Main Story

Western Michigan visits Toledo for a Saturday matchup against a Rockets team with one of the Mid-American Conference’s most productive offenses. Toledo’s passing attack and a recent home-field edge make the road test especially challenging, while the Broncos bring a defense that has generated more pressure during conference play.

By the Numbers
  • Toledo is 5-2 overall and 2-1 in the MAC; Western Michigan leads the series 33-46.
  • The Rockets average 36.3 points and 458.4 yards per game.
  • Toledo quarterback John Alan Richter has thrown for 1,853 yards and 14 touchdowns.
  • In its three MAC games, Western Michigan has recorded 11 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hurries.
  • Jalen Buckley has 3,258 career rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns.
Yes, But

Toledo’s offense leads or ranks near the top of several MAC categories, but the Rockets have struggled with penalties, averaging 8.86 per game—12th among the conference’s 13 teams. Western Michigan’s defense has also improved its ability to create pressure since conference play began.

State of Play
  • Toledo is coming off a 34-14 win at Eastern Michigan; its two losses include a home defeat to Buffalo.
  • The home team has won each of the last five meetings in the series.
  • Western Michigan is 5-1 with Broc Lowry starting in October; he has thrown eight touchdown passes without an interception this month.
What’s Next

Western Michigan will need to contain Richter and Toledo’s high-powered offense while sustaining the defensive pressure it has shown in MAC play. The game is scheduled for Saturday at noon ET at the Glass Bowl, airing on CBS Sports Network.

Bottom Line

Toledo brings the more explosive offense, but Western Michigan has a path to make this a close road game: pressure the quarterback, limit penalties and keep the Rockets from controlling the pace.