Toledo vs. Central Michigan Prediction, Game Preview
Toledo vs. Central Michigan prediction and game preview. The Rockets look to remain unbeaten in MAC play when they host the Chippewas on Saturday.
Toledo vs. Central Michigan prediction and game preview. The Rockets look to remain unbeaten in MAC play when they host the Chippewas on Saturday.
Toledo vs. Central Michigan Game Preview
When: Saturday, Oct. 22 – Noon ET
Where: Glass Bowl, Toledo.
TV Broadcast: ESPN3
Toledo is the most dangerous team in the MAC not named Western Michigan. The Rockets are a crazy 55-53 loss to BYU on Sept. 30 away from being undefeated and continue putting up huge numbers under offensive coordinator-turned-head coach Jason Candle. Logan Woodside might the best quarterback in the nation nobody is talking about, but he’ll have a tough matchup with the Central Michigan defense this week.
The Chippewas can put points on the board, too. They’ve scored at least 24 in six of seven games and have a dangerous quarterback-running back duo in Cooper Rush and Devon Spalding. Central Michigan escaped with a 34-28, triple-overtime win over Northern Illinois last week, though, and will need a more complete effort to beat Toledo.
What To Know About Toledo
It’ll surprise most to know that Woodside is at or near the top of the national leaders in multiple categories. He leads with 24 touchdown passes and 11.1 yards per attempt, is second with a 204.03 passer rating and tied for third with a 71.3 completion percentage. The redshirt junior has thrown at least four touchdown passes in five straight games, including during last week’s 42-35 win over Bowling Green.
Woodside isn’t doing it alone, though. Michael Roberts caught three touchdowns in that win to give a team-high, leading three other receivers who have caught at least four TD passes. The ground game has helped, too, as Kareem Hunt’s 3-yard touchdown run with 18 seconds remaining was the difference against the Falcons.
What To Know About Central Michigan
Central Michigan also survived a close call last week when Rush hit Tyler Conklin with a 25-yard touchdown pass on the first play of its possession in the third overtime. The previous week, the Chippewas had to hold on to beat Ball State, 24-21. Those opponents are the bottom two in the MAC West Division, so CMU going to have to step up its game this week.
That starts with defense, especially against Toledo. The Chippewas have held their last three opponents to fewer than 200 passing yards.
Advantages
Offense: Toledo – Woodside will provide the toughest test for CMU’s defense.
Defense: Toledo – The Rockets are ranked second in the MAC in scoring defense.
Special Teams: Central Michigan – Chippewas have the best kickoff coverage in the conference.
Coaching: Even – Both coaches have their programs moving in the right direction.
Intangibles: Toledo – The Rockets have won six straight meetings.
Matchup To Watch
Woodside vs. Central Michigan’s pass defense
CMU has been good against opposing quarterbacks lately, but none of Woodside’s caliber. The Chippewas are trying to become the first ones to slow him down this season.
Betting Odds
Spread: Toledo -10.5
Over/Under: 62.5
Toledo vs. Central Michigan Prediction
Woodside keeps his string of four-touchdown games going and remains unbeaten in MAC play by winning a seventh straight meeting with Central Michigan.
Toledo vs. Central Michigan final score prediction: Toledo 48, Central Michigan 28
