Toledo Strong Offense and Defense Face Struggling Akron in MAC Showdown
Toledo Rockets Look to Finish Strong Against Struggling Akron Zips in MAC Season Finale
The Toledo Rockets (7-4, 4-3 MAC) will wrap up their regular season with a crucial Mid-American Conference clash against the Akron Zips (3-8, 2-5 MAC) at InfoCision Stadium on Tuesday night. While Toledo is bowl-eligible and looking to finish strong, Akron will play for pride after a disappointing season. The Zips are coming off a 38-17 win over Kent State, snapping a two-game losing streak, while the Rockets are coming off a 24-7 loss to Ohio, ending a brief two-game win streak. With both teams banged up, the game could hinge on key players stepping up, especially for Toledo, which has 18 players listed as questionable on its injury report.
Toledo Rockets: Scoring Power Meets Solid Defense
Toledo enters this matchup with a well-rounded team, boasting a capable offense and a defense that has been above average in most key statistical categories. Offensive Production: The Rockets are averaging 27.8 points and 357.5 yards of total offense per game, ranking 67th and 95th nationally, respectively. Despite ranking low in rushing yards (only 115.3 per game, 111th in the nation), Toledo has a strong passing attack, ranking 50th in the country with 242.3 passing yards per game.
Quarterback Tucker Gleason has been steady under center, with 2,168 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions on the season. However, Gleason was injured in the loss to Ohio and is listed as questionable for the Akron game. Should Gleason be unable to play, John Alan Richter (64.2% completion rate, 497 yards, 4 TDs) is expected to take over at quarterback.
Toledo’s offensive strength lies in its passing game, where Jerjuan Newton has emerged as the team’s top target with 868 yards receiving and 10 touchdown catches. Newton has been explosive, averaging 15.5 yards per reception and giving Gleason (or Richter) a reliable option in the air.
Defensive Stability: Toledo’s defense has allowed an average of 21.4 points and 354.7 yards per game, which ranks 38th and 57th nationally, respectively. They’ve shown a solid ability to stop the run, allowing just 141.5 rushing yards per game (61st) and 213.2 passing yards per game (60th). Key defensive players include Maxen Hook, a safety who leads the team with 104 tackles, and Anthony Dunn Jr., a defensive end with 4.0 sacks, who could create problems for Akron’s struggling offensive line. Additionally, Braden Awls has been a playmaker in the secondary, recording 3 interceptions on the season.
Akron Zips: Struggling Offense and Leaky Defense
In contrast, Akron has had significant issues on both sides of the ball this season, ranking near the bottom of the MAC in nearly every offensive and defensive category.
Offensive Struggles: The Zips are averaging just 20.4 points and 332.2 total yards per game, placing them 123rd and 114th, respectively, in the nation. Akron’s rushing attack has been anemic, ranking 123rd with just 99.7 rushing yards per game, while their passing game has been slightly better, ranking 61st with 233.5 passing yards per game. Quarterback Ben Finley has thrown for 2,410 yards, with 14 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Finley has shown flashes of potential, but his 55.2% completion rate leaves much to be desired, and he will face a Toledo defense that has been solid against the pass.
Akron’s ground game has been paced by Jordan Simmons, who leads the team with 664 rushing yards and an impressive 6.0 yards per carry average. Simmons will need to be a focal point if Akron is to have any success moving the ball against Toledo’s defense. In the passing game, Adrian Norton has been the standout, hauling in 831 yards and 7 touchdown receptions while averaging an impressive 19.3 yards per catch.
Defensive Woes: Akron’s defense has been a significant liability, ranking among the worst in the nation. The Zips are allowing 33.6 points and 409.8 yards per game, ranking 117th and 105th, respectively. Akron has struggled against both the run and the pass, giving up 184.0 rushing yards per game (106th) and 225.8 passing yards per game (77th). The Zips’ best defender has been Bryan McCoy, a linebacker who leads the team with 103 tackles—35 more than any other Akron player. On the defensive line, CJ Nunnally IV has been a bright spot, recording 5.0 sacks on the season.
Conclusion
While Akron’s victory over Kent State last week was a step in the right direction, their season-long struggles on both sides of the ball make it difficult to see them competing with a Toledo team that has more weapons and defensive stability. The Zips’ inability to score consistently and their defensive shortcomings likely leave them with little chance to upset the Rockets, even with Toledo’s injury concerns.
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