38th and ahead of LSU and Oregon!

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nc...586148002/

Wow.

Within single digits of Florida St, Utah, Iowa, & Toledo.

Good to see the respect, but I think it's a bit too optimistic.

(06-11-2018 06:48 AM)MiamiHuskie Wrote:  Good to see the respect, but I think it's a bit too optimistic.

Why is that? Almost every major publication has NIU finishing #1 or #2 in the MAC this upcoming season. NIU is returning the majority of a team that was a few plays away from having a 10-2 season. If anything, they should be significantly improved overall for this season. The only downfall is the tough schedule but if they can somehow escape winning 1 or 2 of those, they should easily win 8-9 games this year.

I just can't figure out why Appalachian State is not ahead of Toledo.

To me, looks like:
6 definite wins
3 losses
3 toss up games

Best case: 10 wins(not including Bowl game).
Worst case: 7 wins(not including Bowl game).

And yes I see Toledo and Ohio as toss up games.
Those two NIU home games are going to be slugfests.
The road game at WMU is going to be interesting. The Broncos are a different team with
Wassink.

(06-11-2018 07:40 AM)RedandBlackAttack Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 06:48 AM)MiamiHuskie Wrote:  Good to see the respect, but I think it's a bit too optimistic.

Why is that? Almost every major publication has NIU finishing #1 or #2 in the MAC this upcoming season. NIU is returning the majority of a team that was a few plays away from having a 10-2 season. If anything, they should be significantly improved overall for this season. The only downfall is the tough schedule but if they can somehow escape winning 1 or 2 of those, they should easily win 8-9 games this year.

QB situation. The offense was unspectacular last year, to put it mildly.
If Childers develops, especially being able to hit the occasional long pass, then I'll be more optimistic.

(06-11-2018 07:56 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  I just can't figure out why Appalachian State is not ahead of Toledo.

App State's DC is gone with 6 of his starters. They also lost their QB and 2 OL to the NFL. Rockets were without 2 of top 3 DE's, 3 starters on the OL, and All MAC WR Cody Thompson by the Bowl game. Gone for this season are basically QB, RB, LT, OC, LB, and a DE. Toledo is good just about everywhere with the big question being at QB. Both QB's are talented, with the one being a runner with a short to medium passing game and the other a mobile pro passer type. The Rockets' Receiving Unit is being rated as a Top 10 group nationally by a number of College Preview Mags. The two UT impact transfers are Brock Ruble FSU Graduate transfer OL(13 starts) and former UK RsFr RB Bryant Koback. Koback transferred from Kentucky to be back home because of a family situation. He has appealed to NCAA to play this season. Toledo also upgraded the Asst Coaching Staff, bringing guys with NFL/ACC/SEC experience.

(06-11-2018 06:48 AM)MiamiHuskie Wrote:  Good to see the respect, but I think it's a bit too optimistic.

+1

(06-11-2018 08:44 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 07:56 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  I just can't figure out why Appalachian State is not ahead of Toledo.

App State's DC is gone with 6 of his starters. They also lost their QB and 2 OL to the NFL. Rockets were without 2 of top 3 DE's, 3 starters on the OL, and All MAC WR Cody Thompson by the Bowl game. Gone for this season are basically QB, RB, LT, OC, LB, and a DE. Toledo is good just about everywhere with the big question being at QB. Both QB's are talented, with the one being a runner with a short to medium passing game and the other a mobile pro passer type. The Rockets' Receiving Unit is being rated as a Top 10 group nationally by a number of College Preview Mags. The two UT impact transfers are Brock Ruble FSU Graduate transfer OL(13 starts) and former UK RsFr RB Bryant Koback. Koback transferred from Kentucky to be back home because of a family situation. He has appealed to NCAA to play this season. Toledo also upgraded the Asst Coaching Staff, bringing guys with NFL/ACC/SEC experience.

Wow, I'm really impressed!! In that case, Toledo should be in the top 10 (or maybe top 5)!!

Couple of things about these rankings:

1) Myerberg probably gives too much respect to the MAC, and specifically NIU. I appreciate it, as it is usually the opposite bias, but he does bring a bias.

2) I know these are month old rankings, and even one month ago that was post-JJ leaving, but I wonder if he considered Johnson departure in the rankings.

3) We know NIU is not going to be capable of scoring points this year, and thus NIU is closer to being ranked 130 than being ranked in the top 25. Somewhere between 85 and 100 is where NIU belongs right now.

4) The USA Today rankings really speak to the respect the defense has gained, and well deserved. Where would NIU be without the defensive improvements.

(06-11-2018 08:47 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 08:44 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 07:56 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  I just can't figure out why Appalachian State is not ahead of Toledo.

App State's DC is gone with 6 of his starters. They also lost their QB and 2 OL to the NFL. Rockets were without 2 of top 3 DE's, 3 starters on the OL, and All MAC WR Cody Thompson by the Bowl game. Gone for this season are basically QB, RB, LT, OC, LB, and a DE. Toledo is good just about everywhere with the big question being at QB. Both QB's are talented, with the one being a runner with a short to medium passing game and the other a mobile pro passer type. The Rockets' Receiving Unit is being rated as a Top 10 group nationally by a number of College Preview Mags. The two UT impact transfers are Brock Ruble FSU Graduate transfer OL(13 starts) and former UK RsFr RB Bryant Koback. Koback transferred from Kentucky to be back home because of a family situation. He has appealed to NCAA to play this season. Toledo also upgraded the Asst Coaching Staff, bringing guys with NFL/ACC/SEC experience.

Wow, I'm really impressed!! In that case, Toledo should be in the top 10 (or maybe top 5)!!

Just like NIU, Toledo has a number of tough games. MAC road games are really tough particularly in places like DeKalb. I expect an improved MAC in both Divisions with very tight races. The Huskies have a really good home schedule. They deserve a good fan turnout.

(06-11-2018 09:28 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 08:47 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 08:44 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 07:56 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  I just can't figure out why Appalachian State is not ahead of Toledo.

App State's DC is gone with 6 of his starters. They also lost their QB and 2 OL to the NFL. Rockets were without 2 of top 3 DE's, 3 starters on the OL, and All MAC WR Cody Thompson by the Bowl game. Gone for this season are basically QB, RB, LT, OC, LB, and a DE. Toledo is good just about everywhere with the big question being at QB. Both QB's are talented, with the one being a runner with a short to medium passing game and the other a mobile pro passer type. The Rockets' Receiving Unit is being rated as a Top 10 group nationally by a number of College Preview Mags. The two UT impact transfers are Brock Ruble FSU Graduate transfer OL(13 starts) and former UK RsFr RB Bryant Koback. Koback transferred from Kentucky to be back home because of a family situation. He has appealed to NCAA to play this season. Toledo also upgraded the Asst Coaching Staff, bringing guys with NFL/ACC/SEC experience.

Wow, I'm really impressed!! In that case, Toledo should be in the top 10 (or maybe top 5)!!

Just like NIU, Toledo has a number of tough games. MAC road games are really tough particularly in places like DeKalb. I expect an improved MAC in both Divisions with very tight races. The Huskies have a really good home schedule. They deserve a good fan turnout.

The number and quality of home games determines fan support. We have a total of 5 home games, including 1 OOC (Utah). How many home games does Toledo have?

(06-11-2018 10:06 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 09:28 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 08:47 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 08:44 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 07:56 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  I just can't figure out why Appalachian State is not ahead of Toledo.

App State's DC is gone with 6 of his starters. They also lost their QB and 2 OL to the NFL. Rockets were without 2 of top 3 DE's, 3 starters on the OL, and All MAC WR Cody Thompson by the Bowl game. Gone for this season are basically QB, RB, LT, OC, LB, and a DE. Toledo is good just about everywhere with the big question being at QB. Both QB's are talented, with the one being a runner with a short to medium passing game and the other a mobile pro passer type. The Rockets' Receiving Unit is being rated as a Top 10 group nationally by a number of College Preview Mags. The two UT impact transfers are Brock Ruble FSU Graduate transfer OL(13 starts) and former UK RsFr RB Bryant Koback. Koback transferred from Kentucky to be back home because of a family situation. He has appealed to NCAA to play this season. Toledo also upgraded the Asst Coaching Staff, bringing guys with NFL/ACC/SEC experience.

Wow, I'm really impressed!! In that case, Toledo should be in the top 10 (or maybe top 5)!!

Just like NIU, Toledo has a number of tough games. MAC road games are really tough particularly in places like DeKalb. I expect an improved MAC in both Divisions with very tight races. The Huskies have a really good home schedule. They deserve a good fan turnout.

The number and quality of home games determines fan support. We have a total of 5 home games, including 1 OOC (Utah). How many home games does Toledo have?

Toledo usually has 6 home games. This year 7, because the U Miami game was moved to 2018 so the Canes could play @FAU in 2015. Rockets usually schedule an FCS opponent for a home opener. As a fan, I would just as soon see a big name money road game in its place if it helps maintain/grow the program.
I think NIU has a pretty strong home schedule with no really bad teams coming to DeKalb- Utah(PAC 12), CMU, Ohio U, Toledo, Miami U.

(06-11-2018 10:44 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 10:06 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 09:28 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 08:47 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 08:44 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  App State's DC is gone with 6 of his starters. They also lost their QB and 2 OL to the NFL. Rockets were without 2 of top 3 DE's, 3 starters on the OL, and All MAC WR Cody Thompson by the Bowl game. Gone for this season are basically QB, RB, LT, OC, LB, and a DE. Toledo is good just about everywhere with the big question being at QB. Both QB's are talented, with the one being a runner with a short to medium passing game and the other a mobile pro passer type. The Rockets' Receiving Unit is being rated as a Top 10 group nationally by a number of College Preview Mags. The two UT impact transfers are Brock Ruble FSU Graduate transfer OL(13 starts) and former UK RsFr RB Bryant Koback. Koback transferred from Kentucky to be back home because of a family situation. He has appealed to NCAA to play this season. Toledo also upgraded the Asst Coaching Staff, bringing guys with NFL/ACC/SEC experience.

Wow, I'm really impressed!! In that case, Toledo should be in the top 10 (or maybe top 5)!!

Just like NIU, Toledo has a number of tough games. MAC road games are really tough particularly in places like DeKalb. I expect an improved MAC in both Divisions with very tight races. The Huskies have a really good home schedule. They deserve a good fan turnout.

The number and quality of home games determines fan support. We have a total of 5 home games, including 1 OOC (Utah). How many home games does Toledo have?

Toledo usually has 6 home games. This year 7, because the U Miami game was moved to 2018 so the Canes could play @FAU in 2015. Rockets usually schedule an FCS opponent for a home opener. As a fan, I would just as soon see a big name money road game in its place if it helps maintain/grow the program.
I think NIU has a pretty strong home schedule with no really bad teams coming to DeKalb- Utah(PAC 12), CMU, Ohio U, Toledo, Miami U.

Isn’t Toledo breaking in a new QB this year?

(06-11-2018 12:44 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 10:44 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 10:06 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 09:28 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 08:47 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  Wow, I'm really impressed!! In that case, Toledo should be in the top 10 (or maybe top 5)!!

Just like NIU, Toledo has a number of tough games. MAC road games are really tough particularly in places like DeKalb. I expect an improved MAC in both Divisions with very tight races. The Huskies have a really good home schedule. They deserve a good fan turnout.

The number and quality of home games determines fan support. We have a total of 5 home games, including 1 OOC (Utah). How many home games does Toledo have?

Toledo usually has 6 home games. This year 7, because the U Miami game was moved to 2018 so the Canes could play @FAU in 2015. Rockets usually schedule an FCS opponent for a home opener. As a fan, I would just as soon see a big name money road game in its place if it helps maintain/grow the program.
I think NIU has a pretty strong home schedule with no really bad teams coming to DeKalb- Utah(PAC 12), CMU, Ohio U, Toledo, Miami U.

Isn’t Toledo breaking in a new QB this year?

As a matter of fact, they are. We'll be waiting.

https://athlonsports.com/college-footbal...prediction

Quote:Junior Mitchell Guadagni is battling sophomore Eli Peters for the quarterback job, but experience is sorely lacking (a combined one career completion).

(06-11-2018 08:15 AM)MiamiHuskie Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 07:40 AM)RedandBlackAttack Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 06:48 AM)MiamiHuskie Wrote:  Good to see the respect, but I think it's a bit too optimistic.

Why is that? Almost every major publication has NIU finishing #1 or #2 in the MAC this upcoming season. NIU is returning the majority of a team that was a few plays away from having a 10-2 season. If anything, they should be significantly improved overall for this season. The only downfall is the tough schedule but if they can somehow escape winning 1 or 2 of those, they should easily win 8-9 games this year.

QB situation. The offense was unspectacular last year, to put it mildly.
If Childers develops, especially being able to hit the occasional long pass, then I'll be more optimistic.

Childers also needs to show he can complete high percentage short passes and screen passes which he struggled with last season.

(06-11-2018 01:00 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 12:44 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 10:44 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 10:06 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 09:28 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  Just like NIU, Toledo has a number of tough games. MAC road games are really tough particularly in places like DeKalb. I expect an improved MAC in both Divisions with very tight races. The Huskies have a really good home schedule. They deserve a good fan turnout.

The number and quality of home games determines fan support. We have a total of 5 home games, including 1 OOC (Utah). How many home games does Toledo have?

Toledo usually has 6 home games. This year 7, because the U Miami game was moved to 2018 so the Canes could play @FAU in 2015. Rockets usually schedule an FCS opponent for a home opener. As a fan, I would just as soon see a big name money road game in its place if it helps maintain/grow the program.
I think NIU has a pretty strong home schedule with no really bad teams coming to DeKalb- Utah(PAC 12), CMU, Ohio U, Toledo, Miami U.

Isn’t Toledo breaking in a new QB this year?

As a matter of fact, they are. We'll be waiting.

https://athlonsports.com/college-footbal...prediction

Quote:Junior Mitchell Guadagni is battling sophomore Eli Peters for the quarterback job, but experience is sorely lacking (a combined one career completion).

They failed to mention Mitch ran the FB 8 times for 9.5 yds per carry average.

(06-11-2018 01:00 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 12:44 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 10:44 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 10:06 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-11-2018 09:28 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  Just like NIU, Toledo has a number of tough games. MAC road games are really tough particularly in places like DeKalb. I expect an improved MAC in both Divisions with very tight races. The Huskies have a really good home schedule. They deserve a good fan turnout.

The number and quality of home games determines fan support. We have a total of 5 home games, including 1 OOC (Utah). How many home games does Toledo have?

Toledo usually has 6 home games. This year 7, because the U Miami game was moved to 2018 so the Canes could play @FAU in 2015. Rockets usually schedule an FCS opponent for a home opener. As a fan, I would just as soon see a big name money road game in its place if it helps maintain/grow the program.
I think NIU has a pretty strong home schedule with no really bad teams coming to DeKalb- Utah(PAC 12), CMU, Ohio U, Toledo, Miami U.

Isn’t Toledo breaking in a new QB this year?

As a matter of fact, they are. We'll be waiting.

https://athlonsports.com/college-footbal...prediction

Quote:Junior Mitchell Guadagni is battling sophomore Eli Peters for the quarterback job, but experience is sorely lacking (a combined one career completion).