(06-03-2021 10:29 PM)falconplucker Wrote:  The only acceptable loss this year is Notre Dame. Aside from that, there is no excuse for Toledo not to win the MAC. I think the defense will be stellar with another year and spring practice under its belt. The offense is loaded at wr and has at least 3 capable backs. Whoever starts at qb should not have to be a hero. They just need to manage the game. The three keys to this season are the development of the o-line, having the team mentally prepared for a 60 minute fight, and the kicking game. The o-line has endured key injuries that last couple of years, but I have not seen quality in the depth. Koback is a fine running back, but if they can't open holes for him, the running game is in jeopardy and more pressure will be on the qb to make plays. The opening 30 minutes of the Ball State game, and the waning minutes of the Western Michigan game are what prevented a championship last year. I don't know that Candle has the characteristics needed to motivate and prepare a team for a big game, but perhaps the assistants around him can. Kehres and Kuligowski have done wonders with the defense in a short time, perhaps their energy and focus can spill over to rest of the team. Perhaps Candle finally has the right combination of assistant coaches to make it work. Sometime you don't have to be the best head coach, if you build a great coaching staff. The West is not an easy division this year, but Toledo has over 20 returning starters this season. Time to get it done.