Toledo Rockets vs. Western Michigan Broncos Preview
Where: Waldo Stadium — Kalamazoo, Michigan
When: Friday, November 25, 2016, 12:00 PM ET
Line: Toledo Rockets (+9) vs. Western Michigan Broncos (-9); total: 70.0 – view all NCAA Football odds and lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN2
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Betting on the Toledo Rockets (+9)
It’ll be a big week for the Rockets. With a victory Friday, they will not only capture the MAC West title, they will also record their first 10-win season in 15 years.
They’ve been a force to be reckoned with on offense all season long, ranking fifth in total offense (536.5 ypg) and 16th in scoring (39.2 ppg). Their QB Logan Woodside, who is coming off a redshirt season, has emerged to boast a nation-leading 40 touchdown tosses. The junior’s magical season is highlighted by passing for at least three TDs in every game this season, while also throwing for 300-plus yards seven times in their 11 games.
The receivers, as a result, are as prolific as any receiving corps in the country, with Cody Thompson, Jon’Vea Johnson, and Michael Roberts each having 10 or more TD grabs. Thompson is the most productive in the bunch and ranks 12th overall in receiving yards (1,126) and ninth in yards per reception (20.1).
Running back Kareem Hunt is their man on the backfield. The senior is averaging 105 rushing ypg and has 100 or more yards in his last three outings, along with three scores. He leads the MAC in yards from scrimmage, with 1,459, which is also 11th-most in the nation.
Led by linemen John Stepec and Treyvon Hester, who have combined for 23 tackles for loss and 10 sacks this year, Toledo’s defense has become quite decent. They are allowing a 34th-best 22.5 points per game, while also limiting opposing QBs to a 54.5 completion rate. The two, along with the entire Rockets D, will have their hands full Friday when they go up against a very potent offense.
Toledo has been superb on the road, going 12-1 SU and ATS in their last 13.
Betting on the Western Michigan Broncos (-9)
Like their opponents, the Broncos will also be battling for two great feats. Along with a chance for a MAC West title is an opportunity to give Western Michigan their first undefeated regular season in history (11-0 SU and 8-3 ATS).
The team has the right group of guys to achieve both. They are scoring a fifth-best 43.8 points per game, while also placing in the top 15 in rushing (247.1) and total offense (509.8) per game. The passing game isn’t ranked as high, but quarterback Zach Terrell’s 27 TDs and only one pick is arguably the most impressive TD-INT ratio of any QB in the country. He’s also among the most accurate passers this year; the 71.3-completion rate is third overall and only .2-percent shy of eclipsing leader Baker Mayfield.
Terell’s passing prowess is benefiting receiver Corey Davis the most. The two have hooked up for 75 catches for 1,202 yards and 16 TDs this season, the highest among all QB to WR combinations.
Their running back, Javrion Franklin, is very much like Toledo’s Hunt, a skilled, pass-catching back. His 1,454 total yards is just five yards shorter than what Hunt has. The two should be able to have an entertaining duel on Friday, as both are currently on stretches where they have ran for over 100 yards. For Franklin, he’s done six times in the last seven weeks.
On defense, they aren’t pushovers as well. They allow the ninth fewest points per game (17.7) and the 26th fewest total ypg (352.9), while also holding four teams to 10 points or less this year (two were shutouts).
Writer’s Prediction
The Broncos win (-9) a close one and doesn’t over the spread.
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