The Toledo Rockets fly into South Beach and try to keep their record perfect when they grapple with the (14) Miami Hurricanes on Saturday. The Game is scheduled to lift off on Saturday, September 23rd at 3:30 p.m. EST and can be seen on the ACC Network. Heading into this match-up between the ACC and MAC Conferences, the Miami Hurricanes are a -13.5 point favorite. The contest’s total is down to 57.5 from 60 when it was put out on Monday.
The Toledo Rockets come into Hard Rock Stadium off a wild 54-51 win over Tulsa at home. The two schools exchanged blows for all four quarters but the Rockets were fortunate enough to come out on top.
On the other side line, the Miami Hurricanes are back in action after having a break in their schedule due to Hurricane Irma. Apparently that weekend, the Hurricanes from Miami were not the biggest show in town. That means that Miami is basically off a bye week and has had two weeks to prepare for this contest. These programs last met in 1987 and Miami won that game by a score of 24-14.
Toledo Rockets (3-0)
The Rockets are no strangers to high-scoring shootouts, as they play in the MAC and those teams have a bunch of them. Well, on this past Saturday they took on a team from the AAC and had another one against a Golden Hurricane. The game featured 1,227 yards of total offense and 679 yards of that came from the Rockets. Toledo edged them out 54-51.
Quarterback Logan Woodside had a huge game for Toledo. As a result, he racked up 458 yards passing with six end zone strikes and just one pick. Overall, he was 22 of 33 passing and the reason that the Rockets kept up with Tulsa. The amazing passer is no stranger to success, as he tossed the ball for over 4,000 yards and over 40 touchdowns last season
Wide receiver Cody Thompson is starting to emerge as a big-time Division I threat when he takes the field. Once again, he led the team in receiving with nine catches for 178 yards and three touchdowns. On the other side, teammate Diontae Johnson had four catches for 142 yards and two more scores.
The Rockets were also able to run the ball, keeping the Tulsa defense from pinning their ears back and coming for Woodside. Altogether, the back field recorded 227 yards of offense. The unit was led by tail back Terry Swanson. Swanson toted the ball 19 times for 139 yards and a trip to pay-dirt.
The defense will need to play better than it did last week. As a unit, Toledo allowed 548 yards of total offense to Tulsa. Furthermore, they gave way to an alarming 423 yards on the ground. Now, they will be facing a good Miami Hurricane ground attack. If they can shore up their run-stop, then they have a chance to keep this one close. Otherwise, it will be a long game for the Rockets.
(14) Miami Hurricanes (1-0)
Honestly, we don’t know a whole lot about the Hurricanes this year. The only game they have been able to play was back on September 2nd against FCS foe Bethune Cookman. In that affair, Miami’s new signal-caller Malik Rosier looked capable, throwing for 217 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Tulsa and now must face Mark Walton, who is one of the best backs in the ACC. Last year, Walton rushed for 1,117 yards and 14 scores. Against Cookman, he carried the ball 16 times for 148 yards and two scores. The Hurricanes also fielded another back that went over the century mark to open their season. Tail back Travis Homer also had 11 totes of the rock for another 108 yards.
The Hurricanes had three different wide outs that caught three or more passes in the game against Bethune Cookman. In fact, all three also found their way into the end zone. The unit is led by Braxton Berrios who is back after suffering injuries that cut his 2016 season short. Also, Canes’ Hall of Fame inductee Michael Irvin’s son, Michael Irvin II is now Miami’s starting tight end.
There is little doubt that the Miami Hurricanes have a lot better defense than Tulsa put out on the field last weekend, especially against the run. The challenge will be for them to try and slow down the potent air assault that the Rockets will bring into South Beach this weekend. Unfortunately, there just isn’t enough information to gauge the Hurricanes defense after only one game in 2017.
Prediction
Well, let’s look at this match-up using the information we have now and from the past. We know that the Toledo Rockets are favorites to take the MAC crown this season. We also know that they are unbeaten on the heels of another outstanding offensive performance.
Lastly, we can clearly see that the Rockets are once again putting up plenty of points against their adversaries. I like that when I look for a road dog to cover a spread. Especially when the offense is balanced like Toledo.
The Hurricanes are a bit of an enigma heading into this battle on Saturday. We know they can pound the rock effectively with Mark Walton out of the back field. To make matters worse for the Rockets, We know they have major problems stopping the run. Also, there is little doubt that the Miami defense will be gashed for 51 points in this game.
Even with the Canes’ offense not having a proven receiver and a green quarterback, they will be faster and stronger in the trenches. Because of that, I am suggesting that they will find plenty of ways to mix it up and score on Toledo. All Mr. Woodside and company do is move the chains so the over 57.5 is where you make a play.
Also, this is an unbeaten team who is a salty group after playing many hard contested affairs the last few years. I suggest you also take the +13.5 points with the Rockets or buy it up to +14.5 to feel safer. Either choice is a good one in what should be an exciting game to watch in the afternoon.
Trends
The Rockets are 13-4 SU in its last 17 games.
The Rockets are 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games on the road.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toledo’s last 6 games on the road.
The Hurricanes are 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games.
The Hurricanes are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami-FL’s last 7 games at home.
