Toledo Rockets (11-2) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (8-4)
College football season is drawing to a close, but we still get to experience some thrilling bowl games. One that has garnered the interest of both fans and bettors alike is the Arizona Bowl matchup between Toledo Rockets and Wyoming Cowboys; we will examine key aspects of both teams as well as key players of each side and provide NCAAF bowl expert free picks that can assist with informed betting decisions.
Toledo Rockets enter this Arizona Bowl with an impressive 11-2 record, making them one of the standout teams this season. At their core is Peny Boone – an explosive running back who has amassed 1,400 rushing yards on 194 attempts with 7.2 yards per rush attempt and 15 touchdowns this year. Wide receiver Jerjuan Newton adds depth to Toledo’s passing game – his 47 receptions for 622 yards and 9 touchdowns have provided reliable targets for Finn. Newton can stretch out field with 13.2 yards per reception as an important contributor. With 47 receptions for 622 yards and 9 touchdowns of his own makes him an invaluable component of Toledo’s passing game attack.
At 8-4, Wyoming Cowboys enter this bowl game as one of two unbeaten teams. Harrison Waylee leads Wyoming’s running game with 856 rushing yards on 146 attempts for 5.9 yards per rush attempt and five rushing touchdowns; Wyatt Wieland completes their passing game, having collected 39 receptions for 425 yards with 5 touchdown catches during Peasley’s tenure as quarterback; his ability to find open spots in defense while making contested catches makes him an integral component.
Toledo Rockets vs. Wyoming Cowboys Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 4:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Arizona Stadium |
| TV: | BAR |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Dequan Finn QB vs. Andrew Peasley QB
Dequan Finn has been sensational in his first year as Toledo’s starting quarterback. He’s thrown for over 2,600 yards with 22 touchdowns and added nearly 700 rushing yards as well. Finn is extremely mobile, using his legs to extend plays and hit receivers downfield. However, he has been turnover-prone at times with 9 interceptions. If Finn can limit mistakes against Wyoming’s ball-hawking secondary, he gives Toledo a great chance to light up the scoreboard.
Meanwhile, Andrew Peasley has given Wyoming steady production under center this season. While not quite as explosive as Finn, Peasley has an excellent 20-5 touchdown to interception ratio. He excels at finding open receivers and avoiding risky throws. Peasley doesn’t make many flashy plays, but he rarely makes costly errors either. Against Toledo’s suspect pass defense that gives up nearly 250 yards per game, Peasley will look to dice them up with short and intermediate throws.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Toledo Rockets -3.5, Total 44.5
Despite double-digit wins, Toledo enters as just 3.5-point favorites. This indicates oddsmakers see the game as a virtual toss-up. The total is set at 44.5 points, a reasonable mark between two teams that can each put up points while also playing sound defense. At -3.5, taking Toledo to cover in what should be a close game is appealing.Finn’s big-play ability could be the difference in a matchup this tightly contested.
Toledo Rockets Betting Trends
Toledo is 4-2 against the spread (ATS) over their last six contests, consistently covering fairly tight betting lines. The under has hit in five of their last seven as well. This indicates the betting market has struggled to catch up with how stingy the Rockets’ defense has been. Toledo is also extremely reliable straight up with 11 wins in their last 12. Backing them to make that 12 out of 13 against Wyoming seems wise. Some situational trends favor Wyoming though. Toledo is just 0-5 ATS in their last five games against Mountain West opponents.
Wyoming Cowboys Betting Trends
Wyoming has been almost equally hot ATS recently, covering in five of their last seven. They’ve taken advantage of betting value to cash tickets for those backing them. Additionally, the Cowboys excel historically as underdogs. They are 6-1-1 ATS over their previous eight games with plus money on the moneyline. Another positive trend is Wyoming’s recency in bowl games. They are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight December contests.
Toledo Rockets vs. Wyoming Cowboys 12/30/22 Betting Picks
This Arizona Bowl showdown is essentially a coin flip in the eyes of oddsmakers. With two hot teams that have strong trends supporting wagers on either side, handicapping a clear favorite is no easy task. Still, Toledo seems to have slightly more firepower behind dynamic QB Dequan Finn.
Laying just 3.5 points with the more explosive offense and stronger straight-up record, Toledo feels like the smart wager. Wyoming has a strong defense and the trends in their favor. But Finn’s big-play ability and the vulnerability of Wyoming’s 95th ranked pass defense tips the scales towards the Rockets’ offense. Check this top live betting website for any line movement closer to kickoff, but as of now, Toledo -3.5 is the recommended play.
