Lots of programs would be pleased with staying within a touchdown of a top-flight program that brings in superior talent year after year. The program at Toledo cannot be pleased with the outcome of Saturday's game. Mistakes killed the Rockets in a game where the execution was excellent and superior to the Buckeyes.
Let's start with the bad parts of the game. Toledo committed 14 penalties. Most were legit calls and the number of unforced penalties was aggravating. The fact that Toledo committed multiple illegal formation penalties on punts is inexcusable. How hard is it to line up correctly for a punt? Just stand where you are supposed to stand. It's too simple. When one of those illegal formations led to a re-kick and an Ohio State touchdown on that re-kick in a game decided by five points, everybody naturally wonders what could have been.
Speaking of punting, the punting strategy was awful. Not only could Toledo not actually line up for a punt, the punting style resulted in easy returns or short kicks out of bounds. There is a reason why the rugby style punt has never caught on in football, IT DOESN'T WORK! Toledo struggled mightily in special teams last year and it was no different yesterday (illegal formation penalties, missed field goal, dropped snap by the holder, terrible rugby kicks, allowing a return touchdown, nearly missing extra points). Ultimately, special teams errors cost Toledo this game.
It wasn't all bad for the Rockets yesterday. Eric Page had a usual phenomenal day with 12 catches, 145 yards, two touchdowns, and a two-point conversion pass. Adonis Thomas did a great job moving vertically on rushes and receptions for 158 total yards and a touchdown. Outside of Terrance Owens' interception, the Owens - Austin Dantin duo played smart football. The blocking on the screen passes was very crisp for the Rockets. The Ohio State defense could not stop the screen plays. If the Buckeyes can't stop this lowly Mid American Conference team.
On defense, the Rockets' defensive line looks the best it has looked in years. The last time I can remember a line this strong, Chester Taylor was playing. After the opening drive, even the secondary looked strong for most of the game. The absence of Dan Molls was felt big time. He is an excellent tackler who moves well laterally and he will be needed for the Boise State and Syracuse games.
The reaction to this game has been funny. The Official Ohio State Newsletter made it sound like the persecuted Buckeyes were underdogs against Toledo. The Plain Dealer ripped Ohio State's offense (a cardinal sin in Ohio) and didn't use the persecution by the NCAA as an excuse. We can expect their press credentials to be revoked at the next home game.
There were a lot of positives in this game and I'm looking forward to my trip back to Toledo for Friday's game against Boise State, but this is not a moral victory. This is a loss in a game that Toledo played well enough to win. It's disappointing.
Let's start with the bad parts of the game. Toledo committed 14 penalties. Most were legit calls and the number of unforced penalties was aggravating. The fact that Toledo committed multiple illegal formation penalties on punts is inexcusable. How hard is it to line up correctly for a punt? Just stand where you are supposed to stand. It's too simple. When one of those illegal formations led to a re-kick and an Ohio State touchdown on that re-kick in a game decided by five points, everybody naturally wonders what could have been.
Speaking of punting, the punting strategy was awful. Not only could Toledo not actually line up for a punt, the punting style resulted in easy returns or short kicks out of bounds. There is a reason why the rugby style punt has never caught on in football, IT DOESN'T WORK! Toledo struggled mightily in special teams last year and it was no different yesterday (illegal formation penalties, missed field goal, dropped snap by the holder, terrible rugby kicks, allowing a return touchdown, nearly missing extra points). Ultimately, special teams errors cost Toledo this game.
It wasn't all bad for the Rockets yesterday. Eric Page had a usual phenomenal day with 12 catches, 145 yards, two touchdowns, and a two-point conversion pass. Adonis Thomas did a great job moving vertically on rushes and receptions for 158 total yards and a touchdown. Outside of Terrance Owens' interception, the Owens - Austin Dantin duo played smart football. The blocking on the screen passes was very crisp for the Rockets. The Ohio State defense could not stop the screen plays. If the Buckeyes can't stop this lowly Mid American Conference team.
On defense, the Rockets' defensive line looks the best it has looked in years. The last time I can remember a line this strong, Chester Taylor was playing. After the opening drive, even the secondary looked strong for most of the game. The absence of Dan Molls was felt big time. He is an excellent tackler who moves well laterally and he will be needed for the Boise State and Syracuse games.
The reaction to this game has been funny. The Official Ohio State Newsletter made it sound like the persecuted Buckeyes were underdogs against Toledo. The Plain Dealer ripped Ohio State's offense (a cardinal sin in Ohio) and didn't use the persecution by the NCAA as an excuse. We can expect their press credentials to be revoked at the next home game.
There were a lot of positives in this game and I'm looking forward to my trip back to Toledo for Friday's game against Boise State, but this is not a moral victory. This is a loss in a game that Toledo played well enough to win. It's disappointing.
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