The University of Toledo football team opens another season with high expectations. The Rockets will learn a lot about this year’s team right off the bat as they head to Lexington to face Kentucky on Saturday.
The Wildcats are coming off a 10-win season and are a bit of an unknown after losing a lot of talent from last year’s team to the NFL. Here are three things to watch for Toledo vs. Kentucky on Saturday:
1. All eyes on Koback
Toledo will rely on its star sophomore running back Bryant Koback in his return to Kentucky, and Wildcats fans will no doubt be paying close attention. Will there be nerves for the talented rusher as he faces his former team? Koback has stated this week that he is preparing for this game like any other and while there will be familiar faces on the opposing side, it is much like high school football when you know a lot of players from the area. Will Koback leave Kentucky fans thinking what might have been?
2. Pass rush vs. Terry Wilson
Will the Toledo defensive line be able to create pressure against Kentucky quarterback Terry Wilson? The Wildcats offensive line is a veteran unit and will look to slow down the likes of UT sophomore defensive end Jamal Hines and others on the Toledo defensive line. Pressure in the pocket will be key against Wilson, but as UT coach Jason Candle pointed out the Rockets pass rushers can't just be thinking sacks at all costs because Wilson is a threat to run and is talented in extending plays and breaking out of the pocket for chunk plays.
3. Return to field for Guadagni
Toledo quarterback Mitch Guadagni won the starting quarterback job for the Rockets. After playing in only seven games last season due to injuries, it will be interesting to see how sharp Guadagni is in his return to the field. In his seven games last season, the fifth-year senior led the Mid-American Conference in pass efficiency at 162.0. Kentucky had one of the best defenses in the country a year ago, but lost many key contributors and will be counting on some inexperienced players. Can Guadagni make enough plays to keep Toledo in the game?
First Published August 30, 2019, 4:39 p.m.
