Long Island has a new coaching staff, led by a former Alabama analyst, and a cadre of transfers.
The Sharks are a virtual unknown, but that hasn't prevented the oddsmakers from installing Toledo as a massive favorite.
The reasons are business LIU was a mess last season and the Rockets have the potential to be one of the best Group of Five teams in the country. Thursday's game isn't going to make or break 2022 — unless UT loses, which seems like an impossibility — but it's the first step toward the Rockets' Mid-American Conference championship or bust campaign.
"We're ready to rock and roll," Toledo coach Jason Candle said.
Here’s what to know about the matchup:
■ Who: Long Island University (0-0) vs. Toledo (0-0)
■ When: 7 p.m. Thursday
■ Where: Glass Bowl
■ Spread: Toledo by 45 1/2
■ Online: ESPN3
■ Radio: 1370 AM
■ Follow: Kyle Rowland
PLAYERS TO WATCH
■ Toledo: Jamal Hines. The edge rusher was a first-team All-MAC selection last season after recording 88 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss. His 10 sacks were the second-most in the MAC. Hines figures to be a disruptive force again this season and potentially a Day 2 NFL draft pick in 2023.
■ Long Island: Derek Green. The SMU transfer quarterback was a nominee for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding college football player who began his career as a walk-on. The son of former NFL QB Trent Green appeared in 25 career games for the Mustangs, but only attempted eight passes.
STATS TO KNOW
■ 4: Seasons that LIU has competed in Football Championship Subdivision. Prior to that, LIU Post was in Division II. In 2019. LIU Post and LIU Brooklyn unified into one team.
■ 2-0: LIU has a 2-0 lead in the all-time series, sweeping a home-and-home in 1939 and '40.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Toledo running backs vs. LIU front seven: The Sharks struggled to stop air last season, so the likes of Micah Kelly, Jacquez Stewart, Peny Boone, and Willie Shaw will pose a significant challenge. It wouldn't be shocking to see UT rack up 300 yards on the ground.
PREDICTION
The Rockets have a four-game gauntlet, beginning with Ohio State on Sept. 17. Before that, Toledo has LIU on Thursday and Massachusetts next Saturday, both night games in the Glass Bowl. And getting off to a fast start to build confidence is important for UT. It can begin that process on Thursday — and the Rockets will do so in resounding fashion. Everything will click — Dequan Finn, the run game, and the defense. Toledo 63, LIU 3.
WARMUP READING
Scouting report: Long Island at Toledo football
Briggs and Rowland preview Toledo football season
Toledo football game-by-game predictions for 2022
Retooled Toledo offensive line eager to overcome preseason injuries
First Published September 1, 2022, 11:00 a.m.
