The top national college football preview magazines have hit newsstands and the Internet. Here is what they have to say about Toledo this upcoming season.
Toledo will open its schedule Aug. 31 at Kentucky.
PHIL STEELE
Predicted finish: First in the MAC West
Bowl game: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl vs. Utah State
What they're saying: “Candle has done a great job building the depth, and strength coach Brad Bichey has helped build some solid players. After playing both [Western Michigan] and [Northern Illinois] on the road last year, Toledo gets both at home this year and are my favorite to win the MAC West.”
ATHLON
Predicted finish: First in the MAC West
Bowl game: Dollar General Bowl vs. Arkansas State
What they're saying: “In order for Toledo to again be a title contender, the defense will need to improve significantly after a poor showing in 2018. Matchups with Kentucky, Colorado State, and BYU all come in the first month, so the Rockets will have to weather that stretch before making their case as a MAC title contender.”
STREET & SMITH
Predicted finish: First in the MAC West
Bowl game: Dollar General Bowl vs. Louisiana
What they're saying: “The Rockets will have a good schedule to make a run at the MAC West title, with Northern Illinois and Western Michigan both coming to town. Toledo also avoids Ohio from the East. The young talent on offense should prevent too big of a dip in production. It’s not a sure thing by any means, but the Rockets are positioned to challenge for a title with just moderate defensive improvement.”
LINDY’S
Predicted finish: First in the MAC West
What they’re saying: “Many MAC watchers consider the 7-6 finish of a year ago a disappointing season, even though the Rockets were bowl eligible for the ninth consecutive season and had a ninth straight winning record, one of only nine FBS programs in that club. Coach Jason Candle has had three of his four recruiting classes designated as No. 1 in the conference, so the cupboard should be amply stocked for Toledo to rise to the top in 2019.”
First Published June 19, 2019, 2:00 p.m.
