The beginning of Toledo’s 2024 season couldn’t have gone much better.
The Rockets began the year with a three-game winning streak, including a 41-17 victory at Mississippi State. They appeared to be a team that could contend for a College Football Playoff berth.
But the Rockets didn’t keep winning at that rate. They ended up going 7-5 overall during the regular season with a 4-4 mark in MAC play. But they did conclude the year with a six-overtime triumph over Pitt in the GameAbove Sports Bowl.
Can head coach Jason Candle get Toledo back to playing at a conference-championship level? Some believe so. And he would certainly prove it if the Rockets get a win this week.
Toledo vs. Kentucky Betting Odds
Kentucky is a -10 college football betting odds favorite against Toledo, with the Over/Under being 47.5.
The moneyline for Toledo is +280, while it’s -350 for Kentucky.
Toledo vs. Kentucky On TV
The matchup between Toledo and Kentucky will be televised on the SEC Network.
The game will kick off at 12:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 30. The contest is taking place at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.
Toledo vs. Kentucky Prediction
I predict Kentucky will win but Toledo will cover the 10-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 48.5 total points.
Toledo may have lost some star players like wide receiver Jerjuan Newton, defensive tackle Darius Alexander, and defensive back Maxen Hook, who all received opportunities with NFL teams. But the Rockets have some great players coming back, too.
At quarterback, Tucker Gleason is returning after an impressive 2024 campaign. He threw for 2,808 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while completing 60.5% of his passes. He also ran for 364 yards and a team-best seven TDs.
Six of Toledo’s top nine receivers from last year are back. G5 All-American wide receiver Junior Vandeross III is returning after catching 85 passes for 957 yards and five scores. Connor Walendzak is also back after leading the Rockets with 458 rushing yards to go with a touchdown as well as 14 catches for 77 yards.
I think Toledo will lean on its offense to keep the game close. Expecting the Rockets to win a Power Four matchup I don’t believe is reasonable, especially on the road. But I think this contest will be decided by a single touchdown.
