Toledo vs South Alabama 2024 Season Opener Preview

**Toledo Rockets to Open 2024 Season at Home Against South Alabama Jaguars**

TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo Rockets will kick off their 2024 college football season at home, hosting the South Alabama Jaguars in what promises to be an intriguing non-conference matchup. The highly anticipated game is set for Saturday, August 31st, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, at the iconic Glass Bowl in Toledo, Ohio. Fans unable to attend can catch all the action streaming live on ESPN+.

Toledo enters the 2024 campaign looking to build on a remarkably successful 2023 season. Under head coach Jason Candle, the Rockets finished with an impressive 11-3 overall record and a flawless 8-0 mark in the Mid-American Conference, securing the regular season championship. Their dominant conference run, however, ended with a 37-34 loss to Wyoming in the Arizona Bowl, a game that saw the Rockets fall just short in a high-scoring affair.

The Rockets will face significant changes, particularly on offense, with the departure of key playmakers. Quarterback Dequan Finn, a dynamic dual-threat who guided Toledo’s recent success, transferred to Baylor, while star running back Peny Boone, the team’s leading rusher, moved to UCF. This opens the door for a crucial quarterback competition between contenders like Connor Walz and Tucker Gleason, who will vie for the starting role. Despite these offensive adjustments, Toledo’s defense is expected to be a strong suit, anchored by returning talents such as defensive lineman Jermaine Johnson II and star cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.

South Alabama, coached by Kane Wommack, also brings a competitive spirit to the opener. The Jaguars concluded their 2023 season with a 7-6 overall record and a 5-3 finish in the tough Sun Belt Conference. They capped their year with a decisive 59-10 victory over Eastern Michigan in the 68 Ventures Bowl, showcasing their offensive capabilities. A significant advantage for South Alabama will be the continuity at quarterback, with experienced starter Carter Bradley returning to lead the offense. While the Jaguars will miss the production of wide receiver Caullin Lacy, who transferred to Louisville, Bradley’s presence provides stability and leadership.

Historically, Toledo has held the upper hand in this budding series, leading 2-0. Their last encounter was a 37-21 victory for the Rockets in 2022, a game Toledo controlled from start to finish. This upcoming game marks an early season test for both programs, with Toledo aiming to re-establish its offensive identity and South Alabama looking to make a statement against a perennial MAC contender. The Glass Bowl is expected to be electric as fans welcome their Rockets back for what promises to be another exciting season of college football.