Western Kentucky vs. Toledo: The MAC is heating up, and Week 2 brings a prime spot to watch a team poised to make a statement. Toledo, coming off a competitive loss to Kentucky, looks to bounce back against a Western Kentucky team that has yet to face a true challenge. With a revamped backfield and one of the most underrated defenses in the Group of Five, the Rockets are built to dominate both sides of the ball. WKU has shown flashes early, but this matchup will test their speed, physicality, and depth against a veteran Toledo squad ready to assert itself.
Editor’s Note: Even though they are laying the hook now, Colby is confident the Rockets get the job done.
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Week 0/1 Results: 4-5 (-0.53u)
Overall CFB Record Since 2022: 174-162-4 (+13.62u)
Western Kentucky vs. Toledo Betting Odds
Can Tucker Gleason will the Rockets to a win over the Hilltoppers?
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of September 6, 2025 at 9:24 a.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code FREE250 for a 50% deposit bonus up to $250 as well as 100 Free Spins at the online casino.
Spread
- Western Kentucky +7.5 (-115)
- Toledo -7.5 (-105)
Moneyline
- Western Kentucky +245
- Toledo -300
Total
- Over 58 (-110)
- Under 58 (-110)
Western Kentucky vs. Toledo – September 6
Yes, I am all about the MAC this weekend. The “C” in MAC stands for Colby. I am the MAC.
Rebuilt Rockets
I have fallen deeply in love with this Toledo team after seeing how well they attacked the portal this offseason. Their offense desperately needed a run game, so they went out and landed Chip Trayanum and Kenji Christian, along with three other freshmen. Outside of this fresh running back corps, it is still the same strong unit that beat Mississippi State and Pittsburgh last season. Sure, they lost to Akron, but we all know head coach Jason Candle loves to hunt. He does not do well against weaker opponents.
Coming off their Week 1 loss to Kentucky, despite covering the double-digit spread, the Rockets now look for their first win of the season at home against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. WKU has already played two games, handling Sam Houston by nearly 20 and rolling North Alabama by almost 50. Now they must face a balanced Toledo defense, one that Phil Steele ranks as the 24th best secondary in the country.
Unproven Defense
On the other side, WKU’s defense must prove they are not the same group as last year. That unit was regarded as one of the nation’s top pass defenses, but it meant nothing when teams simply ran the ball down their throats. The Hilltoppers now face a veteran offensive line and an experienced quarterback. Toledo’s offense has all the tools to rack up 400 yards and push past 30 points per game this season.
The Hilltoppers offense is led by former Abilene Christian standout Maverick McIvor. Yes, he has thrown for more than 700 yards to start the season, but against what competent defense? He has put up numbers against big programs before, including over 500 yards passing against Texas Tech last season. Still, Steele notes that while WKU added seven receivers from the portal, they remain inexperienced weapons.
When I look at this matchup, it feels like the perfect bounce-back spot for Toledo. The Rockets have proven talent, a rebuilt backfield, and one of the most underrated defenses in the Group of Five. WKU might have the flashy numbers early, but they have yet to see anything close to the physicality and speed Toledo will bring. Jason Candle has a roster ready to compete at the top of the MAC again, and I expect them to show it here. Lay the points with confidence, as Toledo should control this game from start to finish.
This is the spot for Toledo to grab its first win of the season in Week 2 against a WKU team that has yet to face a real opponent. I took this at -6.5, but if you can grab the key number, take it. The seven is still a solid number to have.
Best Bet: Toledo -7 (-115) odds via BetOnline
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