Toledo Rockets vs Akron Zips: A Tale of Strong Offense vs Struggling Defense
Toledo Rockets vs Akron Zips: Rockets Look to Close Strong Against Struggling Zips
The Toledo Rockets (7-4, 4-3 MAC) will face off against the Akron Zips (3-8, 2-5 MAC) in the final game of the regular season for both teams. This Mid-American Conference showdown, scheduled for Tuesday night at InfoCision Stadium, sees Toledo coming off a disappointing 24-7 loss to Ohio, snapping a two-game win streak. Akron, on the other hand, enters the game with renewed confidence after defeating Kent State 38-17, breaking a two-game losing streak.
While Toledo has already clinched bowl eligibility, Akron will be playing for pride, as they are out of contention for a postseason berth. Both teams are dealing with injury concerns, with Toledo listing 18 players as questionable, while Akron has eight players on its injury report.
Toledo Rockets: High-Scoring Offense and Solid Defense
The Toledo Rockets enter this matchup with a balanced team that boasts both an explosive offense and a solid defense. Offensively, the Rockets are averaging 27.8 points per game, ranking 67th in the country. While their yardage totals (357.5 yards per game) put them in the middle of the pack nationally, they are a team capable of putting up points in a hurry.
Toledo’s passing game has been the strongest part of their offense, averaging 242.3 yards per game, good for 50th in the nation. Quarterback Tucker Gleason has thrown for 2,168 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He has a completion rate of 60.5%, and his ability to spread the ball around has been crucial to the Rockets’ success. Gleason’s favorite target is wide receiver Jerjuan Newton, who has amassed 868 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 15.5 yards per reception. With a potent passing attack and the ability to move the ball effectively, Toledo’s offense will look to exploit Akron’s vulnerable defense.
However, Toledo has struggled to establish a consistent running game, ranking 111th in the nation with just 115.3 rushing yards per game. Running back Connor Walendzak leads the ground game with 370 yards, but he’s averaging only 3.6 yards per carry. If Toledo can find more success on the ground, it would further open up their passing game and make them even more dangerous offensively.
Defensively, Toledo has been solid, allowing an average of 21.4 points per game, which ranks 38th in the nation. The Rockets are also fairly stout against the run, surrendering just 141.5 rushing yards per game (61st nationally). Defensive end Anthony Dunn Jr. leads the team in sacks with 4.0, while safety Maxen Hook is the team’s top tackler with 104 stops. Toledo’s defense will need to stay disciplined and capitalize on Akron’s struggles to protect the football and convert in the red zone.
Akron Zips: Offensive Struggles and Defensive Woes
The Akron Zips have struggled on both sides of the ball this season. Offensively, they rank near the bottom in the MAC, averaging just 20.4 points and 332.2 total yards per game. Akron’s rushing game has been particularly weak, ranking 123rd in the nation with just 99.7 yards per game. Quarterback Ben Finley has had an up-and-down season, throwing for 2,410 yards with 14 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, but his 55.2% completion rate leaves much to be desired. Despite his inconsistencies, Finley will look to build on his 14-touchdown season and make plays against Toledo’s defense.
Akron’s passing game has been somewhat more productive, with Finley finding wide receiver Adrian Norton for 831 yards and 7 touchdowns. Norton has been a big-play threat for the Zips, averaging 19.3 yards per reception. However, despite some individual playmakers, Akron has struggled to put together consistent scoring drives. Their lack of balance on offense and inability to control the game with a strong running game have limited their overall effectiveness.
Defensively, Akron has been a liability this season, allowing 33.6 points and 409.8 yards per game, which ranks 117th and 105th in the nation, respectively. The Zips have allowed 184.0 rushing yards per game (106th) and 225.8 passing yards per game (77th). Akron has had difficulty stopping opposing offenses, particularly in the run game. If Toledo can establish their ground game and control the clock, it will be a long night for the Zips’ defense.
Linebacker Bryan McCoy has been the standout player on defense for Akron, leading the team with 103 tackles—35 more than the next highest player. Up front, defensive lineman CJ Nunnally IV has been a bright spot with 5.0 sacks, while the Zips have shown a somewhat opportunistic streak in the secondary, with three players each recording one interception.
Conclusion
Toledo heads into this contest as the clear favorite, with their offense firing on all cylinders and a defense that has been consistently solid. Akron, meanwhile, will look to finish the season on a high note, but their inability to consistently score and defend makes this an uphill battle. If Toledo can establish their running game and continue their high level of play on both sides of the ball, they should have little trouble coming away with a victory.
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