Western Michigan Broncos vs. Toledo Rockets 9/23/23 – In an intriguing Mid-American conference showdown slated for NCAAF Week 4, the Western Michigan Broncos (1-2) will lock horns with the Toledo Rockets (2-1). Football enthusiasts and bettors searching for the best college football picks shouldn’t miss out on this enticing matchup.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Toledo Rockets
Date & Time: Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 1:30 PM ET
Location: Glass Bowl
TV: ESP+
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Toledo Rockets 9/23/23 Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Army | +395 | +13.5 (-107) | 51.5 over (-106) |
| Syracuse | -500 | -13.5 (-113) | 51.5 under (-114) |
Western Michigan Broncos Analysis
Offensively, the Broncos display a mix of promise and concern. Quarterback Jack Salopek, although boasting a commendable 70% completion rate, has only garnered 278 passing yards. His 5.6 yards per pass attempt hint at a lack of explosive plays down the field, an issue that must be addressed against a robust Toledo defense. On a positive note, Running back Jalen Buckley is performing well, racking up 311 rushing yards on 52 attempts for an impressive 6 yards per carry.
But what really needs to be discussed is the receiving corps, led by Kenneth Womack. With just 132 yards over 10 receptions, Womack needs to see increased productivity, particularly in the red zone, where the Broncos have struggled to convert opportunities into touchdowns.
On the defensive side, the numbers paint a less optimistic picture for the Broncos. They’ve had difficulty keeping offenses in check, particularly in high-leverage situations like third downs and within their own 20-yard line. Their 1-2 record reflects these struggles. To stand a chance against Toledo, the secondary must improve its coverage, and the pass rush needs to create more pressure. A lack of takeaways has also been a concern; forcing turnovers could be a game-changer in this matchup.
Toledo Rockets Analysis
The Rockets’ offensive unit is something to behold this season. Quarterback Dequan Finn is off to a strong start with 560 passing yards and a 64.5% completion rate. His six touchdown passes suggest he’s more than capable of converting drives into points. On the ground, Peny Boone has been a revelation, averaging a spectacular 6.8 yards per carry and finding the end zone three times already.
Wide receiver Jerjuan Newton complements the attack with 137 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. Newton’s contributions make it evident that Toledo has a multi-faceted offense capable of striking from anywhere on the field.
Defensively, the Rockets have been performing admirably, especially on their home turf. Their 8-1 SU record in the last 9 home games shows a team that knows how to leverage the home-field advantage. Nevertheless, some vulnerabilities remain, particularly against hurry-up and trick-play offenses. Toledo needs to maintain discipline and avoid giving up big plays.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Toledo Rockets Against the Spread
For Western Michigan, the recent betting trends don’t offer much comfort. They are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 matchups against Toledo and have a disappointing 4-9 SU record in their last 13 games against the Rockets. They have a strong tendency to participate in low-scoring games, with 8 of their last 9 outings going under the total.
Conversely, Toledo has some stats that are reassuring for their supporters. Despite a less-than-stellar 3-7 ATS record in their last 10 games, they have won 4 of their last 5 matchups straight up. Similar to Western Michigan, Toledo has a strong under trend, with the total going under in 6 of their last 9 games.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Toledo Rockets Free Pick
Here are our picks based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players:
Moneyline:
With a clear advantage in almost every department, Toledo at -1300 is the safe moneyline pick.
Spread:
A 21-point spread is a hefty margin. Western Michigan at +21 offers some value, especially if they can limit Toledo’s big plays.
Total:
Both teams lean toward low-scoring games; therefore, taking the under at 53.5 is advisable.
Predicted Score: Toledo 28, Western Michigan 14
To wrap up, the Toledo Rockets appear to be in a commanding position ahead of this Mid-American Conference showdown, but there’s always room for surprises in college football. For those scouring the Canadian top sportsbook offerings, this game provides an array of compelling options for both newcomers and seasoned punters.
