Toledo finished the 2022 season as champions of the Mid-American Conference with a total record of 8-5 and a 5-3 mark in conference play. The Rockets are 4.5 point favorites over the Flames in the 2022 Boca Raton Bowl, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Here are four important players the Flames need to keep an eye on when Liberty and the Rockets meet in South Florida.
QB Dequan Finn
It all begins and ends with Finn on offense for the Rockets. The second-team all-conference performer completed 59.11% of his 291 passes for 2,127 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also led the team with 113 rushing attempts as he ran for 608 yards and a team-best 8 touchdowns.
WR Jerjuan Newton
Newton broke out in a big way for Toledo this season, leading the team with 48 receptions for 788 yards and 9 touchdowns. His performance helped him to being named first-team all-conference.
DT Desjuan Johnson
The senior has created havoc in opponent’s backfield for his entire career. Johnson has been named second-team all-conference in each of the prior two seasons, but this year his play earned first team all-conference honors. Johnson recorded 65 tackles and an eye-popping 16.5 tackles for loss to go along with 5.5 sacks and an interception this season.
DB Quinyon Mitchell
Mitchell has been named an All-American following the 2022 season where he led the nation with 20 pass breakups. The cornerback has had five interceptions this season, including four in one game, two of which were returned for a touchdown.
