University of Toledo

Type of Offense: Pro-Style. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 4-3. Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run. MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game. A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play. Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top. Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge.

• Run/Pass %: 58/42
• Run/Pass Attempts: 495/365
• Points Per Game: 27.9
• Points Allowed Per Game: 28.5

Key Returning Players:
• Adonis Thomas, RB: Ran for nearly 1100 yards and 8 TDs last season as the feature back in the Toledo offense. If the offense stays with a 60/40 split of rushes to passes, then 1200 or even 1300 yards is entirely possible in 2011.
• Eric Page, WR: Another one of the talented WRs in the MAC in 2010, Page was a do it all for the offense. He had over 1100 yards receiving and managed to go 3 of 4 passing for 68 yards and 3 TDs in 2010. Could have an offensive player of the year or even conference player of the year award if he can keep the momentum from 2010.

Key Incoming Freshmen:
• Andre Sturdivant, DE: 4 star defensive ends just don’t come to the MAC. Well Sturdivant is a 4 star out of Cleveland, OH that can be a game changer for a defense that has some room for improvement in 2011. Anything less than multiple all conference selections would feel like a disappointment for Sturdivant throughout his career at Toledo.
• Alonzo Russell, WR: The prototypical tall, fast WR that will be a blessing in the red zone is the best definition for this 3 star out of New York. He could open up things and keep opposing defenses from being able to rotate coverage constantly to Page.

Overall Assessment:
An 8-5 season culminating in a last second loss to first time bowl participant FIU kept Toledo from really enjoying 2010. A lot of the same parts from that team are back including a 1000 yard back and an 1100 yard receiver for the offense. This team has an ambitious out of conference schedule with Boise visiting them, and a trip to Ohio State as well as a trip to Syracuse which are all in the first 4 weeks of the season. If that opening slate does not kill them, then they should be able to handle anything else thrown at them in 2011 and be back in a bowl again when the season ends. Best case would be to run the MAC table which is highly unlikely and go 9-3 in the regular season. Worst case is the opening slate is too brutal and it affects the rest of the season leading to a losing record and no bowl in 2011. Probably 8-4 or 7-5 is most likely with a small chance at pulling any major upsets this fall.