2019 was a pretty forgettable year for Toledo. The team was projected to finish first in the West, but really wasn’t even able to sniff the top of the division. Things started out well enough for the Rockets with a 4-1 record, but then they lost five of their final seven games. Interestingly enough, five of Toledo’s six losses last season came on the road. On the whole, the Rockets were only competitive in a couple of those defeats as well. There’s certainly some work to do for 2020. 

Head coach Jason Candle returns for his fifth season at the helm in Toledo, and he’ll bring in a crew of first-year coordinators to help get the program headed in the right direction. With QB Mitchell Guadagni (whose performance last year was marred by injury) gone, the Rockets will have a few signal-callers to chose from including Eli Peters and Carter Bradley. The good news is that Toledo is pretty stocked at the skill positions, as with RB Bryant Koback and receivers Danzel McKinley-Lewis and Bryce Mitchell. The offensive line is experienced as well, so if the Rockets can find some rhythm they could be very dangerous on the scoreboard in 2020. 

There are certainly seven wins on the schedule, but also a fair share of pitfalls for Toledo. We can pencil in a loss at Michigan State in the third game, but outside of that the Rockets should be in good shape heading into October. There’s a tricky stretch of three road games in four dates there, but Toledo should have ample talent to be able to compete with pretty much all the MAC teams. 

Pick: I like the over. I’m a little higher on Toledo than some other people this season, but if the coaching staff can keep the defense competent there are plenty of weapons on the offensive side. The conference games (especially the road matchups—remember last year) are going to be key as the schedule winds down, but if Toledo plays to their capabilities they should be right in the mix of a wide-open West Division this year. 

2020 Toledo Rockets Football Schedule 

Day, Date                         Opponent

Saturday, September 5       at Tulsa 

Saturday, September 12     San Diego State 

Saturday, September 19     at Michigan State 

Saturday, September 26     CCSU 

Saturday, October 3           Ohio 

Saturday, October 10         at Western Michigan 

Saturday, October 17         Bowling Green 

Saturday, October 24         at Eastern Michigan 

Saturday, October 31         at Akron 

Saturday, November 7       OPEN   

Wednesday, November 11  Central Michigan 

Tuesday, November 17       at NIU 

Tuesday, November 24       Ball State 

Saturday, December 5        MAC Championship