The 2023 season was a dream for Toledo — until it wasn't.
The Rockets won 11 consecutive games en route to the Mid-American Conference championship game. But then a loss to Miami (Ohio) and an Arizona Bowl loss to Wyoming put a damper on a remarkable year.
Nine months later, Toledo can get the bad taste out of its mouth. Pity poor little old Duquesne.
Last summer, there was an obvious confidence coming out of the Larimer Athletic Complex. That same optimism exists this season.
"If we just stick to the basics, stick to what we've been doing, everything's going to go how it should go," senior wide receiver Jerjuan Newton said.
Here’s what to know about the matchup.
BASICS
■ Who: Toledo vs. Duquesne
■ When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
■ Where: Glass Bowl
■ Spread: Toledo by 28½
■ TV: ESPN+
■ Radio: 1370/92.9 (Toledo), 96.1 (Archbold), 96.7 (Fostoria)
■ Follow: Kyle Rowland
PLAYERS TO WATCH
■ Toledo: Tucker Gleason. The starting quarterback job is finally Gleason's. Now, he has to perform. No pressure.
■ Duquesne: Darius Perrantes. The 2023 Walter Payton Award finalist led all of Division I with more than 17 yards per completion last season. The senior QB isn't always accurate, but he can make downfield plays.
STATS TO KNOW
■ 28-1: Toledo has only lost once to an FCS school — McNeese State in 1988.
■ 64: The number of wins Toledo has since 2016, the most in the MAC.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Perrantes vs. Toledo cornerbacks: How will Toledo's rebuilt secondary handle a QB that likes to throw deep? And who will be starting? UT's offensive line and cornerbacks are by far the most intriguing storyline on Thursday.
PREDICTION
The Week 1 overreactions are a college football tradition (and annoyance). And I won't be surprised if Toledo fans are peppering the message board with complaints after an uneven first half. It's the opening game and the offense has new pieces all over the place. I would be surprised if Toledo didn't start slow. But it won't be a talking point after the game. I think there will be rhythm to the offense and several highlight defensive plays that make everyone eager for the UMass game. Toledo 41, Duquesne 9.
WARMUP READING
New look or not, Toledo football primed for 2024
Toledo goes all-in on fan experience, builds excitement around football opener
Sunday Chat with Voice of the Rockets Mark Beier
Analysis: Toledo football game-by-game predictions for 2024
Week 1 scouting report: Toledo football vs. Duquesne
Making the case for and against Toledo football winning the 2024 MAC title
Video: What lies ahead for Toledo football in 2024?
2024 football fan survey: University of Toledo
Most Popular
Comments / 0