Fresno State vs. Toledo Prediction, Game Preview


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.

Beating a solid Toledo team on the road would be a step in the right direction. The Rockets opened the season with an impressive 31-10 win at Arkansas State before returning home last week and handling FCS foe Maine 45-3. Jason Candle took over head coaching duties this year after serving as offensive coordinator and has kept the same up-tempo style while leading the Rockets to over 500 yards of total offense in each of the first two games. 

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

MORE: 1-128 College Football Rankings – Week 3