Toledo Rockets Season Preview

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Tom Amstutz went 58-41 as he had four nine wins seasons in four of his first five years. He then stepped down after his Rockets went 5-7, 5-7 and 3-9 in his final three seasons (2006-2008).

Here is a legit trivia question for everybody reading though: Who were the two coaches that are now coaching BCS programs that coached before Amstutz at Toledo? Answer: Nick Saban and Gary Pinkel.

Tim Beckman has since taken over and is already in his third year going 13-12 through the first two. He made his very first bowl game against Florida International in the Little Caesars Bowl.

It was the Rockets first bowl appearance since 2005 and with 18 starters back, they have high expectations and are my favorites to win the West Division of the MAC.   

Who Will Be Under Center?

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Keep in mind the Rockets have defeated a BCS team for five straight seasons and I look for this to continue for a sixth with a winnable road game in the Carrier Dome. QB Terrance Owens is a solid lefty that should battle with Austin Dantin until the opener against New Hampshire.

They do travel to the Horseshoe the following week, so it might be important to decide who starts in time for that game. Regardless of who starts under center, the Rockets are favorites in their division.

No need to fret about the starting QB as they are loaded in the backfield (Adonis Thomas ran for over 1,000 yards and totaled 10 TDs) and the receiving core. They are led by the best overall offensive player in the MAC. 

The Next NFL Star?

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

WR Eric Page may only be 5’10" and 180 pounds, but he is an athletic freak that is deceptively quick. Page even threw for three TDs and 68 yards on three of four passes. Page was first on the team and third in the conference with 99 receptions.

A Lance Moore comparison has been drawn to Page, but he is just a junior. He has already been a two-time First Team All-MAC and is attempting to do it for three straight seasons.

Shaky Secondary

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The defense was 56th in total defense allowing only 364 YPG and with nine starters back, there is hope that the defense will only be better.

MLB Dan Molls and Isiah Ballard both return as two of the best tacklers not to mention play makers on the squad. The front four could improve even more as they ranked 36th against the run allowing only 133 YPG. Three of the four linemen return, including both bookend speed rushers Malcolm Riley and TJ Fatinkun.

The secondary did allow 231 YPG which ranked 86th in the nation and with all four starters back, those numbers better improve. Mark Singer is the leader back there at FS and if his two INTs do not skyrocket, then this Rocket secondary will get launched.

Drama's Forecast

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The schedule sets the team up for great success in the MAC. They should be favored in every single conference game as their three toughest games are all at home.

NIU, Miami (OH) and Western Michigan will all be tough games, but this Rocket team has the makings of a Cinderella story with a talented crop of WRs and RBs. I foresee a 10 win season and a MAC crown in that magical third year for Tim Beckman.

Predicted Finish: 12-2, 9-0

Predicted Bowl: Go Daddy.com Bowl

Predicted order of finish in MAC: First overall, First in West Division