Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Toledo Rockets 2021 Bahamas Bowl Pick
It is bowl season. Here’s our Middle Tennessee vs Toledo prediction for the 2021 Bahamas Bowl. This is the first of 41 bowls, and Sports Betting Smarts is picking every one of them. The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (6-6) finished fourth in C-USA East with a 4-4 conference record. The Toledo Rockets (7-5) were 5-3 in the Mid-American Conference, finishing third in the West. The Rockets are at -10 (-110), while the underdog MSST can be found at +10 (-110). The over/under is 49.5.
The Bahamas Bowl will be played at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau, NP. The game, which can be found on ESPN, will kick off at 12 pm ET on Friday, December 17, 2021. The weather will be 81 degrees with mostly sunny skies. Winds will be from the ESE at 10 to 20 mph.
Blue Raiders vs Rockets Pick - Stats
Statistically, Toledo tops Middle Tennessee in just about every category. Our Middle Tennessee vs Toledo prediction notes that the Rockets are averaging 34.2 PPG while MTST is putting 29.8 PPG on the scoreboard. In terms of offense yards, both teams are good for 235-240 passing yards per game. However, the Toledo rush attack is a killer, as they are averaging 193.2 YPG, which is about 70 more YPG than the Blue Raiders.
On defense, Middle Tennessee is giving up 25.8 PPG, while the Rockets are allowing just 21.0 PPG. Although Toledo is giving up overall 25 fewer defensive yards than MTST, the Blue Raiders are allowing 22 fewer ground yards per game. Conversely, the Rockets are giving up about 35 fewer air yards. Toledo tops MTST in sacks (37-30) and PD (59-50). However, the Blue Raiders are better in picks (16-7) and pick sixes (3-1). Middle Tennessee has also forced 18 fumbles and recovered 15. Toledo is 7-10 in that area.
Middle Tennessee vs Toledo Prediction - Key Players
Here’s the skinny, the Rockets have a formidable rush attack that is led by Bryant Koback (190 ATT, 1,274 YDs, 6.7 YPA, 15 TDs). Additionally, quarterback Dequan Finn is averaging 4.2 YPA and has scored eight rushing TDs. Finn, who’s been sacked 22 times, has tossed 16 TDs and one pick. Wideout Devin Maddox leads the team with 38 receptions and 562 yards. He’s scored four times.
Middle Tennessee has a few choices at quarterback. Mike DiLiello is a dual threat. However, his main contribution has been on the ground. Chase Cunningham will likely start. He’s tossed 16 TD passes and three interceptions. Cunningham has been sacked 11 times. He does have a solid quartet of receivers with Jimmy Marshall (45 REC, 510 YDs, 11.3 AVG, 6 TDs) leading the way.
Defense
DE Jordan Ferguson (7 SCKs, 1 PD, 3 FF, 2 FR, 1 TD) and LB DQ Thomas (5 SCKs, 2 PD, 2 INT) lead the MTST defense. Safety Reed Blankenship tops the team in tackles (106). Also, he’s recorded eight PD, one INT, three FF, two FR, and one FTD.
For the Rockets, DE Desjuan Johnson (76 TKLs, 2.5 TKLs, 4 PD, 1 INT) and LB Jonathan Jones (89 TKLs, 3.5 TKLs, 3 PD, 2 FF) are primary contributors. Corner Samuel Womack has 14 PD while LB Jamal Hines comes to the game with 10 sacks and 8 PD.
Our Middle Tennessee vs Toledo Prediction
Toledo has the edge when it comes to the ground attack and on D in pressuring quarterbacks. The Blue Raiders are solid in the air while their secondary is tough. Considering everything, our Middle Tennessee vs Toledo prediction likes the Rockets at -10. Plus, we’re going with over 49.5, as we anticipate a 35-20 score.
2021 Bahamas Bowl - Middle Tennessee vs Toledo Summary
Spread - Toledo Rockets at -10.0 (-110)
Over/Under - Over 49.5 (-110)
