Military Bowl 2011: Bold Predictions for Toledo Rockets vs Air Force Falcons
Military Bowl 2011: Bold Predictions for Toledo Rockets vs Air Force Falcons
What's more fun than making bold predictions? One of the best times to make bold predictions is during college football's annual bowl season because anything can happen when two teams unfamiliar with each other meet up and play four quarters.
Bold predictions have the potential of changing the outcome of the game if these predictions just so happen to come true.
The 2011 Military Bowl is no exception. The Air Force Falcons and Toledo Rockets are set to play four quarters of football on December 28. Anything can happen.
Toledo Scores Less Than 21 Points
If the Toledo Rockets finish the 2011 Military Bowl with 21 point or less posted on their side of the scoreboard, the Air Force Falcons are going to be in a good position to end the season with a victory.
Toledo is known for their high-powered offense, so things won't be in the Rockets' favor if that offense if missing on December 28.
Defense will be key for Air Force in order to defeat Toledo.
Air Force's Total Time of Possession Is No Less Than 35 Minutes
I've mentioned how lethal Toledo's offense is, but Air Force is very dangerous as well; just a different type of dangerous.
Air Force averages the second most rushing yards on offense in the nation with 320 in each game. Running the ball effectively usually takes a lot of time off the clock.
If Air Force can keep their offense on the field for over 35 minutes, without turning the ball over, the Falcons will be in a great position to come away with the Military Bowl victory.
Air Force Passes for over 250 Yards
Air Force's passing offense isn't nearly as good as the rushing offense. The Falcons average just over 138 passing yards per game.
If Tim Jefferson, Jr., Air Force's QB, can throw for over 250 yards, the Falcons offense will be very dangerous because of the threat on the ground and in the air.
Toledo's defense isn't very good, allowing nearly 31 points per game, so if Jefferson Jr. can exploit the Rockets defense with his arm, there's no telling how many points the Falcons can put up on the scoreboard.
Toledo Wins by 35 Points
Toledo has shown throughout the year their capability of lighting up the scoreboard, averaging 42 points per game, so it wouldn't be the biggest shock if Toledo blows out Air Force in the 2011 Military Bowl.
Toledo's offense is going to need some help from the defense in order to accomplish this task. If Air Force turns the ball over to Toledo a couple of times throughout the game, Toledo has a chance to blow out Air Force, as long as Toledo doesn't turn the ball over as well.
Toledo's Eric Page Catches 3 TD Passes
Toledo's WR Eric Page has had an impressive 2011 college football season for the Rockets, catching 112 passes for 1,123 yards and 10 TDs.
Page has shown his big play ability, including his performance against Northern Illinois when he racked up 149 yards receiving and five—yes I said it, five—receiving TDs.
Air Force's defense isn't too good, giving up 27 points per game, so it's possible for Page to add to his 2011 highlight reel in the Military Bowl.
If Page does indeed find the end zone three times, he'll take home the game's MVP award—that is, if Toledo defeats Air Force.
Air Force's Asher Clark Runs for a Season-High 180 Yards
Asher Clark is the backbone of the Air Force Falcons rushing attacking. Clark ran for 1,096 yards this year, and his season high for an individual game was 169 rushing yards.
Clark has the potential to run all over the Toledo Rockets defense, and if he does, Air Force has a great opportunity to keep pace with the lethal Rockets offense.
Clark has the ability to lead his team to a Military Bowl victory on December 28.
Toledo and Air Force Combine for a Total of 100 Points
Both teams have scored over 50 points in an individual game at least twice during the 2011 college football season. It's possible for these two teams to do it again, against each other, at the 2011 Military Bowl.
The lack of defense and potent offense these teams have displayed throughout the '11 season has created a blueprint for the possibility of Toledo and Air Force to combine for over 100 points in the Military Bowl.