4 keys for the Bulls vs. Toledo

1 Avoid a slow attack start. This problem has plagued the Bulls in their last two games. Of UB's seven first-half victories in a 23-20 overtime win at then-No. 23 Northern Illinois on Sept. 21, only one came over more than three plays and ended in points (Upton Bellenfant's 42-yard field goal). Of the eight first-half drives in a 47-3 loss to Connecticut on Sept. 28, only one lasted more than five plays and ended in points (Bellenfant's 47-yard FG). UB's offense needs production on the ground and needs to stabilize its passing game – UB is averaging 120.6 rushing yards and 133 passing yards, but its passing game has been average at best and unproductive at worst.

2 Defend the pass and defend it well. With Toledo, UB faces a second opponent in a row that can throw the ball well. The Bulls totaled 280 passing yards and three touchdown passes at Connecticut. Toledo boasts the MAC's best passing offense (251.4 yards per game), averages 12.8 yards per completion and 14 of its 23 touchdowns have come through the air. The Rockets are one of seven teams that entered the week ranked 13th in the nation in passing touchdowns (Miami leads the nation with 21 touchdown passes). After open week, UB's defense is allowing opponents an average of 207.6 passes per game and an average of 36.4 passes per game. The only team that allows more pass attempts per game? Toledo (37).

3 Improve third-down conversions. It's not just about converting on third-and-8 or third-and-long, which has become a problem area for the Bulls over the last two seasons. It also means managing and executing first- and second-down situations – creating more manageable short-yard situations on third down, rather than scrambling for yards on third-and-9, for example. UB went 1 for 14 on third-down conversions at Connecticut – Messiah Burch scored the only such conversion in the fourth quarter – a week after going 2 for 15 at Northern Illinois. UB is 15 of 68 (22.1%) this season, 11th in the MAC, ahead of only Kent State (17.5%) and ranked 132nd of 134 teams nationally.

4 Make MAC games matter. UB's non-conference schedule is in the rearview mirror, and the Bulls had a week off to rest, repair and regroup after being dismantled and held in check at UConn. Now the Bulls begin their MAC schedule at full speed, which includes Toledo, an up-and-coming Western Michigan team and a road game at Ohio over the next three weeks. These games are significant because of the MAC's new championship format, in which the top two teams based on conference win percentage will earn spots in the MAC Championship Game on December 7 in Detroit. The Bulls are also chasing bowl eligibility. Teams need at least six wins to play in the postseason, meaning UB must win at least three of its final seven games.