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Preview: Western Michigan (2-3) at Toledo (3-2)
Posted October 07, 2009
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FACTS & STATS: Site: Glass Bowl (26,248) -- Toledo, Ohio. Television: None. Home Record: WMU 2-0, Toledo 1-0. Away Record: WMU 0-3, Toledo 2-1. Neutral Record: WMU 0-0, Toledo 0-1. Conference Record: WMU 1-1, Toledo 1-0. Series Record: Toledo leads, 36-27.

GAME NOTES: The Toledo Rockets will try to continue their strong play when they host the Western Michigan Broncos this Saturday evening in a Mid-American Conference tussle at the Glass Bowl.

The Broncos head into this matchup fresh off a terrible display against Northern Illinois, as the team was pounded by the Huskies, 38-3. The loss snapped a two-game win streak for Western Michigan, which is now winless in three road games this season.

As for the Rockets, they have won two straight games, defeating Florida International (41-31) and most recently Ball State (37-30). Last season the Rockets finished a miserable 1-5 at home, but so far the team is 1-0 at the Glass Bowl.

The Rockets hold a solid 36-27 edge over Western Michigan in the all-time series, but the Broncos have won the last three meetings, including a 27-17 decision over Toledo last year.

The Broncos were completely dominated by the Huskies over the weekend, as the team was limited to just 251 total yards, and only three points. The ground game was bottled up at just 73 yards on 3.2 yards per attempt. Tim Hiller had one of his worst performances under center, as the signal caller completed just 18-of-35 passes for just 176 yards and was intercepted three times. Despite the poor showing, Hiller has still been the best player on the field for the Broncos, as the quarterback comes into this matchup with 1,224 yards and eight scores against six interceptions. However, he is hoping his favorite target Juan Nunez will be back in action this weekend. Nunez, who has 23 receptions for 341 yards and three touchdowns, is dealing with a bruised left knee, but he is likely to be on the field against Toledo. What Hiller would really benefit from is a consistent ground game, as the team is being held to a meager 89.8 ypg on an equally poor 3.0 yards per attempt.

On top of the lack of production offensively the Broncos were also dismantled on the defensive side of the football, as the team was abused for 390 total yards. The majority of the trouble came against the run, yielding 255 yards and three scores on 5.1 yards per attempt. The defense has struggled for most of the year, as the team is allowing 390.2 total ypg. The Broncos have been unable to stop the run or the pass, as opponents are churning out 176.6 ypg on the ground, while also torching WMU for 213.6 ypg through the air. Another area of concern is the team's inability to come up with many big plays, as the defense has forced eight turnovers (two interceptions and six fumbles), while grabbing only eight sacks.

The Rockets exploded offensively in their victory over Ball State, as the team scored 37 points off 479 total yards. The majority of the team's success came through the air, as Aaron Opelt threw for 422 yards and five touchdowns on 30- of-38 efficiency. Stephen Williams had a career-game, as the wideout hauled in 10 passes for 231 yards and two scores. Eric Page was also impressive in the win, catching 11 balls, for 152 yards and one touchdown. Five games into the season and it is clear that Toledo has one of the most dangerous passing attack in the conference, thanks in large part to the play of Opelt. So far the signal caller has completed 61.5 percent of his throws for 1,704 yards and 14 scores against five interceptions. Page and Williams have been the top beneficiaries for Toledo, as the two receivers have combined for 71 receptions, 1,147 yards and nine scores. Even though the ground game was bottled up by Ball State, the Rockets are still rushing for a modest 133.6 ypg on the year, and DaJuane Collins has been the best option out of the backfield, leading the team with 400 yards and four scores.

On the other side of the football the Rockets did surrender 30 points in the win, but the team limited Ball State to just 310 total yards. The Rockets made some big plays to help their cause, as the team forced a turnover, and also racked up five sacks. That has been the calling card for Toledo thus far in 2009 as the team comes into this game with 12 takeaways (nine interceptions and three fumbles), and 12 sacks. However, for the better part of the season teams have had their way with this defense, as the Rockets are being torched through the air for 261.8 ypg, and punished on the ground for another 176.2 ypg. The Rockets have allowed 24 touchdowns on the season (13 passing and 11 rushing) and that led to the defense allowing 37.8 ppg, a number that will need to come down in Toledo has any thoughts of making noise in this conference.

The Broncos have been terrible on the road and against the pass. That is strike one and two against Western Michigan, as the Rockets will be on their home field and possess a scary passing attack. With all that said, look for Toledo to continue its winning ways.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Toledo 37, Western Michigan 24


 
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