Defensive struggles need fixing for UT football

Rockets defense exposed against Tulsa and Miami

9/26/2017

Through four non-conference games and especially games against Tulsa and Miami, the University of Toledo defense has been much maligned. Coach Jason Candle and other UT coaches will be first to tell you the defense needs to improve if the Rockets are to win a Mid-American Conference title.

Here is a look at where Toledo stands in the MAC in various defensive categories:

Toledo is 10th in the conference in scoring defense at 35 points per game and is 8th in total defense at 424.0 yards per game.

The Rockets rush defense ranks 10th allowing 228.5 yards per game, while the passing defense is 5th at 195.5 yards per game.

Toledo is struggling again to force turnovers, with just four takeaways so far, which ranks second to last in the MAC. They had two big turnovers against Nevada, but otherwise they have been lacking.

RELATED: Purchase ‘100 Years of Toledo Football’

The Rockets’ potent offense can hide many defensive shortcomings, but there is going to be a time during the conference season where the defense needs to step up and make a play or carry the team for a period of time during a game. Right now the numbers don’t look pretty and that needs to change for Toledo to accomplish its goals..

Contact Brian Buckey at bbuckey@theblade.com, 419-724-6110, or on Twitter @BrianBuckey.