The hype machine has already begun for the University of Toledo.
Phil Steele has the Rockets ranked in his top 25, and College Football Playoff odds have UT ranked among the best Group of Five programs in the country.
Why the respect? For one, Jason Candle has built the program with elite player development, and the Rockets should have the most talented team in the Mid-American Conference this season by a wide margin. But another reason is that the schedule sets up well for a potential run at national relevance.
The Rockets open the season on the road against an eminently beatable Kentucky team.