Western Kentucky at Toledo - 2025 Matchup Preview
Western Kentucky logo Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Toledo RocketsToledo logo
Saturday, September 6th 2025 (7:00 PM EDT)
Toledo -8.5 (57.5) (-220)  Open: -5.5 | 59.5
Toledo 45 - Western Kentucky: 21

 
Hilltoppers (2 - 1) (2 - 1 - 0)
Coach Tyson Helton (48 - 31)
Avg Score : 39 - 25 (21 - 45 on Road)
Record Prediction: 8 - 4 (#41)
Wins: (Elite: 0) (Good: 0) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 2)
Losses: (Elite: 0) (Good: 0) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 0)
Future: (Elite: 1) (Good: 0) (Avg: 1) (Bad: 8)
Our Line: Toledo -14.5   (SP+ TOL -7)
Projected Score: WKU: 23 - TOL: 37 (60)
TOL Win prob: 71% | Cover: 46%
WKU Travel: 357 miles, 1 hrs behind
Rockets (2 - 1) (3 - 0 - 0)
Coach Jason Candle (72 - 40)
Avg Score : 40 - 15 (53 - 11 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 10.6 - 1.4 (#3)
Wins: (Elite: 0) (Good: 0) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 0)
Losses: (Elite: 0) (Good: 1) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 0)
Future: (Elite: 0) (Good: 0) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 11)
 
Western Kentucky's 2025 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 8/23 Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston-9.560.5W 41 - 24OY
Sat 8/30 Western Kentucky vs North Alabama-27.560.5W 55 - 6OY
Sat 9/6 Western Kentucky at Toledo+8.557.5L 21 - 45ON
BYE WEEK
Sat 9/20 Western Kentucky vs Nevada-10.554.5
Sat 9/27 Western Kentucky at Missouri State-12
Fri 10/3 Western Kentucky at Delaware-2
BYE WEEK
Tue 10/14 Western Kentucky vs Florida International-6.5
Tue 10/21 Western Kentucky at Louisiana Tech-1
Sat 11/1 Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State-13
BYE WEEK
Sat 11/15 Western Kentucky vs Middle Tennessee-20.5
Sat 11/22 Western Kentucky at LSU+29.5
Sat 11/29 Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State-7

Total: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg 1, Bad 3, Poor 7
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 2
Future: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg 1, Bad 3, Poor 5
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 2
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Western Kentucky's Schedule
Toledo's 2025 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 8/30 Toledo at Kentucky+10.048.5L 16 - 24UY
Sat 9/6 Toledo vs Western Kentucky-8.557.5W 45 - 21OY
Sat 9/13 Toledo vs Morgan State-33.554.5W 60 - 0OY
Sat 9/20 Toledo at Western Michigan-14.051.5
Sat 9/27 Toledo vs Akron-30
BYE WEEK
Sat 10/11 Toledo at Bowling Green-17
Sat 10/18 Toledo vs Kent State-30
Sat 10/25 Toledo at Washington State-13
BYE WEEK
Wed 11/5 Toledo vs Northern Illinois-17
Wed 11/12 Toledo at Miami (OH)-18
Sat 11/22 Toledo vs Ball State-32.5
Sat 11/29 Toledo at Central Michigan-27

Total: Elite: 0, Good: 1, Avg 0, Bad 3, Poor 8
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 1, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 3, Poor 8
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 1, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Toledo's Schedule

Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
WKU#80 (.16)42% (83)3937% (112)2.71 (96)11045% (59)3585 (32)#91 (.18)35% (37)2539% (67)32% (30)3.08 (53)641.31
TOL#42 (.3)43% (71)40.345% (63)2.74 (91)20943% (71)2565.11 (28)#12 (-.08)38% (59)1550% (118)25% (7)3.17 (57)78.711.7
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
WKU#66 (.19)42% (83)38% (117)2.78 (108)11045% (33)2653.83 (78)#95 (.21)45% (102)48% (113)40% (60)3.66 (54)41.31.71.5
TOL#111 (.11)41% (95)38% (120)2.66 (121)11144% (46)2273.55 (99)#20 (.09)40% (43)42% (60)38% (35)3.87 (79)46.71.31.3



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
WKU Offense3392142.1%51.3234681103583.534%66%37%45%12%.16
TOL Defense31510.537.8%3.171.7 - - - - - 52%46%50%25%19%-.08
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
WKU Defense3254535.2%3.081 - - - - - 51%49%39%32%17%.18
TOL Offense340.352.543.3%5.111234652092565.349%50%45%43%10%.3

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Western Kentucky329:5423.349%20%6641.315.71.3029.5
Toledo331:542344%17%978.711.76.31.7129.3
Run Game Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
WKU Offense334% (136)37% (112)31.7109.73.54 (79)-.16 (131)2.71 (96)60% (103)7% (44)0.8 (107)
TOL Defense352% (91)50% (118) - - - - .1 (87)2.79 (71)63% (43)13% (29)0.74 (23)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
WKU Defense351% (77)39% (67) - - - - .19 (108)3.03 (94)71% (72)10% (76)1.27 (121)
TOL Offense349% (79)45% (63)39.3208.75.38 (26).15 (63)2.74 (91)78% (41)8% (47)0.96 (68)

Pass Game Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
WKU Offense366% (1)45% (59)29433588.312.311 (5)1 (23).32 (63)1.7 (28)34% (105)37% (35).1 (117)5% (63)1.7 (108)
TOL Defense346% (39)25% (7) - - - - - - 2 (56)-.21 (5)1.7 (99)30% (100)16% (14)-.19 (5)6% (73)2.1 (89)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
WKU Defense349% (58)32% (30) - - - - - - 2 (56).19 (61)1.6 (77)37% (28)15% (12)-.01 (20)7% (44)1.8 (51)
TOL Offense350% (65)43% (71)20.732.72567.812.47 (23)2 (60).47 (31)1.8 (20)33% (99)28% (96).26 (85)2% (12)1.8 (94)

Western Kentucky's Power Ratings
Western Kentucky's Power Rating: -5.06 #91
Western Kentucky's Offense Rating: 7.41 #91
Western Kentucky's Defense Rating: 12.47 #93
2025 Talent Rating: 620.00 #89
Blue Chip Ratio: 1% #88
Western Kentucky's 2025 Expected Record: 8.0 - 4.0
Western Kentucky's 2025 Overall SP+ Rating: -2.5 #77
Western Kentucky's Offense SP+ Rating: 25.1 #84
Western Kentucky's Defense SP+ Rating: 28.2 #81

Average Talent
Average Conference USA Talent Rating is 457.83
Average Power Five Talent: 877.82
Average FBS Talent: 715.85

Power Ratings Matchup
Western Kentucky: -5.06   Toledo: 10.475

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Western Kentucky: -2.5   Toledo: 4.3




Toledo's Power Ratings
Toledo's Power Rating: 10.475 #48
Toledo's Offense Rating: 14.08 #61
Toledo's Defense Rating: 2.43 #42
2025 Talent Rating: 718.00 #71
Blue Chip Ratio: 4 #56
Toledo's 2025 Expected Record: 10.6 - 1.4
Toledo's 2025 Overall SP+ Rating: 4.3 #60
Toledo's Offense SP+ Rating: 28.9 #59
Toledo's Defense SP+ Rating: 24.5 #53

Average Talent
Average Mid-American Talent Rating is 567.54
Average Power Five Talent: 877.82
Average FBS Talent: 715.85


Western Kentucky Scoring
Offense: 39 PPG
Offense on Road: 21
Defense: 25 PPG
Defense on Road: 45

Western Kentucky's 2025 Record
Record: 2 - 1
Record vs Spread: 2 - 1 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 1
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 1 - 0
Record as Dog vs Spread: 0 - 1 - 0
Record as Road Dog vs Spread: 0 - 1 - 0
Projected Score
Toledo 37
Western Kentucky 23


Total Points: 60

Toledo Scoring
Offense: 40.3 PPG
Offense at Home: 52.5
Defense: 15 PPG
Defense at Home: 10.5

Toledo's 2025 Record
Record: 2 - 1
Record vs Spread: 3 - 0 - 0
Record at home: 2 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 2 - 0 - 0
Record as Fav vs Spread: 2 - 0 - 0
Record as Home Fav vs Spread: 2 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreWinnerSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202509/06Toledo45Western Kentucky21ToledoToledo -8.5Toledo57.5Over
202409/21Western Kentucky26Toledo21Western KentuckyToledo -2Western Kentucky60.5Under
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Toledo111 Overs
Western Kentucky111 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams2 - 02 - 01 - 01 - 0
Road Teams0 - 20 - 20 - 10 - 1

(#91) Western Kentucky Info
Power Rating: -5.06 #91
Offense Rating: 7.41 #91
Defense Rating: 12.47 #93
Overall SP+ Rating: -2.5 #77
Offense SP+ Rating: 25.1 #84
Defense SP+ Rating: 28.2 #81
Talent Rating: 620.00 #89
Blue Chip Ratio: 1% #88
Expected Record: 8.0 - 4.0

Team Profile
Very Pass heavy Offense 66%, Run: 34%
Bad Offense Success Rate of 42%
Bad Offensive Explosiveness
Good in Scoring Position 5 PPO
Awful Run Success 37%
Avg Pass Success 45%
Bad OL Grades, Poor OL Yds Per Rush
Avg DL Grades, Bad Sacks/Turnovers
Good Defense Success Rate of 35%
Avg in Scoring Position 3.08 PPO
Bad Run Def Success 39%
Good Pass Def Success 32%
Avg Pressure/Havoc/Forcing TOs
Bad Field Position

Western Kentucky has won 2 straight
Record on Road: 0 - 1 (0 - 1 - 0 vs Spread )

Western Kentucky Notes
(8/2) Over Bet Watch, McIvor off great, Def rough
(7/25) Def portal adds include 11 DL, 3 LB, 8 DBs.
(7/25) WR complete rebuild. Took 7 portals + 2 TEs
(7/25) OL rebuild. 10 portal adds. Will take some time
(7/11) Portal hits big, 2 starters back. 46 portals signed
(7/11) QB McIvor (3k yds/30 TD) combo w/ OC McIvor
(5/2) WR Henry (FCS W Ill) 1,179 yds, 6 TD LY
(3/22) Def avg CUSA, but must rebuild most
(3/22) Almost 60% new roster, new OC/DC.
(3/22) New OC Bowie (Alb. Chr.) brought QB McIvor

Western Kentucky Highlights
Western Kentucky offense is explosive (#19)
Western Kentucky offense is good on 3rd downs
Western Kentucky has a good pass defense (#30)

Western Kentucky Deficiencies
Western Kentucky Fumbles a Lot (#113)
Western Kentucky Can Not Run the Ball (#117)
Western Kentucky Runs Get Stuffed a Lot (#114)
Western Kentucky run game is really bad (#112)
Western Kentucky gives up a Lot of Explosive Plays (#105)

Performance GradesPerf Grades
CategoryCatTOLWKU
OverallOver#32#47
OffenseOff#42#60
DefenseDef#25#67
Special TeamsST#82#4
PassingPass#12#44
RushingRush#38#64
Run BlockRBLK#53#109
Pass BlockPBLK#78#73
Route RunningWR Rt#56#23
TacklingTkl#43#94
Run DefenseR Def#22#91
Pass Rush DefPRush#54#22
Coverage DefCov#38#57

Rematch from Week 2
Toledo -8.5 (57.5)
Toledo won vs Western Kentucky this year (45-21)

Previous Matchups
Western Kentucky beat Toledo last year (26-21)

Weather Forecast
Playing in Glass Bowl
Conditions:
Temp: 0°

Team Information
Injuries: WKU | TOL
Depth Chart: WKU | TOL
Rosters: WKU | TOL
(#48) Toledo Info
Power Rating: 10.475 #48
Offense Rating: 14.08 #61
Defense Rating: 2.43 #42
Overall SP+ Rating: 4.3 #60
Offense SP+ Rating: 28.9 #59
Defense SP+ Rating: 24.5 #53
Talent Rating: 718.00 #71
Blue Chip Ratio: 4 #56
Expected Record: 10.6 - 1.4

Team Profile
Balanced offense, Pass: 50%, Run: 49%
Bad Offense Success Rate of 43%
Avg Offensive Explosiveness
Good in Scoring Position 5.11 PPO
Avg Run Success 45%
Bad Pass Success 43%
Bad OL Grades, Poor OL Yds Per Rush
Good DL Grades, Good Sacks/Turnovers
Avg Defense Success Rate of 38%
Avg in Scoring Position 3.17 PPO
Awful Run Def Success 50%
Great Pass Def Success 25%
Good Pressure/Havoc/Forcing TOs
Avg Field Position

Toledo has lost 1 straight
Record at home: 2 - 0 (2 - 0 - 0 vs Spread)

Toledo Notes
(8/20) CB A. Smith a true shutdown & NFL prospect
(7/28) OL 5/5 back. Best in MAC, top 3 in the G5
(7/28) Def added 9 portals, some key pieces at DE/LB
(7/28) Secondary should be really good, great CBs
(7/27) WR Vandeross a weapon, Rudolph (NIU) big add
(5/11) One of CFB's most exp'd OLs, 95% is returning
(3/22) QB Gleason 2nd yr starter. Good, but TO prone
(3/22) RBs Walendzak back, Trayanum (UK) nice add
(3/22) Candle good HC, but drops bad games a lot
(3/22) Class of the MAC TY, OC/DC both vet's.

Toledo Highlights
Toledo is Undefeated vs Spread
Toledo is Undefeated at Home
Toledo is Undefeated vs Spread at Home

Toledo has Really Good Running Game (#28)
Toledo offense is good in red zone (#28)
Toledo defense does not give up big plays (#16)
Toledo has a good pass defense (#7)
Toledo Front 7 is disruptive (#29)

Toledo Deficiencies
Toledo Commits a Lot of Penalties (#129)


  
Western Kentucky's OC Rick Bowie
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Maverick McIvor (Tr)8012067%9411017.8
Rodney Tisdale Jr.6875%941011.8
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Marvis Parrish239304.022
Jaden McGill (Tr)166313.915
George Hart III175913.512
La'Vell Wright (Tr)113913.512
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Moussa Barry11210019.148
Matthew Henry (Tr)11198318.055
K.D. Hutchinson12184315.378
Marvis Parrish1410017.122

View Western Kentucky's Full Roster
Western Kentucky's DC DaVon Brown
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Dave Herard140000
Jaylen Lewis (Tr)130001
Jaylen Wester (Tr)131010
Dylan Flowers101001
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Harper Holloman73103
Dominic Oliver (Tr)102100
Jayden Gray (Tr)72120
Jaden Hardy (Tr)102100
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Harper Holloman73103
Al-Ma'Hi Ali (Tr)80002
Lataj Wright00001

Toledo's OC Mike Hallett
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Tucker Gleason436962%599418.7
John Alan Richter152365%139316.0
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
DeaMonte Trayanum3924846.475
Kenji Christian (Tr)2313926.033
Willie Shaw III84906.120
Kalieb Osborne74917.017
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Junior Vandeross18255414.271
Javon Brown6133022.246
Jacob Petersen (Tr)582016.426
Trayvon Rudolph (Tr)777011.020

View Toledo's Full Roster
Toledo's DC Vince Kehres
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
K'Von Sherman234100
Emmanuel Mcneil-Warren141001
Braden Awls131001
Anthony Dunn100021
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Doran Ray91100
K'Von Sherman234100
Louce Julien (Tr)92110
Jeremiah Peters92100
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Andre Fuller70002
Braden Awls131001
Anthony Dunn100021