The University of Toledo football team has a big test on Saturday when the Rockets host BYU at the Glass Bowl.
The Cougars come in at 2-2 with wins over USC and Tennessee and losses to Utah and Washington. Toledo, meanwhile, is 2-1 and coming off of a win at Colorado State last Saturday.
Here are three things to watch in Saturday's game:
1. Can Toledo continue with its potent run game?
Rockets sophomore running back Bryant Koback is coming off of a career game at Colorado State when he rushed for 228 yards and three touchdowns. What will Koback and the Toledo rushing attack have in store as an encore? BYU has some big players on its defensive line, but facing a tough schedule, the Cougars have surrendered 215.5 rushing yards per game. Koback and backup Shakif Seymour along with quarterback Mitch Guadagni form a dangerous backfield for Toledo, and the Rockets rushed for 436 yards as a team at Colorado State.
2. How will BYU account for loss of RB Ty'Son Williams?
The Cougars lost leading rusher Ty'Son Williams to an ACL injury against Washington last week. BYU will now turn to grad transfer Emmanuel Esukpa and Lopini Katoa to shoulder the rushing load against Toledo. The Rockets struggled to stop the run at Colorado State giving up 289 rushing yards to the Rams, including 246 to running back Marvin Kinsey Jr. Slowing down the BYU rushing attack and not letting the Cougars get into a rhythm running ball would be a huge lift to Toledo. Esukpa and Katoa are capable rushers and will look to fill the void of the injury to Williams.
3. Will Toledo's special teams continue to shine?
In a game like this between Toledo and BYU a play or two on special teams can alter the course of the game. Toledo has gotten steady performances from its specialists including punter Bailey Flint and freshman kicker Evan Davis. Flint boomed a punt 72 yards at Colorado State and his ability to flip the field position is a big boost to Toledo. Davis, meanwhile, has shown great poise to start the season and has made the first four kicks of his college career, including a long of 46 yards. The duo will have to be sharp again against BYU in what could be a very close game.
First Published September 27, 2019, 6:14 p.m.
