The Western Michigan Broncos and the Toledo Rockets meet Saturday in college football action from the Glass Bowl. Western Michigan just finished up a game versus Iowa. In that matchup the Broncos took a 31-point loss to fall to 1-2. As for Toledo, they enter this one after last weekend’s game against San Jose State. The Rockets would go on to power out a four-point win. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Western Michigan Broncos 

The Broncos opened up their 2023 campaign with a win over St. Francis 35-17. Western Michigan’s offense was working well in that one, generating 509 yards (339 rushing), 29 first downs and just one turnover. In game two, Western Michigan ran into a tough Syracuse team and lost in blowout fashion 48-7. The Broncos put up just 318 yards of offense in that defeat. 

In the Iowa game last weekend, Western Michigan had an early lead and went into the break down just 14-10. The Broncos couldn’t score from there however and lost 41-10. Treyson Bourguet completed just five passes for 124 yards and a TD while also leading the rush with 32 yards. Anthony Sambucci was tops in receiving with one 64-yard TD catch. 

Western Michigan Broncos Team Facts

Western Michigan has lost each of its last four games in September.
Western Michigan has failed to cover the spread in 10 of its last 11 September games as an underdog.
Each of Western Michigan’s last eight games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Toledo Rockets 

Over on the Toledo side, they had a 12-7 lead on Illinois at halftime in their 2023 opener but eventually fell 30-28. The Rockets posted 416 yards in the loss (230 passing) with 28 first downs. The Rockets bounced back extremely well versus Texas Southern in game two, cruising to a 71-3 blowout win. Toledo had 549 yards of offense (371 passing) and went 10-of-12 on third downs there. 

Matched up against San Jose State, the Rockets moved to 2-1 on the season with a 21-17 victory by outscoring the Spartans 14-7 in the second half. QB DeQuan Finn posted 92 passing yards, one TD and one pick while also notching 62 rush yards and a TD. Peny Boone rushed 13 times for 123 yards as well. 

Toledo Rockets Team Facts

Toledo has won 16 of its last 18 home games in September.
The home team has covered the spread in each of the last four games between Western Michigan and Toledo.
Four of Toledo’s last five games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Toledo ranked T6th among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.714).
Toledo ranked 18th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game last season (11.3).
Western Michigan was one of only 17 FBS teams with a better road winning percentage (.500) than home winning percentage (.333) last season (min. 8 games).
Western Michigan ranked T19th among FBS teams for Q3 points allowed per game last season (3.8).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stay with Toledo. The Rockets played pretty well in their first couple of games (despite the loss to Illinois) and showed that their offense can do great things in the right matchups. Last weekend versus San Jose State, Toledo out-gained the Spartans 229-40 on the ground in their win but also had quite a few mistakes along the way. The Rockets had three turnovers (two fumbles), eight penalties (73 yards) and a tepid 25:10 in time of possession—a slim total for running the ball so well. That said, Toledo should be able to handle Western Michigan at home if the Rockets play to their capabilities, but it should also be an interesting matchup.