http://www.toledoblade.com/UT/2017/11/01...inois.html

so they pick NIU ahead of Toledo at every category on defense. We shall see about that. Especially if their O-line is rated behind ours - which I think is one of our weak spots. I bet we also have more depth on the D-line, and D-backs. Just because they have 1 guy that is "an NFL talent" that does not make their secondary better. Besides, we will have the better passer and the better receivers. It almost seems like that article was written to drum up more interest in the game - which is ok by me.

Huff was also just ruled out for the game tomorrow. The NIU board seems to think it's going to make quite the difference. I don't doubt it will have an impact but honestly haven't seen enough of them (let alone Huff specifically) to comment much.

Also - anyone know the status of Norwood? I had heard he tore the ACL again but he is still #2 on the depth chart. Was that unconfirmed and never came to fruition?

(11-01-2017 07:27 PM)MotoRocket Wrote:  so they pick NIU ahead of Toledo at every category on defense. We shall see about that. Especially if their O-line is rated behind ours - which I think is one of our weak spots. I bet we also have more depth on the D-line, and D-backs. Just because they have 1 guy that is "an NFL talent" that does not make their secondary better. Besides, we will have the better passer and the better receivers. It almost seems like that article was written to drum up more interest in the game - which is ok by me.

You do realize that NIU has the 15th best defense in the entire country right?

(11-01-2017 08:31 PM)RedandBlackAttack Wrote:  

(11-01-2017 07:27 PM)MotoRocket Wrote:  so they pick NIU ahead of Toledo at every category on defense. We shall see about that. Especially if their O-line is rated behind ours - which I think is one of our weak spots. I bet we also have more depth on the D-line, and D-backs. Just because they have 1 guy that is "an NFL talent" that does not make their secondary better. Besides, we will have the better passer and the better receivers. It almost seems like that article was written to drum up more interest in the game - which is ok by me.

You do realize that NIU has the 15th best defense in the entire country right?

The best offense NIU has played based on YPG was Buffalo at 58th. Every other team was in the bottom half of FBS. Not saying the D isn't good but don't get ahead of yourselves. For comparisons sake Toledo is 7th and their D has played the 24th and 35th best offenses (Tulsa and Miami).

If Huff gets a little running room he can be very good. So it is a loss. Though lately the running game with or without him hasnt been as good which is concerning

(11-01-2017 07:27 PM)MotoRocket Wrote:  so they pick NIU ahead of Toledo at every category on defense. We shall see about that. Especially if their O-line is rated behind ours - which I think is one of our weak spots. I bet we also have more depth on the D-line, and D-backs. Just because they have 1 guy that is "an NFL talent" that does not make their secondary better. Besides, we will have the better passer and the better receivers. It almost seems like that article was written to drum up more interest in the game - which is ok by me.

I hope so. It seems like NIU has run the same offense that last 10 plus years. I've been in the stands while fans are shouting out what play NIU is running and Toledo as still blown it.

(11-01-2017 07:27 PM)MotoRocket Wrote:  so they pick NIU ahead of Toledo at every category on defense. We shall see about that. Especially if their O-line is rated behind ours - which I think is one of our weak spots. I bet we also have more depth on the D-line, and D-backs. Just because they have 1 guy that is "an NFL talent" that does not make their secondary better. Besides, we will have the better passer and the better receivers. It almost seems like that article was written to drum up more interest in the game - which is ok by me.

I doubt u have more depth at D-back. Probably D-line though. The difference this year is a solid secondary along with a good pass rush. If we dont get pressure on woodside it will still be a long day. But not many teams have stopped Sutton Smith.

So here are some stats to consider:
Toledo is currently ranked 9th in total offence and 45th in total defense.
NIU is currently ranked 71st in total offence and 17th in total defense.

So the match ups are perceived strength vs strength, Toledo offence vs NIU defense and weakness vs weakness, NIU offence vs Toledo defense.

Toledo earned its #9 total offence ranking versing opponents with an average ranking of #87 in total defense.

NIU earned its #17 total defense ranking versing opponents with an average ranking of #70 in total offence.

NIU earned its #71 total offence ranking versing teams that have an average rank of #97 in total defense.

Toledo earned its #45 total defense ranking versing opponents with an average ranking of #70 in total offence.

EMU is the only common opponent, EMU ranks #93 in total offence and #40 in total defense.

Toledo's offence had 63 yds above their season average against EMU's D
EMU offence had 47 yds less than their season average against Toledo's D

NIU's offence had 36 yds above their season average against EMU's D
EMU offence had 30 yds more than their season average against NIU's D

Tree knows numbers!

Go UT!

In this order, I’m concerned about:

1) NIU secondary. Rockets roll when they have success with both the air & ground game, and if we throw a couple interceptions or receivers can’t get separation, it gets difficult.

2) that NIU TE. He’s sneaky in the pass game and tough to bring down when he has the ball. We seem to play a scheme on D that leaves the middle of the field open. If he gets 7+ catches we may be in trouble.

3) NIU QB running. He’s a strong runner, and we know how we’ve struggled in the past with running quarterbacks.

Play our game, cut down on penalties, and be focused and play assignment ball on D and we should be fine. Go Rockets!