Toledo Rockets
Mid-American Conference
This year proved the best football in Ohio isn’t always played at the center of the state. Oh sure, Ohio State went undefeated, but in the northwest corner of the Buckeye State Toledo quietly put together a strong campaign, finished 9-3 and placed itself in solid contention for a good bowl contest. This year marked the third year Toledo had at least eight victories, something former coach Tim Beckman (Illinois) did in his last two seasons. Current coach Matt Campbell took over, won his bowl game, and would like to do it again for a strong foundation going into 2013.
2012 Record: 9-3, 6-2
Coach: Matt Campbell
Coach Bowl Record: 1-0
Big Wins: 9/15 Bowling Green (27-15), 10/20 Cincinnati (29-23)
Bad Losses: 11/6 Ball State (27-34), 11/14 at Northern Illinois (24-31)
Strengths:
Toledo proved its offense belongs up there with the likes of Ball State and Northern Illinois. Its 456 yards per game of total offense is third in the MAC behind those two programs. This is largely due to a two-quarterback system that has produced over 3,100 yards through the air. Terrance Owens and Austin Dantin can throw the ball, with 19 touchdowns between them, and Bernard Reedy and Alonzo Russell are two adept receivers who are either near or above the 1,000-yard mark. Kicker Jeremiah Detmer has a strong foot, with six field goals made from 40-49 yard range, and he has missed only five all season. The defense is led by Dan Molls and his shattering 166 tackles, almost double the number of the second person on the team.
Weaknesses:
Like other Mid-American teams, the running game has its eggs mostly in one basket. David Fluellen has 1,460 yards and 13 touchdowns, but the second-leading rusher is the quarterback. Owens has had luck running up the field, but an injury to Fluellen could hamper the ground game a bit for the Rockets. Otherwise, it is a fairly solid group with little to no holes.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: David Fluellen, RB, 1,460 yards
Passing: Terrance Owens, QB, 2,677 yards
Receiving: Bernard Reedy, WR, 1,051 yards
Tackles: Dan Molls, LB, 166
Sacks: Jayrone Elliott, DE, 6.0
Interceptions: Jermaine Robinson, S, 4
2012 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 197.50 (33rd in nation, 5th in conference)
Passing Offense: 258.58 (46, 4)
Total Offense: 456.08 (29, 3)
Scoring Offense: 32.92 (38, 4)
Rushing Defense: 168.08 (74, 7)
Pass Defense: 296.00 (117, 12)
Total Defense: 464.08 (105, 10)
Scoring Defense: 27.33 (59, 5)
Turnover Margin: .58 (28, 4)
Sacks: 2.00 (60, 6)
Sacks Allowed: 1.92 (62, 8)
Recent Bowl Appearances:
2011 Military Bowl Air Force (42-41)
2010 Little Caesars Bowl FIU (32-34)
2005 GMAC Bowl UTEP (45-13)
2004 Motor City Bowl Connecticut (10-39)
2002 Motor City Bowl Boston College (25-51)
*all team stats through 11/24
