College football practice in full swing at Toledo, Bowling Green, Ohio State

8/5/2014

Experienced Rockets expected to win now

Football officially began Monday for a University of Toledo squad that has real hopes of winning the school's first Mid-American Conference championship in a decade.

With the first fall practice sessions completed, here are five things to monitor ahead of UT's season opener against New Hampshire on Aug. 30 at the Glass Bowl:

 

Falcons look to improve speed practicing on grass

There were plenty of smiles on the practice field just outside Doyt Perry Stadium as the Bowling Green State University football team held its first fall practice in preparation for the 2014 season.

“It feels great to be back on the field,” Falcons coach Dino Babers said. “Guys are walking around with smiles on their faces. Coaches are smiling. Babies are smiling. Wives are happy — because coaches are out of the house, and they own the roost again. Life is good.”

 

OSU freshmen McMillan, Dixon already impress Coach Meyer

Last year, despite Urban Meyer’s enduring and vocal anti-redshirt platform, 15 members of a hyped freshmen class did just that — including five-star receiver Jalin Marshall and five-star cornerback Eli Apple. Another heralded prospect, five-star safety Vonn Bell, did see significant time until the Orange Bowl.

This year, with another top-five recruiting class on campus, he said that needs to change.