Oct. 12, 1999

Toledo, OH - Toledo coach Gary Pinkel indicated that Tavares Bolden will get the starting nod at quarterback vs. Marshall this Thursday (8:00 p.m., ESPN).

"Tavares is the starter and Dan (Cole) will come in once each half. We'll see how it goes from there," said Pinkel.

Bolden made his debut as a starter in a 47-7 victory over Kent last Saturday, throwing for 164 yards and two touchdowns to lead Toledo to a 47-7 romp over Kent at the Glass Bowl.

Bolden, who previously had attempted just 12 passes in four games as a backup this season, connected on 14-of-20 passes. Junior Dan Cole, who had been UT's starter in the first four games, came off the bench and hit on 5-of-6 passes, including a pair of touchdowns.

*** ROCKET NOTES ***

PINKEL: MARSHALL MOST TALENTED EVER IN MAC

Just how talented is Marshall? Toledo coach Gary Pinkel thinks the Thundering Herd might be the best collection of players ever to play in the Mid-American Conference. "These guys are really, really good," said Pinkel. "I believe they are the most talented team from top to bottom ever to play in our league. They are talented in every area."

PINKEL: INTENSITY NEEDED TO KEEP ROCKETS IN MARSHALL GAME

Pinkel was pleased with the intensity level his team showed in a 47-7 drubbing of Kent last week. Now he would like to see a repeat of that effort vs. Marshall. "All I want is great intensity," Pinkel said. "If we have great intensity, then we have a chance to do some good things. It doesn't guarantee anything. But I guarantee if we don't have great intensity it's not going to be a very good game."