BYU vs. Toledo Prediction, Game Preview

BYU vs. Toledo prediction and game preview. Find out who is projected to win Friday night’s matchup between the Cougars and Rockets.

BYU vs. Toledo Game Preview

When: Friday, Sept. 30 – 10:15 p.m. ET
Where: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah
TV Broadcast: ESPN2

BYU’s 1-3 record doesn’t look good, but it has played a brutal schedule. After beating Arizona 18-16 to open the season, the Cougars have lost to Utah, UCLA and West Virginia by a combined seven points. They’re certainly better than their record indicates, which is the reason they’re favored heading into a home matchup with Toledo.

The Rockets might feel a little disrespected by that considering they’re 3-0 and have won handily each time. The competition they’ve faced isn’t even close to on par with what BYU has played, though. Toledo’s opponents have a combined 1-10 record with one of them coming from the FCS.

What To Know About BYU

The main reason the Cougars haven’t notched more wins mainly is because of their lack of ball control. They turned it over three times in a 20-19 loss to Utah and had four giveaways in last week’s 35-32 loss to West Virginia. Taysom Hill has already thrown seven interceptions, including three in each aforementioned defeat.

BYU’s offense as a whole has been inconsistent as well. It finished with a season-high 521 yards against West Virginia but had only 273 in a 17-14 loss to UCLA the previous week.

What To Know About Toledo

Let’s not take anything away from the Rockets despite their schedule. First-year coach Jason Candle is doing a great job with the offense he ran as coordinator before being promoted. Toledo has amassed at least 516 yards in each victory and finished with a high of 619 in last week’s 52-17 rout of Fresno State in its last contest two weeks ago.

The 318 yards rushing also were the Rockets’ most this season, with Kareem Hunt and Art Thompkins both going over 100 and adding a touchdown apiece. Logan Woodside’s four touchdown passes gave him 11 for the season against only one interception.

Advantages

Offense: Toledo – Big numbers against bad teams, so it’s time to prove it against BYU’s defense.

Defense: BYU – Held first three opponents to fewer than 20 points before last week.

Special Teams: BYU – Has more threats in the return game.

Coaching: Even – Candle and Kalani Sitake are both in their first seasons as head coaches.

Intangibles: BYU – The Cougars have faced better competition and should be prepared for everything Toledo has to offer.

Matchup To Watch

Woodside vs. BYU’s defense

The Cougars have forced 11 turnovers, keeping them in games despite giving it away at a similar rate. Woodside has been relatively error free, and he’ll try to keep it that way against the best unit he’s faced this season.

Betting Odds

Spread: BYU – 4.5
Over/Under: No line