One game is left on the University of Toledo schedule.

The Rockets just don’t know the opponent's name or when and where it will take place.

Twelve games are enough, however, to look back at the top preseason storylines and see how they played out. When coaches and players gathered at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, UT was picked second, only 10 points behind Miami. The Rockets received three first-place votes.

And after they dominated the RedHawks at the Glass Bowl, a third consecutive trip to the MAC championship game looked preordained.

Instead, injuries, inconsistency, and good teams played a role in derailing Toledo’s season.

Building on the positive vibes

The Rockets entered the 2024 season with the program’s most momentum since Jason Candle went 20-7 overall and 13-3 in the conference with a MAC title in his first two seasons. In 2022 and 2023, UT was 20-8 and 13-3 with a MAC title and two title game appearances.

Not only that, but there has been a surge in NFL players, including a first-round draft pick (Quinyon Mitchell). Prior to the season, The Blade’s annual fan survey found that Candle’s approval rating was as high as it has ever been. Another loss to Bowling Green and consecutive losses to end the season has changed the narrative, fair or not.

Toledo built on the previous seasons’ successes by demolishing Mississippi State on the road, starting 4-1 overall, and controlling Miami for four quarters. But UT foundered to a 3-4 (or 4-5) finish, including blowout losses to Buffalo, BGSU, and Ohio. The regular-season finale at Akron was a major swing game, with 8-4 much more palatable than 7-5. Of course, the Rockets lost in excruciating fashion.

All, however, is not lost. Toledo is still well-positioned for the future. Upgrades are needed via the transfer portal, and Ohio proved this season that winning is possible with an entirely new roster.

Minimal mistakes by Tucker Gleason

Turnovers are always to be avoided in football. And Gleason succeeded in that category, for the most part. Sixty-nine quarterbacks have attempted at least 300 passes, and only 15 have thrown fewer interceptions than Gleason, who has 22 touchdown passes and seven INTs.

Gleason ranks 64th in completion percentage (61.8) and 25th in touchdown passes. His biggest issue is fumbling. Toledo didn’t always lose the ball, but even if the Rockets recovered, fumbles still cause drives to stall.

Among the 57 quarterbacks who’ve completed at least 200 passes, Gleason grades out 51st, according to Pro Football Focus, with a passing grade of 69.3. His overall offensive grade is 45th among QBs with 200 completions.

Gleason has at times been a target for fan criticism, but with a nonexistent run game and subpar offensive line, Gleason did plenty to prove that he could quarterback a MAC champion.

Block the opposing defense

There’s no sugarcoating it — Toledo’s offensive line was bad. The Rockets rank 105th out of 134 in rushing offense and have allowed the 48th-most sacks.

So much is analyzed every summer about the coming season, but everything typically boils down to the offensive and defensive lines. Last season, UT ranked 16th in rushing offense and gave up the fourth-fewest sacks. When all five linemen depart, a drop in production is expected. But Toledo’s 2024 line was unacceptable.

Injuries were a factor, sure. But it can’t be an excuse. Eventually, the play on the field speaks for itself, especially after 12 games. Toledo just didn’t have the bodies up front, and it negatively impacted the whole offense.

First Published December 2, 2024, 3:27 a.m.