Nov 29, 2001

By JOHN SEEWER
Associated Press Writer

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) - Marshall coach Bob Pruett isn't sure how his defense will stop Toledo in the Mid-American Conference championship. He is counting on the Rockets having as much trouble with his offense.

"They're both capable of scoring a bunch of points," Pruett said of Friday's matchup. "It's like basketball on grass."

No. 20 Marshall (10-1) is seeking its fifth straight MAC title. The Thundering Herd haven't lost since dropping their opener 49-14 at Florida.

Quarterback Byron Leftwich has been nearly unstoppable this season, throwing for 3,711 yards and 34 touchdowns. He has a trio of speedy receivers led by Darius Watts.

The Thundering Herd is averaging 37 points this season, while Toledo (8-2) piled up an average of 34 points.

"Usually, you win championships on defense," Pruett said. "It's just tough to stop people."

Pruett calls Leftwich "the best quarterback I've been around." He also coached former Marshall quarterback Chad Pennington and 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, who played for Florida.

Leftwich became the first quarterback in league history to pass for 400 yards in three straight games this season.

"He's matured so much in his ability to see what's going on," Pruett said. "He's such a great leader."

Leftwich had a miserable day a year ago in Marshall's 42-0 loss at Toledo. He fumbled twice on sacks and threw an interception - all three turnovers turned into Toledo touchdowns.

"It's a whole new year," he said this week. "Hopefully, I won't make those mistakes."

Toledo coach Tom Amstutz doesn't think that matters anymore.

"They probably shook that off," he said. "But when they step into that locker room, I hope they have a couple of flashbacks to shake them up."

He expects Leftwich to be much better this time.

"We better get our butterfly nets out to catch that ball because he has a very strong arm," Amstutz said.

Toledo quarterback Tavares Bolden is just as dangerous and more mobile. He usually operates with three and four wide receivers, and often without a huddle.

"He makes a lot of plays out of nothing," Pruett said.

Bolden has thrown 12 touchdown passes, run for three and even caught a touchdown pass. He sat out last week's 56-21 loss at Bowling Green with back spasms, but should be ready against Marshall.

While Toledo's offense is built around its passing formations, running back Chester Taylor is the key.

Taylor's the leading rusher in school history and averages 12 points by himself. He'll also line up as a receiver in the spread offense.

"He can make you miss in the open field, and he has breakaway speed," said Marshall linebacker Max Yates, the league's leading tackler.

It will be the third time Toledo and Marshall have met for the MAC title, but the first time the Thundering Herd will play away from home.

Both teams already have secured bowl bids, giving the MAC two spots in postseason bowls for the first time.

Marshall will play in the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Dec. 19. Toledo will travel to the Motor City Bowl in Pontiac, Mich. on Dec. 29.