Wildcats take on Rockets: NCAA Friday Football

September 3, 2010

The Toledo Rockets start their season off with a true test. They may have finished 19th in passing yards a year ago, but they will have a hard time matching their 278 yards per game average against an Arizona Wildcat defense that had improved dramatically over the last few seasons.

The Wildcats allowed just 23 points per game last season which is 2 touchdowns less then the Rockets gave up. Toledo may be considered an offensive juggernaut in the Mid-American Conference, but they are far from being able to contend with a legitimate BCS Conference team like Arizona.

The Wildcats have a solid all around attack offensively. Nick Foles passed for almost 2500 yards last season with 19 touchdowns and just 9 interceptions. He is the prototypical type QB with a 6’5” frame and a strong arm. He will have plenty of weapons to use this season as Nick Grigsby and Keola Antonin both return at the running back position. They may not of wowed anyone last season individually, but combined they rushed for over 1200 yards, and had an average of well over 6 yards per carry. This is more than enough to sustain the offensive balance that head coach Mike Stoops needs to make a run at the PAC-!0 title in 2010.

Toledo has never been known for their defense. They thrive in a MAC conference that doesn’t have much defense to speak of. They will do well in-conference, but their out-of-conference schedule is grueling as they play Arizona, Purdue and Boise St. Austin Dantin may be starting his first game at this level, but he has tons of talent on the offensive side of the ball to help him get acclimated quickly. Running back DaJuane Collins may be gone but Morgan Williams is expected to pick up his slack. At wide receivers Eric Page and Stephen Williams may be the best duo in the country. They combined for over 2200 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Expect more of the same this year as they do all they can to help their new quarterback along.

Arizona opened up as a 14.5 point road favorite, but most of the betting public knows that they are in a different class from Toledo. Many college football handicappers will make the Wildcats the play in this contest, but I feel that Toledo has a legitimate chance to stay in the game as long as their new QB doesn’t make too many mistakes. This will be a great game to watch for the die hard football fan as Arizona defense battles the Toledo offense in what should be a great match-up.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NCAA Football

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