The Toledo Rockets (2-2) come into Saturday’s game against the Central Michigan Chippewas (1-3) with a chip on their shoulders. After going 2-0 Toledo has lost their last two. Is there a three-game losing streak or will they get back in the win column? Central Michigan at Toledo week 5 preview below.
The Saturday, October 1st game is also the 92nd homecoming game in Rockets history. Toledo owns a record of 63-28 in these games. Toledo has won 10 of 12 meetings between the two schools.
Rockets Offense For Week 5 Preview
The Rocket offense is clicking on all cylinders. The offense currently ranks first overall in the MAC with 31.8 points per game. Quarterback Dequan Finn leads the potent offense, ranking first in team rushing (252 yards) and passing (781 yards). Wide receiver Demmer Blankumsee and the leading receiver have caught 24 passes for 235 yards.
The Rockets are getting production from everyone. Nine players have scored at least one touchdown, with Finn the leader at five. Kicker Thomas Cluckey leads all players in points with 31.
The Rockets’ offense can explode, however, one thing they should watch out for is the Central Michigan offense, which has just as much firepower. The Toledo offense is clicking at 382.8 yards per game, averaging 5.7 yards per play.
Toledo Defense vs Central Michigan Offense
The Toledo defense has one objective in mind – to stop Central Michigan quarterback Daniel Richardson. Richardson comes in the game with 1,124 yards passing and a QBR of 125.1. If the defense can disrupt his timing, blitzing him at every opportunity, they can grab a win. If not there could be a shootout between the two teams.
The Rocket defense ranks first in MAC total defense (352.5 yards per game). Linebacker Dallas Grant leads in total tackles with 29. The Rockets play an aggressive, man-to-man defense that gives the opposition little room to operate. The linebackers have explosive speed, and the defensive line is one of the more aggressive ones in the MAC. The secondary gives the receivers no room as they bump and get in the way of every opportunity in this Rockets week 5 preview.
If the Rockets can win this game it will be because of the defense. Yes, Toledo can score points, however, so can Central Michigan as the Chippewas average 30.8 points per game. The defense needs to keep the Chippewas to minimal gains without giving up big plays.
The Rockets got off to a 2-0 start. The last two losses, one to the Ohio State Buckeyes and one to the San Diego Aztecs. Rockets coach Jason Candle must go to the drawing board and what made Toledo successful in the first two games.
Toledo is lethal because they are a dual threat. They are the total package and a serious contender in the MAC to win it all. This game is not a do-or-die game but the Rockets need to get back in the win column. A win Saturday could be huge.
Both teams come in struggling, losing their last game, and are both 2-3 in their last five so something has to give. The Rockets do not want to get in a shootout with the Chippewas, even though they too have firepower. This game is going to come down to defense and clock management. Whichever team takes care of the ball better will win.
The Glass Bowl, one of the oldest stadiums in the MAC, will be rocking this Saturday. Less than 1,000 tickets remain for the game, which should be a good one.