won't be easy. NIU & WMU both have good running games, with QBs who will run, and both of them have better defenses than we do. Can't do much about the fact that our D is slower, has no depth, and is undersized at DE and LB. Gotta dance with the D we recruited. So, the offense simply cannot afford to shoot itself in the foot multiple times in any more games, because points will be at a premium from here on out.

Do NOT sleep on EMU next game. We have a bye week to get some guys some reps to fill in for injured guys and hopefully prep well for the Eagles.

I thought we had them. DARN DARN DARN. It's hard to outscore teams all the time when we give up too many big plays. I'm still proud of the effort. If we had beat Miami, I believe that would've been the 5th or 6th former National Champion that we beat. No other MAC Team can boast about that. At least we cut down on the penalties. GO ROCKETS !!!

(09-23-2017 07:10 PM)Michigan Rocket Wrote:  I thought we had them. DARN DARN DARN. It's hard to outscore teams all the time when we give up too many big plays. I'm still proud of the effort. If we had beat Miami, I believe that would've been the 5th or 6th former National Champion that we beat. No other MAC Team can boast about that. At least we cut down on the penalties. GO ROCKETS !!!

I was hoping we would win as well but I will take 3-1 I while this is where I thought we would be I knew there was a chance it could be 1-3 you are correct we can't think EMU will be a cakewalk

Great effort today, I'll take the 3-1. Was great to see us battle back from 16-38 to 30-38 with only 7 minutes left. We took the first couple punches well, but the third knocked us out, LOL. Will be interesting to see how both teams do from here.

Nope, not going to be easy to win the conference with our D! However, I think our OOC schedule was a great tuneup to get ready. Miami and Tulsa both have RB's tandems as good as or better than WMU and NIU. Walton of Miami is certainly a cut above any other back we will see.

The nasty injury to Atariwa was sad to see, I hope it isn't as bad as it looked. Also looked like Swanson got banged up as well our best DE, Adeniyi. I'm sure some others had some dings as well. Great week for a bye week no doubt.

(09-23-2017 06:30 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  4 games in the books. I thought we'd be 2-2 so we're ahead of the curve for now. And, for 2 1/2 quarters we gave a rusty #14 team a game. Access Bowl is almost certainly out of the picture now, so let's focus on something real--a MAC championship.

Can we still win the MAC West? Sure, but it won't be easy. NIU & WMU both have good running games, with QBs who will run, and both of them have better defenses than we do. Can't do much about the fact that our D is slower, has no depth, and is undersized at DE and LB. Gotta dance with the D we recruited. So, the offense simply cannot afford to shoot itself in the foot multiple times in any more games, because points will be at a premium from here on out.

Do NOT sleep on EMU next game. We have a bye week to get some guys some reps to fill in for injured guys and hopefully prep well for the Eagles.

(09-23-2017 07:47 PM)ToledoMike Wrote:  Great effort today, I'll take the 3-1. Was great to see us battle back from 16-38 to 30-38 with only 7 minutes left. We took the first couple punches well, but the third knocked us out, LOL. Will be interesting to see how both teams do from here.

Nope, not going to be easy to win the conference with our D! However, I think our OOC schedule was a great tuneup to get ready. Miami and Tulsa both have RB's tandems as good as or better than WMU and NIU. Walton of Miami is certainly a cut above any other back we will see.

The nasty injury to Atariwa was sad to see, I hope it isn't as bad as it looked. Also looked like Swanson got banged up as well our best DE, Adeniyi. I'm sure some others had some dings as well. Great week for a bye week no doubt.

Agree with all of that. The Eagles may still be everyone's homecoming, but they are much improved. The Atariwa injury is big. I thought he was our best O lineman on an O-line that seems a bit thin this year. Looks like we have a good line of O-line recruits lined up. It is the best group of receivers I've seen in awhile. I think our main goal is to simply outscore other teams and hope they make enough mistakes to stop themselves.

(09-23-2017 06:30 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  4 games in the books. I thought we'd be 2-2 so we're ahead of the curve for now. And, for 2 1/2 quarters we gave a rusty #14 team a game. Access Bowl is almost certainly out of the picture now, so let's focus on something real--a MAC championship.

Can we still win the MAC West? Sure, but it won't be easy. NIU & WMU both have good running games, with QBs who will run, and both of them have better defenses than we do. Can't do much about the fact that our D is slower, has no depth, and is undersized at DE and LB. Gotta dance with the D we recruited. So, the offense simply cannot afford to shoot itself in the foot multiple times in any more games, because points will be at a premium from here on out.

Do NOT sleep on EMU next game. We have a bye week to get some guys some reps to fill in for injured guys and hopefully prep well for the Eagles.

I just got back about 30 minutes ago. Logan showed he can run with the FB when he needs to. Decision wise, Woodside played an almost perfect game.. He had about 4 or 5 passes dropped. Thought special teams did a nice job. Defensively UT just didn't have the outside speed to contain Walton. The Rocket DL would get some penetration, have Walton stopped, but he would bounce it to the outside and be off
to the races.

Just saw Tulsa was held to 13 points and under 300 yards at home against New Mexico.

Gonna have to win games by scoring 50+ it appears.

I'll be honest...I don't like a damn thing about our defense. Statistically they have gotten worse each week. Haven't liked the scheme we run for some time now; don't like the fact that we don't recruit true inside linebackers; don't like the fact that we have one of the slowest Ds in the MAC; don't like the fact that we tackle for crap; dont like the fact that we don't have a lock-down defender in the secondary, don't like the fact that we don't recruit on D with the same emphasis & vigor that we do for offensive skill players. We have a few guys starting on D that I just don't believe would start for more than a couple other MAC schools, and it's hard to win the MAC that way. Not doubting their effort--I'm sure they are giving it their all, but speed, size, strength & technique usually trump effort & heart, unfortunately.

So yeah...if we win the MAC it will be because the offense starts clicking like a well-oiled machine and allows us to win 49-45 type games.

(09-23-2017 09:36 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  I'll be honest...I don't like a damn thing about our defense. Statistically they have gotten worse each week. Haven't liked the scheme we run for some time now; don't like the fact that we don't recruit true inside linebackers; don't like the fact that we have one of the slowest Ds in the MAC; don't like the fact that we tackle for crap; dont like the fact that we don't have a lock-down defender in the secondary, don't like the fact that we don't recruit on D with the same emphasis & vigor that we do for offensive skill players. We have a few guys starting on D that I just don't believe would start for more than a couple other MAC schools, and it's hard to win the MAC that way. Not doubting their effort--I'm sure they are giving it their all, but speed, size, strength & technique usually trump effort & heart, unfortunately.

So yeah...if we win the MAC it will be because the offense starts clicking like a well-oiled machine and allows us to win 49-45 type games.

Agree with most of that. For the most part, this scheme has not worked against Northern Illinois or Western Michigan the last few years. Are there any play making tough guys on the potential recruit list?

(09-23-2017 09:36 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  I'll be honest...I don't like a damn thing about our defense. Statistically they have gotten worse each week. Haven't liked the scheme we run for some time now; don't like the fact that we don't recruit true inside linebackers; don't like the fact that we have one of the slowest Ds in the MAC; don't like the fact that we tackle for crap; dont like the fact that we don't have a lock-down defender in the secondary, don't like the fact that we don't recruit on D with the same emphasis & vigor that we do for offensive skill players. We have a few guys starting on D that I just don't believe would start for more than a couple other MAC schools, and it's hard to win the MAC that way. Not doubting their effort--I'm sure they are giving it their all, but speed, size, strength & technique usually trump effort & heart, unfortunately.

So yeah...if we win the MAC it will be because the offense starts clicking like a well-oiled machine and allows us to win 49-45 type games.

Couldn't agree more.

(09-23-2017 09:36 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  I'll be honest...I don't like a damn thing about our defense. Statistically they have gotten worse each week. Haven't liked the scheme we run for some time now; don't like the fact that we don't recruit true inside linebackers; don't like the fact that we have one of the slowest Ds in the MAC; don't like the fact that we tackle for crap; dont like the fact that we don't have a lock-down defender in the secondary, don't like the fact that we don't recruit on D with the same emphasis & vigor that we do for offensive skill players. We have a few guys starting on D that I just don't believe would start for more than a couple other MAC schools, and it's hard to win the MAC that way. Not doubting their effort--I'm sure they are giving it their all, but speed, size, strength & technique usually trump effort & heart, unfortunately.

So yeah...if we win the MAC it will be because the offense starts clicking like a well-oiled machine and allows us to win 49-45 type games.

Well, if we finish with 9 or 10 wins I think Candle bolts for any job offer from a P5 so we're going to have to find a head coach who can emphasize recruiting defense unless we somehow elevate DC George to head coach in which case most of us may not renew our season tickets next season

Gee, all this pessimism, now, didn't see this sort of thing before the Hurricane game. Get your fannies out to the next game, those that live in and around Toledo and bring a friend. There is not too many shut down defenses in the country and surely not in the MAC.

I also figured the Rockets would most likely be at 3-1 at this point as well. However what I did not figure on was that Nevada and Tulsa would be a combined 1-7 at this point.

Actually the UT defense was like the little girl with the curl from the nursery rhymes, in that on some series they were very, very good and on some series they were horrid. The O-line gave up about 3 (?) sacks and Woodside was forced to scramble several more time and probably took more physical abuse than anytime over the past two years, yet on balance the O-line did remarkably well supporting the passing game , especially considering how badly they got banged up, but not so well for the running game. The biggest disappointment for me particularly in the first half was the number of dropped passes that was in danger of rivaling that year (2014) when the entire receiving corps suffers dropsies most of the season----up until now this receiving corp has been pretty much sure handed. Penalties and poor execution cost both the offense and defense points--maybe even enough to cost them the game

I also noticed that both Florida and Florida State were upset by unranked teams today (although USF and UCF won) so I wonder but what the Canes were a bit rusty after an extended layoff as well, particularly in the second quarter---they came like gang busters probably on an adrenaline rush, but that seemed to have burned out by the 2nd quarter and they were off for most of that quarter. But they regrouped at the half and found their swagger again and the rest is history.

What is scary is that Miami is a young team that will likely be even better next year because they only have about 4 seniors listed on their O and D two deep depth chart, respectively----the QB and RB are not seniors. Meanwhile the Rockets lose about twice that number (a total of 17) including the Woodside/Thompson connection. Hopefully a number of the Miami players will opt out for the early NFL draft or we may be facing a bigger problem with them than we faced this year.

Finally, an interesting parallel between the State of Florida and UT: during the past two weeks each has faced the threat of two Hurricanes and in one instance each dodged a bullet and in the other instance each got pounded.

Yeah, this reminded me of 2014 when NOBODY could catch. This group has been pretty glue-handed prior to today.

I didn't see the Miami game, but did see the Tulsa game. Toledo's D-Line is still growing up. Toledo misses Hester, but guys eventually graduate. The D-Line doesn't seem to get the necessary penetration. Size is not far off from years Toledo has been great. It would be great to have some elite D-linemen, but that is hard to come by. Tackling was pretty good against Tulsa. There were many solid open field tackles. Outside of a couple big plays, the defense stuffed the run and then an elite back squirmed away for secondary yards. This might sound overly optimistic, but the overly pessimistic banter here is too much. We need to see more Olekanma against the run. He could play some DE as well. Just hearing what I heard about the Miami game, I like the fight in the team. A lesser attitude would have been a really bad outcome. I think Toledo's D-backs are very athletic. Toledo could be more athletic at LB. Need to see more Olekanma IMHO. Toledo has a nice shot at the title if they keep coming out solid. Go Rockets!!

BTW, Richt said they had no idea what Toledo was going to do on defense. They game planned, then executed in the second half. I am sure this affected the momentum, which left Toledo regrouping. That's tough against a fast athletic team.

We played fine. Defense cant stop the run. It wont matter for half of the MAC season. Guaranteed 7 wins. Woodside to Thompson is the best comnection we have ever had. Jamie is good kicker that will win us a game or 2. Ohio and WMU are our tallest orders. Emu And NIU follow. Lets rest up. FIX THINGS. and keep winning ball games.

(09-24-2017 08:29 AM)UofToledoFans Wrote:  We played fine. Defense cant stop the run. It wont matter for half of the MAC season. Guaranteed 7 wins. Woodside to Thompson is the best comnection we have ever had. Jamie is good kicker that will win us a game or 2. Ohio and WMU are our tallest orders. Emu And NIU follow. Lets rest up. FIX THINGS. and keep winning ball games.

NIU/WMU
OU/EMU
CMU/Akron
BSU/BGSUX

(09-24-2017 08:36 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(09-24-2017 08:29 AM)UofToledoFans Wrote:  We played fine. Defense cant stop the run. It wont matter for half of the MAC season. Guaranteed 7 wins. Woodside to Thompson is the best comnection we have ever had. Jamie is good kicker that will win us a game or 2. Ohio and WMU are our tallest orders. Emu And NIU follow. Lets rest up. FIX THINGS. and keep winning ball games.

NIU/WMU
OU/EMU
CMU/Akron
BSU/BGSUX

Those first 4 are toss-ups. NIU and WMU do things on offense that will take advantage of the weaknesses in our D, and both have good Ds that test our offense. We weren't mentally prepared for Ohio last season; the game being in Athens concerns me a little. EMU is improving but the thing that makes it tricky for me is that we can't let Miami beat us twice...after back-to-back tough, emotional games then bye week may help.

(09-23-2017 10:36 PM)Rocket_Fanatic Wrote:  

(09-23-2017 09:36 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  I'll be honest...I don't like a damn thing about our defense. Statistically they have gotten worse each week. Haven't liked the scheme we run for some time now; don't like the fact that we don't recruit true inside linebackers; don't like the fact that we have one of the slowest Ds in the MAC; don't like the fact that we tackle for crap; dont like the fact that we don't have a lock-down defender in the secondary, don't like the fact that we don't recruit on D with the same emphasis & vigor that we do for offensive skill players. We have a few guys starting on D that I just don't believe would start for more than a couple other MAC schools, and it's hard to win the MAC that way. Not doubting their effort--I'm sure they are giving it their all, but speed, size, strength & technique usually trump effort & heart, unfortunately.

So yeah...if we win the MAC it will be because the offense starts clicking like a well-oiled machine and allows us to win 49-45 type games.

Well, if we finish with 9 or 10 wins I think Candle bolts for any job offer from a P5 so we're going to have to find a head coach who can emphasize recruiting defense unless we somehow elevate DC George to head coach in which case most of us may not renew our season tickets next season

There is not a chance in hell that George would be promoted to HC... If the AD was smart, he would hire someone on the sidelines yesterday, just not on ours... Go after UT alum and current Miami DL coach, Coach Kuligowski.

(09-23-2017 10:48 PM)T-Town Wrote:  I also figured the Rockets would most likely be at 3-1 at this point as well. However what I did not figure on was that Nevada and Tulsa would be a combined 1-7 at this point.

Actually the UT defense was like the little girl with the curl from the nursery rhymes, in that on some series they were very, very good and on some series they were horrid. The O-line gave up about 3 (?) sacks and Woodside was forced to scramble several more time and probably took more physical abuse than anytime over the past two years, yet on balance the O-line did remarkably well supporting the passing game , especially considering how badly they got banged up, but not so well for the running game. The biggest disappointment for me particularly in the first half was the number of dropped passes that was in danger of rivaling that year (2014) when the entire receiving corps suffers dropsies most of the season----up until now this receiving corp has been pretty much sure handed. Penalties and poor execution cost both the offense and defense points--maybe even enough to cost them the game

I also noticed that both Florida and Florida State were upset by unranked teams today (although USF and UCF won) so I wonder but what the Canes were a bit rusty after an extended layoff as well, particularly in the second quarter---they came like gang busters probably on an adrenaline rush, but that seemed to have burned out by the 2nd quarter and they were off for most of that quarter. But they regrouped at the half and found their swagger again and the rest is history.

What is scary is that Miami is a young team that will likely be even better next year because they only have about 4 seniors listed on their O and D two deep depth chart, respectively----the QB and RB are not seniors. Meanwhile the Rockets lose about twice that number (a total of 17) including the Woodside/Thompson connection. Hopefully a number of the Miami players will opt out for the early NFL draft or we may be facing a bigger problem with them than we faced this year.

Finally, an interesting parallel between the State of Florida and UT: during the past two weeks each has faced the threat of two Hurricanes and in one instance each dodged a bullet and in the other instance each got pounded.

No question, Miami is going to be scary next year.. They may even be a surprise contender this year.