Toledo Football: Rockets look ready to make a run at MAC title

Manageable schedule could mean a run at the MAC title

The race to get to the MAC championship game is going to probably be decided on two road trips to Ball State and Central Michigan. Those two teams are figuring to be top contenders in the MAC and winning at least one could go a long way to determining who goes to the title game.

• Game 1: Norfolk State (W)- The Rockets should open the season with a big victory over Norfolk State.
• Game 2: At Notre Dame (L)- Notre Dame is reloading after another playoff appearance, but the Irish will have enough to beat Toledo.
• Game 3: Colorado State (W)- The Rams have a solid defense, but I think the Rockets win a low-scoring fight.
• Game 4: At Ball State (L)- The winner of this game probably wins the west division and I will give the advantage to the Cardinals and their offense.
• Game 5: At UMass (W)- UMass is probably going to be bad again this season and Toledo wins big.
• Game 6: Northern Illinois (W)- The Huskies are retooling and that should mean a victory for the Rockets.
• Game 7: At Central Michigan (L)- The Chippewas are going to be a force on offense this season and I think the home-field advantage is the difference in this game.
• Game 8: Western Michigan (W)- The Broncos are always a challenge in the MAC and this game won’t be easy, but Toledo has the better defense.
• Game 9: Eastern Michigan (W)- Eastern Michigan has a powerful offense, but their defense is surprisingly subpar, which will lead to a Toledo victory.
• Game 10: At Bowling Green (W)- Rockets win big against the worst team in the conference, and maybe the country.
• Game 11: At Ohio (W)- Ohio will be a tough out, even without Frank Solich on the sidelines, but I think Toledo’s defense gets it done here.
• Game 12: Akron (W)- Toledo finishes the season strong against the Zips, who are still rebuilding.

Final Record: 9-3, 6-2 MAC

This would be a solid season for the Rockets, which should result in a nice bowl game. Losing games vs Central Michigan and Ball State will probably mean no west division title, but the Rockets are going to be a tough opponent for every team they play this season and this will be a solid 2021 for Jason Candle and the Toledo football program.