Toledo Rockets 2007 Preview Capsule

Coach: Tom Amstutz (50-25) Seventh Year
Last Year: 5-7, MAC Conference, 5th West Division
Returning Starters : Offense 8, Line 3 | Defense 8, Line 4 

Three Things You Should Know
1) KU fans are pretty familiar with the name Jalen Parmalee (6-0, 222, #33), but we'll need to keep an eye on him. He's probably the best RB in the MAC after finishing second in the conference last year with 1131 yards rushing with a 5.5 average.
2) Tom Amstutz is 5-9 vs BCS teams, but 3-2 vs top 25 teams. In 2003, he led the Rockets to a 35-31 home win over #9 Pittsburg.
3) All-MAC Tackle John Greco (Sr, 6-5, 318, #79) is the top player on an offensive line that is expected to improve. The unit has three returning starters from last year and is also getting back senior Jerry Aguwa (6-4, 295, #65). Aguwa was a starter in '05 before injury. The Rockets O-Line is pretty big weighing in at 302, 295, 308, 295 and 318.

Interesting
The Rockets are 2-9 on the road vs non-cons. Overall, Toledo is 21-20 on the road since 2000.

How KU Wins
Pure vengeance. The debacle at the Glass Bowl has been under KU's skin for 12 months. That game put a taint on the season and in the end it cost the 'Hawks back-to-back bowls. They'll carry that one to the grave. Is that dramatic enough for you. Fundamentally, the Jayhawks win simply by not turning the ball over. KU clearly looked like the better team on the road last year, but the Hawks gave Toledo the game by turning the ball over. I suspect that will not be an issue as the Jayhawks are more experienced at QB. Also, it's in Lawrence where KU has been quietly strong since 2003 -- 10 straight wins vs non-cons. Toledo will be improved as well, but KU will be breathing fire this one folks.

2007 Toledo Schedule
Sat, Sep 1 Purdue
Sat, Sep 8 at Central Michigan
Sat, Sep 15 at Kansas
Sat, Sep 22 Iowa State
Sat, Sep 29 Western Michigan
Sat, Oct 6 Liberty
Sat, Oct 13 at Buffalo
Sat, Oct 20 Ohio
Sat, Oct 27 Northern Illinois
Sat, Nov 3 Eastern Michigan
Tue, Nov 13 at Ball State
Fri, Nov 23 at Bowling Green