Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines for Central Michigan vs. Toledo

Toledo wants to stay in the running for the MAC title. Even though it lost two games in the conference, it did well enough to run the table and be in the running at the end.

After having a tough time beating Eastern Michigan 29–28 last week, it needs to step it up even more to get into the bowl game.

Central Michigan is trying to make up for a terrible season. It has lost four straight games because of a bad defense, and it needs to win its last two games (at Northern Illinois and against Western Michigan) to be eligible for the bowl season.

Central Michigan vs Toledo: How to Watch and Game Preview

Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
How to Watch: ESPNU
Venue: Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH
Teams: Toledo (6-3), Central Michigan (3-6)

Why Central Michigan Will Win

The defense might not be stopping enough passes, but they are great at getting into the backfield. It often has trouble selling out to get the play behind the line; it gets hit with too many big plays. But it will bring the pressure.

Toledo is not terrible at protecting the pass, but its passing game is too inconsistent to make it through third downs.

Central Michigan needs to work on their run defense, though. If they give up 4.4 yards per carry or less, they are 3-1, and Toledo has only run for more than 4.3 yards per carry once. But…

Why Toledo Will Win

The Central Michigan defense doesn’t generate turnovers even with the attacking style.

Toledo has a big problem with turnovers – two or more in five games – but it’s 4-0 when it doesn’t give it up two or more times. Central Michigan forced two takeaways against Eastern Michigan, and two against Ohio.

Outside of those four takeaways and a lonely interception against Central Connecticut, that’s it. The defense just doesn’t force mistakes.

The Toledo running game is a shadow of its past self, but it can still occasionally get it done. Time of possession is a problem, but the offense should be fine if it runs at least 35 times, and …

Central Michigan vs Toledo: Who Will Win?

The Chippewas can’t throw, but it should be able to run a little bit and the run defense should hold up.

They’re not sharp enough to pull this off on the road, but Toledo is a badly flawed team that once again will have to work to find a way to win – it’ll likely be with a big play in the return game.

Home after a run of three road games in four dates, the Rockets win, but it won’t be a walk.