Breaking Down Toledo

By Thomas Hiley

After taking down the Ball State Cardinals in its toughest test so far this season, No. 16 football (10-0, 6-0 MAC) is not in the clear yet. The Huskies will take on the Toledo Rockets (7-3, 5-1 MAC) 7 p.m. today at the Glass Bowl in Toledo, Ohio, with the MAC West division title still on the line. Football beat writer Frank Gogola breaks down the key players for the Rockets.

Quarterback: Terrance Owens

Senior quarterback Terrance Owens has been a serviceable quarterback for the Rockets this season. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound quarterback has completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 1,837 yards. Owens has taken good care of the ball, throwing 13 touchdowns compared to only six interceptions. While he is not the greatest athlete at running the ball, he has shown his versatility to get out of the pocket and run, rushing for 122 net yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries.

Running Back: David Fluellen

Senior running back David Fluellen has been hobbled with an ankle injury lately but is still one of the best running backs in the conference. The 6-foot, 215-pound tailback suffered a leg injury Oct. 26 at Bowling Green and did not play in the last two games. In eight games, Fluellen is second in the MAC in rushing yards per game (133.4) and fourth in rushing touchdowns (10). Whether or not Fluellen plays, true freshman Kareem Hunt should see playing time. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Hunt has burst onto the scene, rushing for 595 yards and six touchdowns in his last four games.

Wide Receiver: Bernard Reedy

Senior wide receiver Bernard Reedy has been Owen’s go-to guy this season. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound wideout has hauled in a team-leading 55 receptions for a team-best 736 yards, which is the sixth-best mark in the conference. Reedy also leads the team with six receiving touchdowns on the year. He had his best performance of the season during the last game against Buffalo, as he caught three passes for a season-high 149 yards and two touchdowns, his lone multi-touchdown game this season.

Offensive Line: Zac Kerin

Senior center Zac Kerin has anchored the Rockets’ offensive line this season. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive lineman provides veteran leadership to one of the best offensive lines in the conference and the country. Kerin and his linemates have surrendered only four sacks in 10 games, which is the best mark in the country. They will have their work cut out upfront against a Huskie defense that is fourth in the conference with 27 sacks recorded and first in the conference in rushing defense (149.4).

Defensive Line: Jayrone Elliott

Senior defensive lineman Jayrone Elliott has been the Rockets’ No. 1 threat at getting into opposing offenses’ backfields. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive end has recorded 60 total tackles, three quarterback hurries and two passes defended. Elliott is tied for third in the conference in both sacks (seven) and tackles for loss (10.5). If that were not enough, he leads the MAC in forced fumbles (five) and has recovered one fumble, which he ran back 68 yards for a touchdown. If he is routinely in the backfield, the Huskies may be in trouble.

Linebacker: Junior Sylvestre

Junior outside linebacker Junior Sylvestre has been a disruptive, versatile defender for the Rockets. The 6-foot, 222-pound former defensive back leads the team with 98 total tackles, and his 9.8 tackles per game are third best in the conference. Sylvestre leads the team with seven quarterback hurries and has recorded 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks, which are both second on the team. He has added three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups and one interception. Look for him to be around the ball when the Huskies are on offense.

Secondary: Chaz Whittaker

Sophomore safety Chaz Whittaker has emerged for the Rockets in a veteran-filled secondary. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound free safety has played in all 10 games for Toledo and has started eight of them. Whittaker’s 42 total tackles are tops in Toledo’s secondary. He has also added two interceptions and two pass breakups on the season. As the last line of defense for the Rockets, if the Huskies get past him, they should find themselves celebrating in the end zone.

Special Teams: Jeremiah Detmer

Junior place kicker Jeremiah Detmer has been one of the most consistent kickers in the conference this season. The 5-foot-8, 170-pound kicker has made 94.4 percent (17-of-18) of his field goals and has nailed all 40 of his extra points on the year. Detmer’s lone missed field goal was a 35-yard attempt against Eastern Washington on Sept. 14. He has made six field goals of 40 yards or longer, with a season-long 47-yard field goal against Navy on Oct. 19.