2013 Record: 7-5

2014 Las Vegas Season Win Total: 6.0*

2014 Season Win Total Prediction: 'Over'

This is a tough spot for the Rockets. They lost some key talent but they bring back 17 starters from a team that went 7-5. They have a difficult schedule but they also have the ability to upset a team from out of the MAC. All in all I see this team eclipsing the posted total of six as they go at least 7-5 again and actually make it to a bowl game this season.

The Rockets look to be starting a sophomore at QB in Logan Woodside and at RB in Kareem Hunt. Both of those skill players have the ability to have breakout seasons for the Rockets and I wouldn't be surprised at all if they did. Hunt looks primed for a big season as he ran for nearly 900 yards in a back-up role last season, including over 100 yards in four of his last five games. The offensive line will be huge for the Rockets this season as they return four of five starters. This is huge for a team with young players at QB and RB, but they will also be the key to keeping this dynamic offense running smoothly.

Toledo should have a good year on the defensive side of the ball as well. The Rockets return 10 players from a defensive unit that shined in some moments but faltered in others. Out of the 10 returning players, six were all-conference and five of their six top tacklers put the Rocket jersey back on this season. The linebacking core and secondary is deep and should also provide a boost for the Rockets defense.

As we said before the Toledo schedule is not easy as they have battles with Missouri, Cincinnati, and Iowa State. If the Rockets end up losing all three of those games, and their matchup with Bowling Green, I still see them going 8-4. Northern Illinois and Ball State could be decent, but I don't see them being better than the Rockets this year. Look for Toledo to win the MAC-West and to match their record from last season, at the very least.

2014 Toledo Rockets Schedule

DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET) Location Result

Sat, Aug 30th, 2014 New Hampshire 07:00 PM Glass Bowl Stadium

Sat, Sep 6th, 2014 Missouri 12:00 PM Glass Bowl Stadium

Fri, Sep 12th, 2014 @ Cincinnati 07:00 PM Nippert Stadium

Sat, Sep 20th, 2014 Ball State TBD Glass Bowl Stadium

Sat, Sep 27th, 2014 Central Michigan TBD Glass Bowl Stadium

Sat, Oct 4th, 2014 @ W. Michigan TBD Waldo Stadium

Sat, Oct 11th, 2014 @ Iowa State 03:30 PM Jack Trice Stadium

Sat, Oct 25th, 2014 UMASS 02:00 PM Glass Bowl Stadium

Tue, Nov 4th, 2014 @ Kent State 08:00 PM Dix Stadium

Tue, Nov 11th, 2014 @ Northern Illinois 08:00 PM Huskie Stadium

Wed, Nov 19th, 2014 Bowling Green 08:00 PM Glass Bowl Stadium

Fri, Nov 28th, 2014 @ E. Michigan TBD Rynearson Stadium

All Times EST

*Season Win Total Odds from Raphael Esparza. Esparza was a Las Vegas sportsbook manager for 13 years at some of the largest books on The Strip. He is a proven oddsmaker and this is his projected total.

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