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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 7-5 (6-3) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Gary Pinkel Returning starters: 14 (offense 7, defense 6) Outlook For the Rockets to add a third straight West Divsion title to their trophy case, they'll have to find balance on both sides of the ball. A strong defense is expected, but holes at all offensive skill positions temper that experience. With a line returning all five starters, the Rockets have the platform in place for a run at another title. Add to that a schedule with seven home games -- including a season-opener against a rebuilding Syracuse team which could be vulnerable. But any success hinges on finding replacements for quarterback Chris Wallace and tailback Wasean Tait, two of the best players in school history. Offense The Rockets are in better shape at running back than some might think. Chester Taylor rushed for 570 yards on just 103 carries last year and with the entire line back, those numbers should at least double. Coach Gary Pinkel's offense has been one of balance in the past, but as the team breaks in a new QB, the weight of the offense will fall on the running game. Two-time all-MAC tackle Colin Westrich, who was awarded a sixth year of eligibility, is the best in a unit which features one senior, two juniors and two sophomorse on the starting line. Senior Greg Peters, who started 12 games last year, has slipped down to second team as sophomore Matt Comer, who started two games in '98, is with the first team. The quarterback spot is still open. Pinkel said he wouldn't know for sure until two-a-days were over. Right now, the No. 1 choice is junior Dan Cole with sophomore Tavares Bolden pushing him. And then there's freshman Keon Frazier, a stud quarterback who can throw and run with equal skill and who is considered the top recruit in the conference. Whoever it is, he'll have a new unit of receivers to break in. It's a good sign if: The experienced line minimizes the growing pains sure to be shown by the new quarterback.It's a bad sign if: Taylor can't handle being the primary offensive option. Defense The Rockets' defense was as stingy as they come last year, allowing just 12.6 points per conference game. The defensive line has just one returning starter in DeJuan Goulde, a second-team all-MAC honoree. Goulde recorded a team-high six sacks along with eight tackles for loss in '98. Three of four linebackers return, highlighted by all-MAC 'backer Jason Lamar and his 119 tackles. He and Kevin Rollins form a solid inside duo, but this unit needs to show more play-making ability. The secondary has a keeper in sophomore safety Andy Boyd, who made 76 tackles and grabbed three interceptions in eight starts last year. He holds plenty of responsibility as the lone safety in Toledo's 4-4 defensive scheme. It's a good sign if: Toledo can get to its showdown with Marshall on Oct. 16 without giving up more than 20 points to any opponent other than Syracuse.It's a bad sign if: The inexperience on the line can't allow the linebackers a little freedom to take risks on popping the big play. Special Teams Kicker Todd France needs to improve on his 11-for-19 accuracy on field goals. He nailed 5 of 6 inside 30 yards, but outside he was inconsistent. Freshman John Manly appears to be the new punter. -- Greg Collins |
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