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Notre Dame Football 2021 Opponent Preview: Toledo Rockets

By Daniel Morrison

MOBILE, AL - DECEMBER 23: Mascot Rocky the Rocket of the Toledo Rockets prior to their game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on December 23, 2017 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - DECEMBER 23: Mascot Rocky the Rocket of the Toledo Rockets prior to their game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on December 23, 2017 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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TOLEDO, OH – OCTOBER 15: Running back Kareem Hunt #3 of the Toledo Rockets celebrates after scoring the game-winning touchdown to defeat the Bowling Green Falcons 42-35 at Glass Bowl on October 15, 2016, in Toledo, Ohio. (Photo by Andrew Weber/Getty Images)
TOLEDO, OH – OCTOBER 15: Running back Kareem Hunt #3 of the Toledo Rockets celebrates after scoring the game-winning touchdown to defeat the Bowling Green Falcons 42-35 at Glass Bowl on October 15, 2016, in Toledo, Ohio. (Photo by Andrew Weber/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Football 2021 Opponent Preview: Toledo Rockets

Toledo Offense

The order for the day at Toledo is to get the ball going on the ground. Bryant Koback is back, and you can expect the Rockets to go to him early and often. He’ll be paired with Micah Kelly, an absolute burner, in what should prove to be an excellent backfield by committee.

Those running backs will have plenty of help from a strong offensive line. Bryce Harris was one of the best centers in the Group of 5 last season, and he’ll be returning to lead the Rocket’s offensive line. The offensive line as a whole is strong too, despite being well below 300lbs on average, which has helped them to thrive in the MAC.

That offensive line is going to need to step up against Notre Dame, otherwise, the offense could get pushed around by an excellent Irish defense. This will include buying time for a new quarterback.

Eli Peters was the starter last season, but he’s gone and off the roster now. That leaves five quarterbacks on Toledo’s roster, but with Sophomore Carter Bradley being the oldest on the roster, there are a lot of questions here for the Rockets.

Whoever does win the quarterback role, they’ll need to rely on a strong group of wide receivers. Isaiah Winstead and Bryce Mitchell, in particular, make a great combination on the outside. Winstead can blow the top off a defense, while Mitchell is as consistent as they come.

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