After a rocky start to the season, Toledo’s hopes for a MAC Championship berth are still very much alive, albeit with some hurdles to navigate. The Rockets, who entered the season as a +250 favorite to clinch the conference title, faced unexpected setbacks with losses to Western Michigan and Bowling Green. However, sitting at 3-2 with three games remaining, including a pivotal match against Miami (Ohio) on Wednesday, Toledo can still secure a spot at Ford Field come December, provided they perform well and receive aid from other teams.
In the upcoming clash against Miami, the stakes are high, as the RedHawks aim to rebound from their recent defeat to Western Michigan. They must counter the Rockets if they hope to extend their streak of MAC Championship appearances to three years. On paper, Toledo holds the advantage as a 3.5-point road favorite, despite their mid-tier win-loss record.
Statistically, Toledo has shown promise, ranking as the 53rd best team in the nation according to SP+. This places them alongside other notable programs like UCF and Kentucky. Their defense, in particular, has been a strong point, currently sitting at 31st in the FBS rankings. This statistical prowess suggests that Toledo could surpass expectations, making their narrow point spread seem inadequate.
Despite the challenges of an essential away game, Toledo has a solid chance of capitalizing on their favorable metrics and the momentum that could come from a decisive victory. As the MAC Championship picture continues to evolve, Toledo’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure may very well dictate their fate this season.