The Toledo Rockets head out west to face the BYU Cougars on Friday, September 30th at 10:15 p.m. ET. The contest at Lavell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah will be televised on the ESPN2 Network for you viewing entertainment. BYU enters the contest a -4 point favorite and the over/under is penciled in at 52.
As September nears its close, these two schools are headed into opposite directions. The undefeated Toledo rockets are looking to keep their early season momentum going. They are coming off of a bye week after dismantling the Fresno State Bulldogs 52-17.
The Cougars are reeling from their third straight loss at the hands of West Virginia last Saturday. The 35-32 defeat was BYU’s third straight loss against some stiff competition. Friday’s match-up is the first time these two schools will meet on the football field.
Toledo Rockets (3-0):
Jason Candle is fairing quite well through three games as the Rocket’s new head coach. His upgrade to the head man in charge from offensive coordinator has the Toledo offense right back on track from last years solid outing.
The Rockets have gorged on opposing teams defenses to the tune of 516 yards a contest. They put up a season high 619 in last weeks beat-down of the Bulldogs. BYU might just be the best defense they will see all season, so this will be a solid test for Toledo’s offense.
The Rocket’s like to stay balanced but they have been extremely efficient through the air in 2016. Quarterback Logan Woodside has picked apart his competition with 939 yards passing and 11 touchdowns. What’s even more impressive, is the man under center has only given away the ball on one occasion this year.
Toledo actually runs the ball a little more than they throw it. Kareem Hunt is the reason why. Hunt leads four running backs that have collected over 100 yards on the season. Hunt’s 51 attempts for 267 yards and two scores is the reason why. The talented back is starting to return to his form from 2014. That year he had over two hundred carries for over 1600 yards and 16 trips to the end zone.
Wide Receivers Cody Thompson and Corey Jones have taken full advantage of Logan Woodside’s accuracy. Together they have almost 25 catches for a little under 550 yards and four scores. Now, throw in Toledo’s mammoth tight end Michael Roberts into the mix. The 6’6 270 pound route runner has 10 nabs for 123 yards and five touchdowns.
The Rocket’s defense has done all that has been asked of them and more. Granted they haven’t faced talented offenses the cougars have, but their numbers are worthy of mention. Toledo ranks third in the nation in points allowed, surrendering only 10 a contest. They also rank fourth in the country against the pass.
BYU Cougars (1-3):
The BYU Cougar’s opened their 2016 campaign with a two point victory over the Arizona Wildcats. Since that game, they have lost their next three straight by seven total points. Turnovers and an unproductive offense have plagued BYU in their last three contests.
Quarterback Taysom Hill is responsible for guiding his team down the field while protecting the rock along the way. That hasn’t been the case for the senior signal-caller in 2016. Hill has collected 869 yards through the air and four touchdowns, but has served up seven interceptions to the opposing team’s defenses.
The Cougar offense did put up its best numbers of the year in the defeat to the Mountaineers last weekend. Thanks in part to running back Jamaal Williams. The rough and tumble Williams galloped for nearly 170 yards on 24 attempts and two scores. BYU will need another stellar performance to keep up with Toledo’s balanced offense. On the year, Williams has 417 yards rushing and three trips to pay-dirt.
When Taysom Hill is completing passes accurately, he looks to four different players for contributions. They are led by senior Nick Kurtz who has 18 catches for for just over 200 yards and a touchdown.
The Cougar’s defense has been the heart and sole of this team from the beginning of spring drills. Considering they have been on the field for their fair share of time and often with a short field to work with, the Cougar’s D is doing well. Against solid competition, they rank 36th in the nation against the run, surrendering only 22 points a game.
Trends and Notes:
The Rockets are 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games.
The under is 4-0 in the Rockets last 4 road games.
The Cougars are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 home games.
The under is 18-3 in Cougars last 21 Friday games.
Game Prediction:
The BYU Cougars will look to their work-horse Jamaal Williams early and often on Friday night in an attempt to control the time of possession. The Toledo Rockets will try to keep a well-balanced offensive attack, keeping the Cougars stout defense guessing.
BYU is 1-3 but they have played some stiff opponents. The Toledo Rockets have rolled through their first three games against over-matched teams. The Rockets have a lot of weapons at their disposal for Friday’s game. Their ability to move the chains via the air and the ground should keep them close.
Taysom Hill has to be more careful with the football and not allow Toledo any cheap points. Jamaal Williams will get his yards and the Cougar’s defense will play inspired at home. Close games are becoming the theme for the Cougars.
The Rockets are a confident bunch and that’s evident with the play of Logan Woodside. BYU may give up a lot of turnovers, but they take the rock away just as often. The combination of Woodside’s ability to minimize mistakes and Kareem Hunt to also move the chains, should keep a feisty MAC team in this one. Take the Rockets to cover the four.
Toledo +4
