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#1 Toledo vs #13 Buffalo Quarterfinals PLAYOFFS 1)
11 months ago - 1/17/2025 6:31 PM GMT-3
Game Preview: #1 Toledo (13-0) vs. #13 Buffalo (11-2)
Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM EST
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Broadcast: ESPN
Introduction
The college football world turns its eyes to Detroit tonight as the undefeated Toledo Rockets square off against the underdog yet battle-tested Buffalo Bulls in the quarterfinal round of the 16-team playoff. Toledo enters as the #1 seed and MAC champions, boasting a perfect season behind their high-powered offense. Buffalo, the surprising #13 seed, is riding the momentum of a stunning first-round upset of previously undefeated Liberty.
This matchup is a battle of conference familiarity as both teams hail from the Mid-American Conference (MAC), but this stage adds a whole new level of intensity. With a trip to the semifinals on the line, both programs are ready to leave it all on the field.
Team Overviews
Toledo Rockets (13-0)
• Head Coach: Jason Candle
• Offense: 42.5 points per game (4th nationally)
• Defense: 19.3 points allowed per game (18th nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Dequan Finn: 3,800 passing yards, 36 TDs, 8 INTs; 600 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs
• RB Jacquez Stuart: 1,200 rushing yards, 15 TDs
• WR Jerjuan Newton: 1,400 receiving yards, 14 TDs
• LB Dallas Gant: 105 tackles, 4 sacks
The Rockets have been the dominant force in the MAC all season, finishing undefeated behind their explosive offense and a defense that has proven capable of making timely stops. Quarterback Dequan Finn is the engine of this team, a dynamic dual-threat player who can beat defenses with both his arm and legs. His chemistry with wideout Jerjuan Newton has been a nightmare for opposing secondaries.
Defensively, Toledo is led by linebacker Dallas Gant, a tackling machine who anchors their front seven. They’ve shown resilience in close games, as evidenced by their thrilling double-overtime win over Hawaii in the first round. Toledo has the tools to outscore opponents but also the discipline to close out games.
Buffalo Bulls (11-2)
• Head Coach: Maurice Linguist
• Offense: 34.8 points per game (23rd nationally)
• Defense: 24.6 points allowed per game (41st nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Cole Snyder: 3,100 passing yards, 28 TDs, 12 INTs
• RB Mike Washington: 1,450 rushing yards, 16 TDs
• WR Justin Marshall: 1,100 receiving yards, 10 TDs
• DE Daymond Williams: 12 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
Buffalo shocked the college football world by dismantling #4 Liberty in the first round, 45-28. The Bulls leaned heavily on running back Mike Washington, who gashed Liberty’s defense for 180 yards and 3 touchdowns. Quarterback Cole Snyder played efficiently, making key throws to keep drives alive.
Buffalo’s defensive line, led by Daymond Williams, dominated Liberty’s offensive line, racking up 4 sacks and several pressures. This unit’s ability to disrupt Toledo’s rhythm will be crucial if they hope to slow down the Rockets’ high-flying offense.
Key Matchups
1. Toledo’s Passing Game vs. Buffalo’s Secondary
• Toledo Advantage: Dequan Finn and Jerjuan Newton form one of the most dangerous QB-WR duos in the country. Buffalo’s secondary has struggled against elite passers, allowing 275 passing yards per game this season. The Bulls must find a way to limit Newton’s explosive plays, or it could be a long night.
2. Buffalo’s Run Game vs. Toledo’s Front Seven
• Buffalo Advantage: Mike Washington is a bruising back who thrives in late-game situations. If Buffalo can control the clock and keep Toledo’s offense off the field, they’ll have a chance to pull off another upset. However, Toledo’s linebackers, led by Dallas Gant, are skilled at plugging gaps and limiting big runs.
3. Turnovers
• Crucial Factor: Toledo’s ability to protect the ball (just 10 turnovers all season) has been a key to their success. Buffalo forced 3 turnovers against Liberty, flipping the game in their favor. If the Bulls can win the turnover battle, they can keep this game close.
Keys to the Game
Toledo Rockets
1. Start Fast: Toledo thrives when they get out to an early lead, forcing teams to play catch-up.
2.
Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM EST
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Broadcast: ESPN
Introduction
The college football world turns its eyes to Detroit tonight as the undefeated Toledo Rockets square off against the underdog yet battle-tested Buffalo Bulls in the quarterfinal round of the 16-team playoff. Toledo enters as the #1 seed and MAC champions, boasting a perfect season behind their high-powered offense. Buffalo, the surprising #13 seed, is riding the momentum of a stunning first-round upset of previously undefeated Liberty.
This matchup is a battle of conference familiarity as both teams hail from the Mid-American Conference (MAC), but this stage adds a whole new level of intensity. With a trip to the semifinals on the line, both programs are ready to leave it all on the field.
Team Overviews
Toledo Rockets (13-0)
• Head Coach: Jason Candle
• Offense: 42.5 points per game (4th nationally)
• Defense: 19.3 points allowed per game (18th nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Dequan Finn: 3,800 passing yards, 36 TDs, 8 INTs; 600 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs
• RB Jacquez Stuart: 1,200 rushing yards, 15 TDs
• WR Jerjuan Newton: 1,400 receiving yards, 14 TDs
• LB Dallas Gant: 105 tackles, 4 sacks
The Rockets have been the dominant force in the MAC all season, finishing undefeated behind their explosive offense and a defense that has proven capable of making timely stops. Quarterback Dequan Finn is the engine of this team, a dynamic dual-threat player who can beat defenses with both his arm and legs. His chemistry with wideout Jerjuan Newton has been a nightmare for opposing secondaries.
Defensively, Toledo is led by linebacker Dallas Gant, a tackling machine who anchors their front seven. They’ve shown resilience in close games, as evidenced by their thrilling double-overtime win over Hawaii in the first round. Toledo has the tools to outscore opponents but also the discipline to close out games.
Buffalo Bulls (11-2)
• Head Coach: Maurice Linguist
• Offense: 34.8 points per game (23rd nationally)
• Defense: 24.6 points allowed per game (41st nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Cole Snyder: 3,100 passing yards, 28 TDs, 12 INTs
• RB Mike Washington: 1,450 rushing yards, 16 TDs
• WR Justin Marshall: 1,100 receiving yards, 10 TDs
• DE Daymond Williams: 12 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
Buffalo shocked the college football world by dismantling #4 Liberty in the first round, 45-28. The Bulls leaned heavily on running back Mike Washington, who gashed Liberty’s defense for 180 yards and 3 touchdowns. Quarterback Cole Snyder played efficiently, making key throws to keep drives alive.
Buffalo’s defensive line, led by Daymond Williams, dominated Liberty’s offensive line, racking up 4 sacks and several pressures. This unit’s ability to disrupt Toledo’s rhythm will be crucial if they hope to slow down the Rockets’ high-flying offense.
Key Matchups
1. Toledo’s Passing Game vs. Buffalo’s Secondary
• Toledo Advantage: Dequan Finn and Jerjuan Newton form one of the most dangerous QB-WR duos in the country. Buffalo’s secondary has struggled against elite passers, allowing 275 passing yards per game this season. The Bulls must find a way to limit Newton’s explosive plays, or it could be a long night.
2. Buffalo’s Run Game vs. Toledo’s Front Seven
• Buffalo Advantage: Mike Washington is a bruising back who thrives in late-game situations. If Buffalo can control the clock and keep Toledo’s offense off the field, they’ll have a chance to pull off another upset. However, Toledo’s linebackers, led by Dallas Gant, are skilled at plugging gaps and limiting big runs.
3. Turnovers
• Crucial Factor: Toledo’s ability to protect the ball (just 10 turnovers all season) has been a key to their success. Buffalo forced 3 turnovers against Liberty, flipping the game in their favor. If the Bulls can win the turnover battle, they can keep this game close.
Keys to the Game
Toledo Rockets
1. Start Fast: Toledo thrives when they get out to an early lead, forcing teams to play catch-up.
2.
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