Rockets prepare for season opener

8/27/2012
BLADE STAFF

Preparing for Saturday's season opener will be a challenge for the University of Toledo football team.

In addition to breaking down film from last season on their opponent, Arizona, the Rockets must study games played by Michigan, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia. New Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez has installed the same spread offense he employed at Michigan, and defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel's 3-3-5 package has made the transition from West Virginia to Tuscon. Several coaches spent last year at Pittsburgh, so the schemes and plays ran by the Panthers are in play.

To compound pains of preparing for the Wildcats, quarterback Matt Scott hasn't played since 2010. Arizona started last season 1-5, prompting the firing of coach Mike Stoops. The Wildcats never recovered, finishing 4-8.

Game time is set for 10:30 p.m. (EDT) at Arizona Stadium.

UT coach Matt Campbell said today that Chris Dukes and Cheatham Norrils remain the favorites to start at cornerback. Campbell will announce the starters, along with the winner of the quarterback competition between Terrance Owens and Austin Dantin, on Wednesday.