This is a program game. How much pride does Toledo have?
The Rockets are coming off a devastating loss to Ohio, which knocked them out of the Mid-American Conference championship game. How Toledo responds in a mostly irrelevant game will be telling.
The reality is that those on the outside might view it as irrelevant, but players and coaches don't operate that way. There are only 12 guaranteed games, and everyone associated with the program wants to win and put forth a winning effort.
An 8-4 record sounds a lot different than 7-5.
"Very important football game for our team," Toledo coach Jason Candle said. "Looking to rebound off a tough loss. Short week, we have to have a great week of prep. With our time condensed, we have to use that wisely."
When Toledo has the ball
The Rockets are coming off a dreadful performance against Ohio. But Akron could be an elixir for Toledo, as the Zips rank seventh in total defense (399.6 yards per game) in conference games.
Akron is eighth in pass defense (228.6 yards) and rush defense (177.0 yards), and sixth in scoring defense (28.4 points). Linebacker Bryan McCoy ranks seventh nationally with 103 tackles.
Defensive lineman CJ Nunnally IV ranks in the top 100 with nine tackles for loss and five sacks.
Quarterback Tucker Gleason is completing 60.5 percent of his passes for 2,168 yards with 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Wide receiver Jerjuan Newton ranks in the top 20 nationally with 868 yards. His 10 touchdowns rank third.
Toledo's rushing offense is nonexistent.
In MAC games, the Rockets rank 10th in total offense (347.1 yards), fourth in passing offense (246.6 yards), 11th in rushing offense (100.5 yards), and ninth in scoring (22.4 points).
When Akron has the ball
Akron QB Ben Finley is only completing 55.6 percent, but he ranks 31st with 2,410 passing yards. He's thrown for 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His favorite target, Adrian Norton, ranks 26th with 831 yards and seven TDs.
Leading rusher Jordon Simmons has 664 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry.
The Zips rank seventh in the MAC in total offense (373.0 yards), third in passing offense (257.9 yards), 10th in rushing offense (115.1 yards), and eighth in scoring (23.3 points).
They will face a unit that ranks fifth in total defense (399.6 yards), fifth in passing offense (194.9 yards), sixth in rushing defense (167.4 yards), and fifth in scoring defense (22.7 points).
Safety Maxen Hook ranks seventh nationally with 103 tackles and linebacker Dan Bolden is 41st with 83 tackles. Linebacker Jackson Barrow ranks in the top 100 with 9.0 tackles for loss.
Safety Braden Awls ranks 31st with three interceptions, and cornerback Avery Smith ranks second with 13 pass breakups.
Special teams
Toledo freshman walk-on Bryson Hammer ranks sixth nationally with 248 punt return yards. The Rockets rank 15th in kickoff returns, averaging 24.7 yards per kick.
Akron does not cover kicks or punts well, and the Zips are among the worst teams in the country at returning kicks and punts.
Toledo will win if…
The Rockets need to go to Akron angry and ready to play. There's an opportunity to win eight games and go to a favorable bowl game. Show up focused, and Toledo will win. It won't be easy, but the Rockets have a talent advantage.
Akron will win if…
The Zips are improved this season despite their 3-8 record. They have scored points and hung in games into the fourth quarter. But they will need an unmotivated Toledo team to contribute on Tuesday. If UT doesn't play with energy, Akron can win with a deep passing game.
First Published November 24, 2024, 10:51 p.m.
