2014
Toledo
College Football
Betting Preview
Odds and Schedule
Toledo managed seven wins last year including a road win at Bowling Green, yet were still left out of a bowl Game. The goal for 2014 is obvious; make it to a bowl Game. With 16 returning starters, the talent is there for the Rockets, but a major question at quarterback could hamper their hopes.
Toledo’s candidates for quarterback include Logan Woodside, who attempted 41 passes last year and Alabama transfer Phillip Ely, who hasn’t really played in three years. In a spread offense, they’ll need someone to lead the troops after they garnered nearly 450 yards per Game last year. The running Game shouldn’t be a problem with Kareem Hunt (866 yards) taking over lead duty with a number of speedy guys behind him. The offense offensive line is also one of the best in the Conference with guards Greg Mancz and Jeff Myers leading the way.
Whoever is at quarterback, will have plenty of options to work with. Alonzo Russell (59 receptions, 728 yards) is the best returnee with Justin Olack and speedster Kishon Wilcher, who previously played cornerback. The Rockets have the players, but a hole at QB will decide their season.
The Rockets have room for improvement on the defensive side, but still have a good amount of returning players to match last year’s 28.6 points allowed per Game. The linebacking unit is deep with experience in Trent Voss, Chase Murdock and Junior Sylvestre. They return five of their top six tacklers from last season.
The line also has plenty of talent with sophomore Treyvon Hester in the middle and Allen Covington on the end. The secondary has nine players with a decent amount of experience so the options are there if anyone struggles. This wasn’t a dominant defense by any means last year, but they can hold their own.
A rough non-Conference slate could once again doom Toledo’s postseason chances as they’ll get Missouri at home and road Games at Cincinnati and Iowa State (in October). With only one win from non-Conference play, that means they’ll need six MAC wins to match last year’s win total.
The Rockets also have the MAC’s three-highest rated teams on their Schedule with Ball State in September and then back-to-back Games in November against Northern Illinois and Bowling Green. They’ll need to win road Games at Western Michigan, Kent State and Eastern Michigan to have a shot at a bowl Game.
To reach the seven-win mark, Toledo will need to upset someone of significance. Without a definite quarterback at this point, it’s going to be difficult to do that. On the other hand, if the new QB can fill in at an average rate, there’s still enough talent on this team to pick up a big win or two.
Check out 5 dimes sportsbook for the latest MAC odds for the 2014 season.
2014 Toledo Football Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. New Hampshire
Sept. 6 vs. Missouri
Sept. 12 at Cincinnati
Sept. 20 vs. Ball State
Sept. 27 vs. Central Michigan
Oct. 4 at Western Michigan
Oct. 11 at Iowa State
Oct. 25 vs. Massachusetts
Nov. 4 at Kent State
Nov. 11 vs. Northern Illinois
Nov. 19 vs. Bowling Green
Nov. 28 at Eastern Michigan