Wednesday will be a look at the Mid-American Conference's top quarterback and running back, at least statistically.
They just happen to play on the same offense.
Logan Woodside and Terry Swanson, Toledo's quarterback and running back, both lead the conference in passing and rushing yards per game. Woodside has thrown for 295.1 yards per game while Swanson has rushed for 105.5 — the only rusher in the MAC that averages more than 100 yards per game.
Woodside ranks 13th in the nation in passing yards (2,656), while Swanson ranks 29th (844). Throughout the season, Swanson has rushed for less than 100 yards just twice — against Miami (Fla.) and Elon in the first game of the year.
"It's hard, because you have so many different players to respect on their team," safety Kylan Nelson said. "Sometimes, teams only have a good quarterback or a good running back. Really, it just boils down to preparation during the week."
Ohio's defense will have its hands full to stop perhaps the toughest duo it will face all year long.
Breakdown
Last week against Northern Illinois was a perfect look at the Toledo offense. Facing a then 6-2 Northern Illinois team, which is the best scoring defense in the MAC, Woodside still threw for 361 yards and Swanson rushed for 116 yards. Toledo won 27-17.
The Rockets (8-1, 5-0 MAC) have scored above 30 points per game all but twice and have the second ranked scoring offense in the conference (39 points).
In first? Ohio.
Swanson isn't a threat out of the backfield to catch passes, but he's still a dominant threat carrying the ball as a running back. His best game, statistically, was the Northern Illinois game. He's not a home-run hitter and won't score on long rushes. But he's able to wear defenses down throughout the game.
At the 1:37:06 mark of this YouTube video, his dominance is on display.
Lined up in the shotgun with a tight end left, Woodside sends him in motion as Northern Illinois prepares a blitz.
Swanson takes the handoff on a dart play, as the left guard pulls to the right. This is where Swanson's skills are on display.
gif created by Andrew Gillis from YouTube user American Sports
Rather than run straight into the line and try to get yards on 2nd and 9, he hesitates slightly. His patience pays off, after a jump cut to the right springs him free. Swanson cuts back left and out-races everyone to the end zone to put Toledo in front for good.
gif created by Andrew Gillis from YouTube user American Sports
Of course, that's not all that Ohio has to watch out for.
Woodside didn't throw a touchdown against Northern Illinois, but was still a factor nonetheless. He's thrown 19 touchdowns and just two interceptions through nine games.
At the 46:51 mark of the same YouTube video, Woodside throws an absolute dime.
gif created by Andrew Gillis from YouTube user American Sports
Backed up to their one-yard line, the Rockets still go for the deep ball anyway. In the same shotgun formation, Woodside takes the snap and a three-step drop.
He immediately looks toward the sideline for a receiver running a deep route. The receiver is covered by a cornerback, but has safety help over-the-top. Woodside beats them both.
The ball is placed perfectly into the chest of the Rockets receiver, just passed the outstretched arms of the Huskies safety. With a move to the inside, he breaks free and is only caught at the 10-yard line.
gif created by Andrew Gillis from YouTube user American Sports
Judgment
This isn't to say that Toledo is unstoppable at all. Ohio's offense, points-wise, is better per game.
The Bobcats have Nathan Rourke and A.J. Ouellette, one of the best duos in the conference as well. Those two will have to have a good game to keep up with the Rockets offense, one that will still put up points throughout the night.
Ohio's defense is no slouch, and a strong showing would do wonders for its confidence moving forward.
If Woodside and Swanson are able to play freely, however, Peden Stadium could be in for a shootout.
