Toledo at Central Michigan: 10/16/21 College Football Picks and Prediction
Photo by Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Central Michigan Chippewas (3-3) vs Toledo Rockets (3-3)
Game Info: Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 3:30 pm (Kelly/Shorts Stadium)
Betting Odds: Central Michigan Chippewas +5.5 -- Over/Under: 52 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Toledo Rockets will travel to Kelly/Shorts Stadium to take on the Central Michigan Chippewas this Saturday afternoon in College Football action.
The Toledo Rockets dropped to 3-3 on the season after being defeated by the Northern Illinois Huskies, 22-20, this past Saturday. Toledo was able to take a late lead on a 11-yard TD reception by Devin Maddox with just 3:35 left in the 4th quarter, however, the Rockets couldn’t hang on the victory after the Huskies won it on a 29-yard FG with just :26 seconds left in the game. Toledo didn’t commit a turnover in the loss, however, was outgained by the Huskies by a 396-364 margin. Leading the way for the Rockets was RB Bryant Koback who had 91 rushing yards & 1 TD on 12 carries while also hauling in 2 receptions for 77 yards & 1 TD.
On the season, Toledo is averaging 28.5 ppg on 391.3 total yards per game (228.0 passing yds/g; 163.3 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Toledo is led by RB Bryant Koback who has 448 rushing yards & 5 TD’s on 88 carries while also hauling 15 receptions for 187 yards & 2 TD’s. Toledo has used two QB’s this season in Dequan Finn (63.0 Comp %, 371 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT; 39 att, 28 yards, 4 TD) & Carter Bradley (59.5 Comp %, 962 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT), however, Finn got the majority of playing time in their recent game against Northern Illinois and is more of a dual-threat QB than Bradley. The top receiving threats for the Rockets have been Devin Maddox (23 rec, 375 yards, 3 TD), Isaiah Winstead (15 rec, 173 yards), & Bryce Mitchell (11 rec, 149 yards, TD).
Defensively, Toledo is holding their opponents to an average of 17.5 ppg on 313.7 total yards per game (167.8 passing yds/g; 145.8 rushing yds/g).
The Central Michigan Chippewas improved to 3-3 on the season after defeating the Ohio Bearcats, 30-27, this past Saturday. Central Michigan trailed by a 27-20 margin early in the 4th quarter, however, the Chippewas offense was outstanding down the stretch and was able to win it on a 28-yard TD reception by Kalil Pimpleton with just 3:55 left in the 4th quarter. Central Michigan outgained Ohio by a 461-369 margin and committed 2 turnovers in the victory. Leading the way for the Chippewas was RB Lew Nichols III who had 186 rushing yards & 1 TD on 30 carries.
On the season, Central Michigan is averaging 28.0 ppg on 460.7 total yards per game (298.2 passing yds/g; 162.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Central Michigan has been led by QB Daniel Richardson who has completed 56.4% of his passes for 1020 yards, 9 TD, & 2 INT. The top receiving threats for Richardson and the Chippewas have been Dallas Dixon (32 rec, 501 yards, 5 TD) & JaCorey Sullivan (24 rec, 366 yards, 6 TD). Leading the way for the Chippewas backfield has been Lew Nichols III who has 591 rushing yards & 3 TD’s on 115 carries.
Defensively, Central Michigan is allowing their opponents to average 27.5 ppg on 396.8 total yards per game (267.5 passing yds/g; 129.3 rushing yds/g).
The Rockets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games and 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games as a road favorite. The Chippewas are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 October games and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Toledo is a solid football team, however, this is a team that sometimes can struggle putting up points as they showed in recent 22-6 home loss to Colorado State. Central Michigan has some solid offensive weapons and a balanced offense attack that should have some success at home and as the Chippewas have been solid against opposing rushing attacks, ranking 42nd in rush defense, I think Central Michigan can do enough with the points to cover. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Central Michigan Chippewas +5.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
