College Football Week 5 Picks: Toledo vs. BYU 9/30/16

Toledo vs. BYU Pick

Will BYU be able to hand Toledo its first loss of the season when the two teams meet on Friday at 10:15PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, BYU is a slight favorite at home in this game, as the Cougars are getting odds of -4 points against Toledo. The over/under total for the contest is currently listed at 52 points. These two have no recent meetings to consider.

Bet on Toledo vs. BYU

While BYU comes into this game at just 1-3, the Cougars are 4-0 against the spread. The Cougars have faced some solid opponents thus far, taking on Arizona, Utah, UCLA and West Virginia. Because of that, BYU’s defensive numbers look a little shaky at 382.3 yards per game allowed, but BYU is still a solid defensive team. The offense needs to show some improvement, as it is averaging only 20.8 points and 384.3 yards per game against largely traditionally-poor defensive teams. Jamaal Williams is the driving force of the offense with 417 rushing yards and three touchdowns, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Taysom Hill is a great story, due to coming back from his numerous injuries over the years, but he has really struggled in 2016, throwing for just 869 yards with four touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Toledo is 3-0 on the season and 3-0 against the spread thanks to a 52-17 win over Fresno State on the 17th. The Rockets haven’t had a clear fault in their performance, as they average 42.7 points and 563.7 yards per game on offense while giving up 10 points and 251.7 yards per game on defense. However, that is against much-lesser competition than BYU. Arkansas State, Maine and Fresno State are certainly not equal to what BYU has faced. Logan Woodside has been great under center, throwing for 939 yards and 11 touchdowns. The team has rushed for 690 yards through three games.

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The spread is small for a MAC team on the road against a traditionally strong team like BYU. The Rockets are good, but they aren’t battle tested like the Cougars. BYU should be ready for anything Toledo can throw at it. The Rockets may get flustered when BYU stops them on defense and the Cougars should be able to grind out offensive possessions on Toledo. I like BYU to cover the small spread at home.

 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 5 PICK: BYU -4