Not working on much sleep and haven't watched the game on DVR but wanted to write down my thoughts from last night. First, let me say that I was pleasantly surprised like most on here. I've watched Toledo a few times this year and have been very impressed by their offense. I didn't think our defense could hold them under 30 and wasn't sure the offense could go over 30. Glad to be wrong on both counts.
Thoughts:
- I think the Glass Bowl is the best MAC stadium and Toledo does the best job at a gameday operation. I know we're constrained by our stadium and scoreboards but we could look at what they do.
- Good night for the defense. Gave up 560 yards but held Toledo to a season low in points. Toledo had 15 possessions, only 5 ended in scores. Definitely a bend-don't-break effort. Felt like there were a number of jersey tackles that stopped potential Toledo big gainers. Two straight Kylan Nelson blitzes may have saved the game. Don't remember any blitzes against Minnesota and App State on winning drives last year.
- Offense is starting to look formidable with running of Brown, deep threat of Smith and general threat of White.
- QBs picked each other up. Thought Maxwell struggled with accuracy and ball-handling early. Windham came in and gave him a reset. Maxwell comes in for Windham and hits Papi for 37 and 25 yards and a TD on successive plays.
- Sustained concerted effort to get Papi White the football. Both halves. Lining him up in slot, backfield and taking shots down the field with him.
- 22.1 yards per completion
- Rushed for 269 (including monster loss on Maxwell fumble) and held Toledo to 122.
- Offense had as many 3-and-outs as Toledo (2).
- Went for the kill after the fumbled KO return. Papi reverse would have given Ohio the ball at Toledo 4. Penalty wiped it out but I liked the call.
- I was watching Blair Brown last night and felt he had a number of opportunities to get in something after the whistle. But he didn't and I don't believe there were any after-the-whistle penalties against the Bobcats.
- Closer: Offense was able to seal the deal vs. Kent St. and Miami. Last night, ran 2:28 off the clock, used up all 3 Toledo timeouts and made them go 75 yards. Two great throws by Maxwell. Tight window to Reid and excellent timing with Smith.
- Is Irons still dinged up? I saw him come in and line up in the slot a few times. Maybe Brown just had the hot hand?
- Michael Farkas is a weapon. Only 34.9 average but 6 of 7 punts downed inside the 20. No touchbacks.
- Bottom line is that last night I was looking for hope that Ohio could beat WMU should they meet in the MACC. I do have hope because I think there is still an A game out there for Ohio (didn't score on either possession where they took over at the Toledo 30, Maxwell looked a little nervous early on passes and fumbles, etc.).
Busy week after the trip to Toledo, thought I would add a couple of things to Ted's takes:
- First, it's always great seeing Ted at a game!
- The officiating crew that covered the game was EXCEPTIONAL. I've noticed them a couple of times handling other MAC games this season, and it is sad testament when you notice an officiating crew when they are conspicuous by their excellence instead of their incompetence, but that crew is damn good.
- I think we really benefited by having the game broadcast on CBSSN instead of ESPN due to the exceedingly long and frequent breaks that they take. I believe it really took Toledo out of their fast paced rhythm and helped keep our guys fresh.
- Huge kudos to Windham for being ready and in the right state of mind this week to be coming off the bench. Without those possessions he handled, allowing Q to settle himself, we might have faced a different outcome. Heal quickly Greg, we'll need you.
- And speaking of Q, I really like that kid. I spent most of the game on the sideline and got a little sense of his makeup/composure, and he is going to be a good one. For our third man up on the depth chart at the opening of camp, I think he is starting to acquit himself very well. That pass he made to Belack under duress was a thing of beauty, and reminded me of early Tettleton. I hope he can remain healthy through the balance of the season.
- I think the coaching staff did a great of a job with the game plan. I'm certain they would agree they have been up and down all season, but they did a hell of a job that night.
- Toledo students represented deep into the night, so I give then kudos for out representing our group. Not knocking our students per se, as they are better than most MAC student fan bases, but the Toledo students did a great job of remaining engaged throughout.
- And finally...the Glass Bowl...HUGE RECRUITING ADVANTAGE for Toledo. That facility is top notch, in many ways better than Boise's, which I experienced during the FIPB. Clearly not as large, but the boxes are first class, lots of revenue generation from private suites, video/audio hardware and production was excellent; it is high mid major. They SHOULD have a top recruiting class every year in the MAC. If you haven't been, you should.
Now the Cats have to prove they can bring a strong effort it in back to back weeks, get healthy after the bye and take care of business in Mt. Pleasant, then stomp Zippy. I'll be in Atown for that one, and look forward to seeing the men being crowned East Champs before putting up a strong effort in Detroit. They have proven their ability to exceed and under perform against expectations, and I hope last week set the proper tone for the last month of the season.