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College Football: 10 schools likely to bounce back in 2022

By Dante Pryor

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 01: Head football coach Lincoln Riley of the USC attends the game between the USC Trojans and the Arizona Wildcats at Galen Center on March 1, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 01: Head football coach Lincoln Riley of the USC attends the game between the USC Trojans and the Arizona Wildcats at Galen Center on March 1, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Bryant Koback, Toledo Football. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Bryant Koback, Toledo Football. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Toledo Rocket

2021 Record: (7-6, 5-3 MAC)

Key Departures: Bryant Koback (Running Back), Tycen Anderson (Safety), Vitaly Gurman (Left Tackle), Samuel Womack (Corner Back)

Returning Starters: Dequan Finn (quarterback), Jamal Hines (outside linebacker), Devin Maddox (Wide Receiver), Desjuan Johnson (outside linebacker)

Key Newcomers: Nick Turner (Transfer, Corner Back), Dallas Grant (Transfer, Linebacker)

Why the Rockets bounce back:  Toledo does lose last season’s leading rusher, Bryant Koback. The Rockets recruit primarily in Ohio and should have no problem replacing Koback’s production. Toldeo might employ a “by-committee” approach with quarterback Dequan Finn and running backs Micah Kelly and Jacquez Stuart.

The offense should be as good as it was last season. Finn is an All-MAC candidate this season with his ability to run and throw. Kelly was highly-touted coming out of high school, receiving offers from North Carolina State, Florida State, and Kentucky. Kelly also averaged 5.3 yards per game.

However, the Rockets bounce back because they might have the best defense in the MAC again. Defense is often optional in the MAC, but Toledo was solid defensively last year, giving up 30 or more points just three times last year.

The Rockets return bookend linebackers Jamal Hines and Desjuan Johnson, who finished first and second in sacks last season. They also add Arkansas transfer cornerback Nick Turner and Ohio State transfer linebacker Dallas Grant to an already stacked defense.

Look for Toledo to pace the MAC in offense and defense once again this season and not get upset by Northern Illinois this season.

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