This Friday, the (7-4) Toledo Rockets will travel to Kalamazoo, MI to take on the (4-7) Western Michigan Broncos. Kickoff will be at Noon EST inside Waldo Stadium. We have some “MACtion” in this one, as I am expecting an entertaining battle Friday afternoon.
The Toledo Rockets are coming into this one after falling to Bowling Green, 42-35. The Rockets struggled on the defensive side of the field, as they couldn't make enough stops to win this game outright. They will have to stop the run in this one if they want to challenge the Broncos on the road.
The Western Michigan Broncos are entering this matchup after taking down Central Michigan, 12-10. The Broncos' defense stepped up big time in that game, as they continued to give their offense chances to take the lead. Their defense will have to show up again in this one if they want to defend their home field against the Rockets.
The Toledo Rockets are currently in first place in the MAC West, as they are (5-2) inside the conference this season. They will also be looking to bounce back after their loss to the Bowling Green Falcons last week. On offense, the Rockets are scoring 35.1 points per game and they are averaging 413.9 total yards. This is the 25th most points scored in the country and the 48th most yards averaged per game. The Rockets have also shown that they can sling the rock all over the field. They are currently throwing for 234.3 yards per game, which is the 64th most in the NCAA. Dequan Finn has been the Rockets starting QB this season, but he is currently listed as questionable for this game with a leg injury. He has thrown for 21 touchdown passes this season and only 10 interceptions, as it would be a big loss if he couldn't play. If he can't start, Tucker Gleason will get the nod. He threw for 329 yards, three touchdowns, and two intercepti ons against the Falcons last week. Toledo is also running for 179.6 yards per game, which is the 50th most in the country. Jacquez Stuart is the lead back for the Rockets, as he has scored three touchdowns this season and recorded 557 yards on the ground. Micah Kelly will also get some touches, as he has recorded 96 carries this season for 323 yards and a touchdown.
On the defensive side of the field, the Rockets have not been as strong. They are currently surrendering 27.7 points per game and 351.4 yards. This is the 86th least amount of points given up per game and the 38th least amount of total yards. Their secondary has continued to lead the way, as they have been very tough to beat this season. They are only allowing 199.5 passing yards per game, which is the 30th least in the nation. The Rockets have also shown that they can load the box and stop the run as well. They are allowing their opponents to rush for 151.9 yards per game, which is the 71st least in the country. Dallas Grant continues to lead the way for this defense, as the junior linebacker has recorded 95 total tackles and two forced fumbles this season. Last week, he had seven tackles against the Bowling Green Falcons.
Injury Report: Dequan Finn QB (Leg) is currently listed as questionable for Friday's contest.