Toledo has won eight or more games in each of the past four seasons. College football betting odds have the Rockets’ win total this season at Over/Under 7.5 wins, with the Over at -130 and the Under at +100.
However, this year brings a new era with Mike Jacobs taking the head coaching job to replace Jason Candle, who is now the head man at UConn. Can Jacobs maintain that same type of success in the MAC?
Here are game-by-game predictions for Toledo this fall:
Sept. 4 at Michigan State
Prediction: Loss
An early test for the Rockets will be this Week 1 trip to East Lansing. Even though the Spartans lacked a lot of vigor last season, they’re revamped. I think Toledo can keep it competitive, but I don’t expect an upset.
Sept. 12 vs. Central Connecticut
Prediction: Win
If not against the Spartans, the first win of Jacobs’ tenure should come against the Blue Devils.
Sept. 19 vs. Temple
Prediction: Loss
I think the Owls will be an improved group in KC Keeler’s second season as head coach and prove that in their first road test of the season.
Sept. 26 vs. San Diego State
Prediction: Win
The Aztecs will be making a long trip to Toledo after hosting what should be a gritty game against James Madison. If the Aztecs win that game, I think they could come into this one overlooking Toledo while the Rockets are trying to bounce back from a loss the previous week.
Oct. 3 at Ball State
Prediction: Win
Conference play opens with a trip to Muncie against a Ball State team that has some potential to be a tough out, but I expect the Rockets’ depth will help them pull away here.
Oct. 10 vs. Buffalo
Prediction: Win
I expect Toledo’s defense to be one of the top in the MAC this season and could stymie the Bulls’ offense, which will have a ton of new faces and a new offensive coordinator.
Oct. 17 at Eastern Michigan
Prediction: Loss
Some may be surprised to know the Eagles have the sixth-shortest odds to win the MAC after three consecutive losing seasons under Chris Creighton. However, EMU returns a ton of production – especially on the defensive side – and a QB in Noah Kim who should be one the top passers in the league.
Oct. 24 vs. Western Michigan
Prediction: Loss
This will be the second of back-to-back tough road games for WMU, and I think it’ll go 1-1 in that span, losing to Central Michigan before defeating the Rockets here. I think both games will be decided in the trenches.
Nov. 4 at Sacramento State
Prediction: Win
After back-to-back losses to conference contenders and a mini-bye, I think the Rockets right the ship on the West Coast in their first weeknight MACtion affair.
Nov. 11 vs. UMass
Prediction: Win
The Minutemen will likely still be trying to find their footing in the MAC this season, and even though they should have a lot figured out come November, I don’t expect a road upset here.
Nov. 20 vs. Bowling Green
Prediction: Win
It was recently announced the Battle of I-75 was moved from Wednesday to Friday and will be televised on ESPN2. Hardware will be on the line here, and whoever wins will hold the advantage in the all-time series, which is tied 43-43-4. I think the Rockets barely defeat the Falcons in a defensive battle.
Nov. 27 at Ohio
Prediction: Loss
On a three-game win streak as the season nears its end, the Rockets head south for this Black Friday matchup. The Bobcats have a new head coach in John Hauser, but he’s not new to preparing for the Rockets.
Toledo Football Season Prediction
I predict Toledo will win Under 7.5 games.
I think the Rockets clear six wins and will hover around the top of the MAC standings throughout the season. But with a new coach and new culture being established, I believe they will fall short of a MAC championship appearance.
