Fresno State vs. Toledo prediction and game preview. Projecting who will win Saturday’s matchup at the Glass Bowl between the Bulldogs and Rockets.
Fresno State vs. Toledo Game Preview
When: Saturday, September 17 – 3 p.m. ET
Where: Glass Bowl, Toledo, Ohio.
TV Broadcast: ESPN3
Fresno State coach Tim DeRuyter might be on the hot seat, and a 33-point loss to Nebraska to open the season didn’t help. The Bulldogs bounced back with last week’s 31-3 win over Sacramento State, but a win over an FCS program isn’t something that’s going to get people talking positively. DeRuyter went 20-6 when Derek Carr was under center for his first two seasons. He’s gone just 10-18 since, though, and might need at least a .500 season to stick around after this year.
What To Know About Fresno State
Redshirt freshman Chason Virgil was named the starter just before the season and has been so-so. He’s completed 52.7 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and two picks while also being sacked six times. Dontel James has been getting plenty of work out of the backfield, but he’s averaging just 3.6 yards per carry and had only 20 on 12 rushes against Nebraska. The defense looked better against Sacramento State, but an FCS foe won’t quite prepare them for Candle’s offense.
What to Know About Toledo
Logan Woodside has been great while throwing for 700 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception. The offensive line is doing its job while not allowing a sack and opening holes for running backs Kareem Hunt and Damion Jones-Moore. Hunt has 144 yards and touchdown, and Jones-Moore has 126. The pair has combined for 41 carries and has lost a total of only three yards on those runs as the line keeps defenders out of the backfield. Woodside has plenty of weapons in the passing game, and Candle is going to challenge the Fresno State defense early and often.
Advantages
Offense: Toledo – Cody Thompson has 259 receiving yards and Michael Roberts has caught three touchdown passes.
Defense: Toledo – The Rockets have allowed only 13 points.
Special Teams: Toledo – Corey Jones is one of the best returners in the MAC.
Coaching: Even – DeRuyter has had some success, but Candle is a name you’ll be hearing for some time because of his offensive style.
Intangibles: Toledo – Fresno State has a long flight to play an afternoon game in Ohio.
Matchup To Watch
Virgil vs. Toledo’s defense
There were bound to be some growing pains for the redshirt freshman, but Virgil hopes he can begin taking a step forward against Toledo. The Rockets have been quite stingy, though.
Fresno State vs. Toledo Betting Odds
Spread: Toledo -20 1/2
Over/Under: 56 1/2
Fresno State vs. Toledo Prediction
Candle goes to the air early as Woodside hooks up with Thompson for a long touchdown. The Rockets keep pouring it on and send the Bulldogs home with a defeat.
Fresno State vs. Toledo Score Prediction: Toledo 41, Fresno State 21