Following a wild Week 2, the Toledo Rockets hope to be the next in line for a monumental upset against the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes. The visiting Rockets have a dangerous offense that will challenge the Buckeyes’ rebuilt defense.
Toledo dismantled UMass with a 55-10 win, while OSU comes off a decent showing against Arkansas State, winning 45-12. The Bucks’ passing offense was back to its explosive self last week, but the defense had some issues. Toledo’s rushing attack will be a nice test for Ohio State.
Let’s check the latest NCAAF picks, stats, injury reports and NCAAF odds for Toledo vs Ohio State. We’ve plenty of NCAAF predictions for you to consider.
Toledo Rockets
Toledo’s rushing offense is its greatest strength. In back-to-back weeks, the Rockets have posted more than 220 rushing yards. They have a rotating backfield with QB Dequan Finn’s dual-threat ability. The passing game is limited, but Quinn posted a 97.5 QBR in Week 2.
On defense, Toledo’s secondary has been stingy. No team has reached over 100 passing yards. UMass had a measly 48 passing yards, and its starting QB had an 18.4 QBR. However, the Rockets’ competition has been extremely weak. Toledo has not seen a passing offense anywhere close to Ohio State.
Furthermore, the Rockets’ run defense could be an issue. In Week 2, UMass totaled 205 rushing yards on 3.8 yards per carry. If one of the worst teams in college football can do this kind of damage on the ground, the Buckeyes could gash Toledo’s run defense.
To stay in the game, the Rockets’ run game must find success.
Ohio State Buckeyes
At this point, who knows how good OSU is? Notre Dame did just lose to Marshall. The Buckeyes still have plenty to prove.
The passing attack looked much better against Arkansas State, as it should. With excellent protection, C.J. Stroud finished with 351 passing yards. Two key receivers, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming, were out but it was no problem. Marvin Harrison Jr. stepped up to the plate with 184 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
WHAT A THROW AND WHAT A CATCH 😯
That’s @MarvHarrisonJr‘s third TD of the day for @OhioStateFB 💪 pic.twitter.com/Rm6csiPpT4
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 10, 2022
At times, the defense looked flawed. Like Week 1, the Buckeyes gave up some explosive passing plays. Cornerback Denzel Burke, who was expected to be one of the nation’s best, had perhaps the worst game of his career. Missed tackles and inconsistent coverage are something to keep an eye on.
With Wisconsin coming up in Week 4, Toledo is an adequate challenge. Ohio State’s run defense has been excellent so far. With another good showing against the run-heavy Rockets, the Scarlet and Gray should fare well against Wisconsin’s run game on September 23.
Toledo vs Ohio State Injury Report
Toledo will be without two key offensive linemen: Tyler Long and Mitch Berg.
For Ohio State, wide receivers Smith-Njigba and Fleming are on track to return.
Toledo vs Ohio State Head-to-Head
The Buckeyes are 3-0 in this matchup. Ohio State squeaked by in 2011, winning 27-22.
Toledo vs Ohio State Game Information
- Game: Toledo vs Ohio State
- Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Day/Time: Saturday, Sept. 17th, 7p.m. ET
- Toledo vs Ohio State Live Stream: ESPN
Toledo vs Ohio State Betting Lines
Toledo vs Ohio State Prediction
Toledo’s offense has been explosive. However, the Rockets have played Long Island and UMass. Ohio State’s front seven should be able to dominate Toledo’s offensive line, and the Rockets have a weak run defense. With key wideouts returning, look for the Buckeyes’ passing attack to take another step forward. OSU will get its first cover of the 2022 season.
Toledo vs Ohio State Trends
Toledo vs Ohio State Edge
Toledo vs Ohio State Results
Toledo vs Ohio State Game Injuries
Toledo vs Ohio State Game Summary
