Military Bowl 2011: Toledo vs. Air Force Is a Treat for Those Who Love Offense

Love offense? Looking for a way to kill a few hours on Wednesday evening?

I recommend the Military Bowl, which this year features a matchup between the Toledo Rockets and Air Force Falcons, to be aired at 4:30 pm on ESPN. It may not appear to be the sexiest matchup under the sun, but I assure you that it has the potential to be an instant classic.

It also has the potential to be a barnburner, which is good news if you're into such things. And let's face it, we're all into such things.

Not many people noticed, but the Rockets were one of the most explosive teams in the country once the calendar turned to October. In its last seven games, Toledo topped 40 points six times. The Rockets even topped 60 points in back-to-back games, one of which was a loss.

The beauty of Toledo's offensive attack is how balanced it is. Toledo's quarterback tandem of Austin Dantin and Terrance Owens was very effective this season, running a no-huddle offense that defenses had a hard time keeping pace with. Dantin and Owens were spoiled this season by Eric Page, who set a Toledo record with 112 receptions.

As if those three players weren't dangerous enough, the Rockets also have a pair of talented running backs who can rack up yards in bunches. Morgan Williams rushed for over 600 yards this season, and Adonis Thomas topped 900. 

Toledo doesn't have Air Force beat when it comes to rushing, though. The Falcons use the triple option, and they like to incorporate plenty of bells and whistles into their plays and formations. The vast majority of their business is conducted on the ground, as the Falcons had the nation's second-ranked rushing attack this season. That's par for the course for them.

If all goes according to plan, Air Force will run the ball down Toledo's throat, piling up points along the way. At the absolute very least, a successful rushing attack will keep Toledo's own high-flying offense on the sidelines. At best, it will give Air Force a lead it can protect in the late stages of the game.

Things won't go according to plan, though. Toledo has a weak defense that Air Force can exploit, but Air Force's own defense isn't much stronger. Even if the Rockets don't control the time of possession battle, they're going to get theirs.

We've seen some pretty sloppy football so far this bowl season, but this is a game that could break the trend. Both of these offenses are well-run, and neither of them are going to be significantly hindered on Wednesday night. The scoreboard at RFK Memorial has its work cut out for it.

So if you're into that kind of thing, I'd say your Wednesday evening is pretty well booked.