Toledo vs. Ohio Prediction, Game Preview

Toledo vs. Ohio prediction and game preview. Logan Woodside and the Rockets host the Bobcats in a MAC battle on Thursday night.

Toledo vs. Ohio Game Preview

When: Thursday, Oct. 27 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Glass Bowl, Toledo.
TV Broadcast: CBS Sports Network

Logan Woodside continues to dazzle as Toledo keeps pace with Western Michigan in the MAC West. One of the most underrated quarterbacks in the nation threw four more touchdown passes in Saturday’s 31-17 victory over Central Michigan, helping the Rockets move to 6-1 and 3-0 in the MAC, one-half game behind the Broncos.

If Toledo is able to win the West, it might be preparing for a rematch in the conference title game with Ohio. The Bobcats are 3-1 and tied with Akron atop the MAC East after Saturday’s 14-10 win over Kent State. It wasn’t pretty, though, as Ohio’s offense went cold and forced the defense to hold on to a double-digit lead.

What To Know About Toledo

Woodside now has thrown at least four touchdown passes in six straight games, giving him an FBS-leading 28 against only four interceptions. His 200.78 passer rating also leads the nation, and his 71.4 completion percentage is tied for third. Woodside is the biggest reason Toledo ranks seventh in the country in total offense per game, but he’s not alone.

Kareem Hunt’s 105.7 rushing yards per game ranks third in the MAC, and Cody Thompson’s 120.6 receiving yards per contest rank 10th in the nation. Toledo’s defense also has held five of its seven opponents to fewer than 350 yards.

What To Know About Ohio

The Bobcats have made a habit of playing close games, but that won’t be easy matching up against Woodside and the Toledo offense. They’ve won four of their last five, and six of their eight games have been decided by 10 points or fewer. That’s mainly because of Ohio’s defense, which is allowing the fewest yards per play in the MAC at 5.04.

It’s been more of a struggle offensively, as the Bobcats committed a season-high three turnovers against Kent State. Redshirt freshman Quinton Maxwell has replaced Greg Windham at quarterback, but Maxwell has thrown an interception in each of the last two games.

Advantages

Offense: Toledo – Woodside is one TD pass away from tying Bruce Gradkowski’s single-season school record, and he should have it all to himself after this week.

Defense: Ohio – It’ll try to give Woodside his toughest test of the season.

Special Teams: Ohio – The Rockets have hit only half of their field-goal attempts, and the Bobcats are allowing the fewest yards per punt return in the MAC.

Coaching: Even – Frank Solich has plenty of experience, but Jason Candle is having tremendous success in his first year as head coach of the Rockets.

Intangibles: Toledo – This will be the first matchup between the teams since 2010, but Toledo has won all six since 1996.

Matchup To Watch

Woodside vs. Ohio’s pass defense

Woodside’s streak of four-touchdown games might be in jeopardy. But if he and Thompson can connect early and find a rhythm, the Bobcats will have a tough time stopping that momentum.

Betting Odds

Spread: Toledo -17.5
Over/Under: No Line as of post