Toledo Rockets
2000 record: 10-1 (6-1).
Coach: Tom Amstutz (first year).
Starters returning: 8 offense, 8 defense.
Outlook: The Rockets are the preseason favorite to win the MAC championship and with good reason: They return most of their key personnel. And what do they do after scoring a school record 400 points? Amstutz, a Toledo assistant for the last 21 years, has installed a high-powered offense and promises to throw the ball. It helps when you return an all league performer at quarterback like Tavares Bolden, who turns over the ball as often as the Chicago Cubs go to the World Series. He'll hand off to fifth-year senior Chester Taylor, who rushed for 18 touchdowns. Also back is wideout Donta Greene who had 31 receptions, but no one else on the roster had more than 15. The successful 4-4 defense remains and cornerbacks Brandon Hefflin and Jehu Anderson are the stars. Ends Leo Frierson and David Bockmore return but the Rockets must replace three first-team All-MAC performers.
Keep an eye on: Senior Andy Boyd. Boyd has been the starting safety since his freshman season and he may be finally ready to gain the notoriety he deserves.
Key game: Western Michigan comes to town on Nov. 6 that could decide the West Division championship.
It's a good year if... This ball-control group gains comfort with the spread offense. Bolden is good with the short and intermediate passes but his arm strength is questionable. But 16 starters return from a team that finished 10-1 so anything but a MAC championship would be considered a disappointment.
Rodney McKissic covers the MAC for the Buffalo News.
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