The End Zone: Toledo

Toledo beat writer Zach Silka

Running back DaJuane Collins said he plans on catching up on school work. Defensive tackleDerrick Summers said he'll be in the film room studying Central Michigan. Quarterback Aaron Opelt said he's going to pitch a tent in the training room to get all the rehab time in that he can on his injured right shoulder. Coach Tim Beckman said he'll get a little more involved with the defensive game planning.

Welcome to the bye week in college football. With no game this Saturday and a few extra days off to prepare for Wednesday's contest at Central Michigan, UT players had the day off Monday and Tuesday to rest and recover, while the coaches toiled away trying to solve the mistakes from last Saturday's loss at Miami. Whether it's Pee Wee, prep, college or pro, an off week is an invaluable resource to a football team. UT has played nine straight weeks, and the grind of the season has definitely taken its toll.

In addition to ailing quarterbacks Austin Dantin and Opelt, the time off will be beneficial for all the Rockets. At this point, everybody is battling some nicks and bruises. But just as UT is benefiting from some time off, so too is its opponent. Because of the conference's quirky TV scheduling, both CMU and UT had bye weeks this week to accommodate Wednesday's game. If there's anybody that needed a reprieve right now, though, it's UT. A little R&R might be just what the doctor ordered to cure its recent ails.