Toledo vs. Central Michigan Prediction, Betting Odds & How To Watch

Toledo appeared to be out of contention for the MAC Championship. But much has changed in the past few weeks.

The Rockets started the season out strong, nearly beating Kentucky and then defeating Western Kentucky and Morgan State. But then the Rockets lost three of five games, two of them being narrow losses to MAC foes Western Michigan and Bowling Green. 

But since losing to Washington State, Toledo has won three consecutive games against Northern Illinois, Miami (Ohio), and Ball State. None of those contests were decided by less than 21 points.

And now because of that recent dominant run, the Rockets (7-4, 5-2 MAC) have a shot at making it back to the conference title game. But not only do they need help, they need to beat Central Michigan today. 

And the Chippewas have been a team to be taken seriously this year. They’re 7-4 overall and 5-2 in MAC play, but they’ve been mathematically eliminated from MAC title contention due to tiebreakers.

Still, they could end up giving Toledo issues at home.

Toledo vs. Central Michigan Betting Odds

Central Michigan is a +10.5 college football betting odds underdog against Toledo, with the Over/Under being 45.5 as of this writing. The moneyline for Toledo is -425, while it’s +325 for Central Michigan.

Toledo vs. Central Michigan On TV

The matchup between Toledo and Central Michigan will be televised on ESPN+. 

The game will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, Nov. 29. The contest is taking place at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

Toledo vs. Central Michigan Prediction

I predict Toledo will win but Central Michigan will cover the 10.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 45.5 total points.

Toledo is perhaps the most well-rounded team in the MAC. The Rockets are first in the league in scoring offense (32.5 points per game), scoring defense (13 PPG allowed), total offense (422.8 yards per game), and total defense (240.9 YPG allowed).

But Central Michigan isn’t that far off. For example, the Chippewas are third in the MAC in scoring offense (25.7 PPG) and fourth in scoring defense (22.8 PPG allowed).

So that’s why I could see this being a close game. That’s also why I think both teams could be exchanging scoring drives late, which leads me to believe this game will go Over 45.5 total points.

But I ultimately think the Rockets have enough talent on both sides of the ball to win here.

Quarterback Tucker Gleason has thrown for 2,417 yards, 21 touchdowns, and nine interceptions on a 65% completion rate while rushing for 113 yards and four TDs. Chip Trayanum has rushed for 856 yards and 10 touchdowns. Junior Vandeross III has caught 71 passes for 876 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

And on defense, linebacker K’Von Sherman leads the Rockets with 79 tackles while defensive back Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has 67 tackles. DB Braden Awls has five interceptions, and defensive lineman Malachi Davis has a team-high 5.5 sacks.

I think Toledo simply finds a way to win a close battle.