Toledo Rockets Football Tickets - Games - Buy Toledo Rockets Football Tickets

In Tom Amstutz's first year he inherited a team that was 10-1 in 2000 and had outscored foes by an average of 25 ppg with 15 starters returning. He made a bold move by completely changing the offense from the run-oriented scheme that produced 36.4 ppg to the spread offense. In his first year the team went 10-2 and won the MAC Title (#23 AP poll). Amstutz had to replace 42% of his lettermen in 2002 and had a tough schedule. They still won the MAC West but lost to Marshall in the Title game. In 2003, once again Amstutz had to replace his star QB but Bruce Gradkowski hit 71 % with a 29-7 ratio. Unfortunately, they lost in the season finale at BG and missed out on the MAC West Title. In 2004 Toledo had to replace all four starters from the defensive front and in their first two games gave up 1,205 yards (Minn & Kansas) playing 10 frosh on D. It appeared it would be a long season but Toledo went 9-1 beating #26 N Illinois on the road and #26 BG at home to win the West. They outgained MAC foes by a league best 128 ypg. Last year Toledo had 13 returning starters, the fewest lettermen lost (14) in the MAC and were on a 34-1 run in the Glass Bowl but lost to N Illinois, which caused them to finish as MAC West co-Champs which sent Nl to the Title game. They also suffered a tough loss vs CM when a pass bounced off the finger tips of Nick Moore in the EZ, on the final play in a 4 point loss. In their other loss QB Gradkowski DNP vs Fresno St. They got a 45-13 blowout over a talented UTEP team in the GMAC Bowl and finished #26 in the AP poll. Amstutz had his contract extended through 2009 and has a 71 % graduation rate. Toledo once again had the best mark in the MAC by far, this time outgaining league foes by 148 ypg (65.4 ypg better than #2 Nl). This year they have 15 returning starters, their most since 2001, as they try to bag their 6th MAC West crown in 12 years and 13th straight winning year. UT played the 6th easiest schedule in the country last year (pg 317) and the lowest ppg by Amstutz's offense in 5 years is 32.4 (even with three 1st year starting QB's). Clint Cochran has 8 returning starters to work with and this offense will be potent. Toledo ranked #1 in the MAC in defense last year and despite replacing 3 of their top 4 tacklers, they have 7 quality starters back and will contend for that honor again. The Rockets have 6 tough road games including Iowa St, Pitt and West rivals WM and NI, but will have another fine season and are a prime contender for the MAC Title.