2016 MAC Football Preview: Toledo vs Maine

The Rockets get ready to face Maine in their home opener coming off a convincing road win over Arkansas State. The defense was impressive, holding A-State to only 266 yards on offense. With the offense rolling in the 31-10 win over the Red Wolves, Toledo will look to do the same against the Black Bears of Maine. Junior QB Logan Woodside threw for 371 yards, three touchdowns and was named MAC Offensive Player of the Week. Facing FCS competition he will look to keep that title. Adding to the great passing game Toledo was able to rush for 185 yards. Damion Jones-Moore had 81 yards and Kareem Hunt had 78 yards and a touchdown, while Maine allowed UConn to rush for over 230 yards in their opening week defeat. The offense should have no problem moving the ball through the air or on the ground against this Black Bear defense.

Maine’s opening week lose was close, blowing a touchdown lead in the fourth quarter to fall to the Huskies 24-21 on a last second field goal. They had some success moving the ball in the air, QB Dan Collins finished with 269 yards and two touchdowns, but struggled on the ground. Playing three running backs the team was only able to rush for 54 yards on 19 carries. The Maine defense gave up 362 yards to a bad UConn team and things will only get worse facing a powerful Rocket offense. The Black Bears were able to keep it close last week against a weak FBS opponent, but they have not faced anything like this offensive unit for Toledo.

Heavily favored in this game, Woodside, Hunt and company should get the ball moving and start the scoring early and often. It will be tough for Maine to have an answer for the Rockets on either side of ball after the defense was able to limit a good Arkansas State offense to 266 total yards. The Rockets should have no problem handling their business Saturday in the Glass Bowl, and coast to what should be an easy win over Maine. Look for Logan Woodside to have another standout game and Kareem Hunt to get back to last season’s form. Kickoff is at 7pm EST and can be streamed on ESPN3.