Group of Five: 2017 college football preseason power rankings

Toledo had a shot at the MAC title last season, winning nine games along the way. And while the Rockets lost 10 starters from their 2016 roster, there is still enough talent to once again contend for the division and conference crowns. In his second year as Toledo’s head coach, Jason Candle could win the school’s first MAC title since 2004.

The Rockets will once again sit among the most prolific passing offenses in the country thanks to the return of redshirt senior Logan Woodside. Last year, Woodside led the nation in passing touchdowns, second in passing efficiency, and fourth in completion rate. His offensive line will be retooled after losing several starters. But in general, Woodside should once again rank among the FBS leaders in every passing stat.

There is one statement opportunity against a Power Five school on Toledo’s schedule. On the penultimate weekend of September, the Rockets head down to Miami to face the Hurricanes. Should Candle’s crew manage to knock off the ACC Coastal favorite, they will be positioned to run the table the rest of the way.

Had Toledo knocked off Western Michigan in their regular-season finale against one another, the Rockets rather than the Broncos would have been playing in the MAC championship in Detroit. This year the tables could turn, with Toledo the frontrunner and Western Michigan trying to play spoiler. The Group of Five bid could also hang in the balance.