Rocket fans sound off on the upcoming season
The University of Toledo is entering a season with great expectations.
The Rockets are coming off a Mid-American Conference championship and a Boca Raton Bowl victory. Those accomplishments have fueled the hype, but 16 returning starters are an even bigger piece to UT’s predicted success.
What about the state of the program, Jason Candle’s contract extension, and the outlook for 2023? The Blade put the questions out to the fan base and received plenty of responses in its first annual Toledo football survey.
The responses were wide-ranging, with fans that have a positive viewpoint and optimism for the present and future, while others see warning signs ahead. In other words, the typical rollercoaster of emotions that absorb college football fanatics.
Below is a glimpse into the psyche of UT fans.
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HOW RESPONDENTS RATE THE STATE OF THE PROGRAM (1: POOR; 5: EXCELLENT)
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TOLEDO ROCKETS FOOTBALL DESCRIBED IN ONE WORD
Fans were mostly positive about the team’s direction, with “exciting” being the most-common description. Still, many fans though the team is inconsistent, so while fans expect a strong season from the Rockets, expectations are temepered. Here is a look at the most-frequent responses:
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“While the Rockets haven’t been as strong recently, Jason Candle has shown in the past that he’s capable of succeeding and leading the Rockets to compete in big games. I’m happy to have him stay.” — anonymous Rockets fan
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THOUGHTS ON JASON CANDLE’S CONTRACT EXTENSION
In January, following the Rockets’ MAC title and bowl win, Candle received a contract extension through the 2026 season that pays him $1.1 million per year, with additional performance bonuses for win totals. Here are some of the responses.
During each of the last two offseasons, Candle was wooed by Miami (Fla.) and Notre Dame about offensive coordinator vacancies. He was heavily linked to the Hurricanes in 2022 and 2023, with offers that would have paid him more than Toledo. Ultimately, however, Candle turned down the overtures and pledged his allegiance to UT.
In 2023, Candle will make less than $100,000 more than Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain. Candle will receive $75,000 for six wins during the regular season, $135,000 for seven wins, $265,000 for eight wins, and $325,000 for nine-plus wins.
Any season that Toledo wins at least nine regular season games will result in an additional year being added to Candle’s contract. Candle gets a $25,000 bonus for a MAC West championship or co-championship, $15,000 for appearing in the MAC title game, and $30,000 for winning the MAC title. He receives $20,000 for playing in a bowl and $30,000 for winning. If Candle is fired for cause in 2023, he would be owed $900,000. The amount goes down by $100,000 each year through 2026. If he leaves Toledo for another job in 2023, Candle would owe UT $750,000. The amount reduces by $100,000 each year through 2026.
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CONFIDENCE IN THE CURRENT COACHING STAFF
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WHAT’S LIKED MOST ABOUT COACH CANDLE’S TENURE AT TOLEDO
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WHAT’S DISLIKED ABOUT COACH CANDLE’S TENURE AT TOLEDO
RATING THE TEAM’S RECENT OFFENSIVE PERFORMANCE (1: POOR; 5: EXCELLENT)
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RATING THE TEAM’S RECENT DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE (1: POOR; 5: EXCELLENT)
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WHERE RESPONDENTS WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE TEAM IMPROVE
Defense
Thirty-four people singled out the defense as the biggest area in need of improvement, a stunning number when you consider the progress that defensive coordinator Vince Kehres has brought to the program. Since 2020, UT hasn’t finished lower than 36th nationally in total defense.
Special teams
Thirteen fans were not pleased with last season’s special teams miscues. Pro Football Focus ranked Toledo second-to-last in the country in special teams, as the Rockets ranked 130th (out of 131) in punting, 127th in kickoff returns, 83rd in kickoff coverage, 56th in field goals and punt returns, and 54th in punt coverage.
Offensive line
There were eight respondents that chose the offensive line as the area they’d like to see improvement. The unit has been ravaged by injuries and inconsistent play in recent seasons, though they came up big in the MAC championship game and the Boca Raton Bowl.
Other responses
■ Beat BG
■ Consistently dominate the MAC as the premier conference program
■ Leave the MAC for American Athletic Conference
■ Get to nine or 10 wins every year
■ Establish a stronger running game as there was in the past
■ Fewer turnovers, more conversions on downs
■ Limiting/forcing turnovers
DO RESPONDENTS LIKE HOW THE TEAM HAS USED THE TRANSFER PORTAL IN RECENT SEASONS?
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THE 2023 SEASON WILL BE CONSIDERED A SUCCESS FOR TOLEDO IF …
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MAC OVERALL WINS BY SEASON
Article by Kyle Rowland and graphics by Joe Landsberger of The Blade