Sept. 16, 1999

Toledo, OH - Toledo has had more than two weeks to prepare for its MAC opener vs. Ball State in Muncie (Sept. 18, 2:00 p.m. Toledo time). The Rockets are eager to get back to battle, and even more eager to move on following a season-opening loss to Syracuse.

An early-season bye, coupled with a Thursday night home opener, has given Coach Gary Pinkel and his staff 15 days to prepare their troops for the Cardinals. The Rockets hope the extra time will give them an edge because this game has a great bearing on the MAC West Division race.

"It's a big game because it's a league game and a division game," said Pinkel. "Right now it's our biggest game of the year. If you lose any game in your division, you're basically two games behind, so you just can't lose to teams in your division. To say it's a big game would be an understatement."

The extra week off may also help the Rockets heal some bumps and bruises. Freshman wide receiver Manny Johnson is out until late October with a broken collarbone, and junior tailback Chester Taylor (high ankle sprain) is listed as questionable. But some other players with minor ailments are rested and ready to go.

Despite the fact that Ball State has lost eight straight games, the Rockets have a deep respect for their foes. The Cardinals defeated Toledo three consecutive times in Muncie, including a 35-3 victory in 1997 when the Rockets were ranked No. 18 in the country. Ball State also thwarted Toledo's plans for a return trip to the Las Vegas Bowl with a 24-14 win in 1996.

Toledo got a measure of revenge last year with a 27-6 win at the Glass Bowl.