Helping Toledo quarterback Bruce Gradkowski become one of the Mid-American Conference and national leaders in passing efficiency is the solid receiving corps of the Rockets.
Gradkowski spreads the ball to many receivers including his top five, who have amassed a minimum of 19 catches each this season, including three receivers who pulled down four touchdown receptions.
They get good movement up front
and they've got excellent receivers Ohio coach Frank Solich said. They'll pose problems for really any defensive football team.
With so many reliable receivers to throw to, the Ohio defense will have to stay focused on many possible Toledo threats.
You look at the number of points they're able to produce and they're able to do it making big plays or by taking you on long drives and wearing you down with their running game
Solich said. It certainly will be a challenge to slow them down some
but if we want to win this football game
we've got to do that.
Balanced offense Despite the renown of Gradkowski and the Rocket passing game, Toledo is a well-balanced offensive team with a strong running game.
They're averaging well over 200 yards in both their passing attack and rushing attack
so it's obvious they're a very balanced football team
Solich said. I think that's what a lot of teams strive to be
but a lot of teams can't get there. They've got an excellent quarterback
an excellent running back
the people up front are very physical players.
To combat the balanced offense of Toledo, Ohio's goal for defense is first to stop the run in order to force Toledo to rely on the throwing game.
If we can ... not let (Gradkowski) run around and then throw the ball
