Mississippi State vs. Toledo: 3 Key Rocket Players the Bulldogs Must Stop

As coach Jeff Lebby said in his Monday press conference, Toledo is an experienced team that returns many of its starters from last year’s 11-3 campaign (the three losses were by a combined 12 points, too).

“Offensively, they have some skill guys who can do some really good things with the ball in their hands,” Lebby said. “We look forward to that challenge.”

Here are Toledo’s three biggest offensive weapons ...

NEXT: Mississippi State vs Toledo: Best Rocket Players No. 3

Mississippi State vs Toledo: Best Rocket Players No. 3

Tucker Gleason, QB Toledo

Grade: Junior
Previous School: Georgia Tech
Height: 6-3
Weight: 245 lbs.
2024 Stats: 23-of-47 (48.9 completion), 377 yards, 6 TDs, 188.5 ypg. 8 carries, 63 yards.

Of course the quarterback for an offense that likes to throw the ball to its playmakers in space is going to be on this list.

Gleason wasn’t the starter in 2023, serving as the backup to Dequan Finn. The former Yellow Jacket played in 14 games with one start, though, completing 28-of-55 passes for 383 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

He’s looked good in games against UMass and Duquesne. Despite completing less than 50 percent of his passes, Gleason has yet to throw an interception and has an efficiency rating of 158.4.

Gleason also led Toledo in rushing in the 38-23 win against UMass last week. He had 34 yards on just three carries with half of those yards gained on one 18-yard run.

NEXT: Mississippi State vs Toledo: Best Rocket Players No. 2

Mississippi State vs Toledo: Best Rocket Players No. 2

Willie Shaw III, RB, Toledo

Grade: Junior
Previous School: Brother Rice High School
Height: 5-11
Weight: 202 lbs.
2024 Stats: 15 carries, 80 yards, 2 TDs, 37.5 ypg

Toledo may have thrown the ball more than it has run it through two games, but its coaches may be tempted to change that after watching Mississippi State’s game against Arizona State. That possibility is why Shaw lands on this list.

The Bulldogs were overpowered by the Sun Devils, giving up 364 rushing yards and every team will test the Bulldogs’ ability to stop the run.

Shaw has the look of a running back capable of leading an offensive attack. Toledo just hasn’t needed him to play that role.

He’s also seen what it takes to have a big rushing season. Shaw played behind last year’s starter Peny Boone who ran for 1,425 yards and 15 touchdowns.

So, there’s a chance Shaw starts to replicate Boone this Saturday in Starkville.

NEXT: Mississippi State vs Toledo: Best Rocket Players No. 1

Mississippi State vs Toledo: Best Rocket Players No. 1

Junior Vandeross III, WR Toledo

Grade: Junior
Previous School: Jesuit High School
Height: 5-8
Weight: 182 lbs.
2024 Stats: 7 catches, 152 yards, 2 TD, 21.7 ypc, 76 ypg.

Truthfully, this spot could have gone to either Vandeross or Jerjuan Newton. But Vandeross has one more catch and 14 more yards, so he gets the nod here.

Vandeross is the Tyreek Hill-type player for Toledo. He’s certainly not the biggest on the field, but he may very well be the fastest.

The junior from Tampa, Fla. turned in a big performance last week against UMass with three catches for 115 yards (38 ypc) and one touchdown, including a 73-yard reception.

Newton deserves a mention, though. The senior from St. Petersburg, Fla. led the Rockets in receiving in their season-opening win against Duquesne. He finished that game with five catches for 98 yards and one touchdown.

Last week against UMass, Newton had just one catch that was a 40-yard touchdown.

NEXT: Mississippi State vs Toledo: Best Rocket Players

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