It’s MACtion, and it’s the Military Bowl and we here at TSHQ are giving you yet another reason to watch one of the “lesser” bowl games, even though as my boy Yesh will explain, you don’t need another reason to watch the MAC attack, especially since there isn’t a ton of NFL talent in this game, but there is some intriguing day 3 prospects.
Yeshs’ Thoughts: The Military Bowl is the first bowl of the season that I am actually really, really excited about. Weeknight MAC games have been the most exciting games all year long. And Toledo has been the centerpiece of MACtion, scoring 60 points of more in both of their weeknight games for this year. Good, fast-paced offenses and bad defenses have been what make the MAC exciting this year.
Lucky for us, Air Force is the same. They have a good, gimmicky, triple-option offense and a bad defense. They would fit right in in the MAC this year. Both teams also have some great skill position players. Tim Jefferson is one of the best quarterbacks that Air Force has ever had, leading the academy to 4 straight bowl games. Toledo has two of the most dynamic players in the country. Eric Page gets all of the press and he deserves it. He is a top receiver, is great at getting open, and is electric in the open field. But flying under the radar is running back Adonis Thomas. He is aptly named and is an absolute beast. If you haven’t seen him yet this year, just check out this play (http://gif.mocksession.com/2011/11/adonis-thomas-is-a-god/). This should be a great, exciting, weekday game that should feature lots of scoring and lots of fun.
Prospects to Watch-
Adonis Thomas, RB Toledo: I enjoy watching both of these teams play and am actually excited to see the differing offenses put up the big numbers in this game, because defense will be optional, but what we will see is mighty mite running backs.
Thomas is ok in height, but possesses less than desirable weight to back up that average size, especially on the lower half, which is horribly thin and not able to take a pounding on an every down basis on the NFL level. He won’t be able to break a lot of tackles, can get a bit upright when running.
On the plus side he is a natural runner with great change of direction skills and with great quickness at the line of scrimmage with his ability to see the lane, find the hole and accelerate to the opening, which when there he can make people miss.
He is a dynamo that has some ability in sets and can make plays at the next level, ala LaRod Stephens-Howling.
Projection: 6th round
Others to Watch:
Eric Page: He is unlikely to declare, in fact all accounts I have read said the junior will return to Toledo for his senior season.
Although if he does come out, he is easily the best player in this game. Page is a great route runner that creates separation with his fantastic speed. He will be a plus kick/punt returner, who should be able to transition from slot receiver to a solid number two on most teams.
Projection: 4th round
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