Cowbell Corner

Mississippi State vs. Toledo: 3 Key Rocket Players the Bulldogs Must Stop

The Bulldog defense has to contend with several dangerous Toledo playmakers

Taylor Hodges

Toledo Rockets quarterback Tucker Gleason (4) throws a pass to wide receiver Junior Vandeross III (2) during the second half against the Wyoming Cowboys in the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium.
Toledo Rockets quarterback Tucker Gleason (4) throws a pass to wide receiver Junior Vandeross III (2) during the second half against the Wyoming Cowboys in the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Mississippi State vs Toledo: The Best Rocket Players to Stop

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State will face a much different kind of offensive threat than it did against Arizona State when it hosts Toledo this weekend.

Arizona State beat the Bulldogs (1-1) using primarily its rushing attack. The Rockets won’t be repeating that this weekend.

Based on its first two games of the season, Toledo (2-0) will try and attack Mississippi State through the air, which may end up better.

The Rockets have averaged 227 passing yards through two games and 125 rushing yards. They’re also leading the MAC in scoring with 43.5 points per game. (So, take the over in this game.)

The Bulldogs need a palate cleanser after losing to Arizona State 30-23 in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score would lead you to believe. Florida got one in Samford following a big opening week loss to Miami.

Toledo, though, isn’t Samford. One MAC school has already notched the biggest upset of the young season when Northern Illinois beat Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.

As coach Jeff Lebby said in his Monday press conference, Toledo is an experienced team that returns many of its starters from last year’s 11-3 campaign (the three losses were by a combined 12 points, too).

“Offensively, they have some skill guys who can do some really good things with the ball in their hands,” Lebby said. “We look forward to that challenge.”

Here are Toledo’s three biggest offensive weapons ...

NEXT: Mississippi State vs Toledo: Best Rocket Players No. 3

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Taylor Hodges

TAYLOR HODGES

Award-winning sports editor, writer, columnist, and photographer with 15 years’ experience offering his opinion and insight about the sports world in Mississippi and Texas. Taylor has covered all levels of sports, from small high schools in the Mississippi Delta to NFL games. Follow Taylor on Twitter and Facebook.

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