Both of these teams like to slow the game down, run the ball and play defense. I would lean towards Utah State, although I don’t think it’s a good thing that Chuckie Keeton is coming back for this game. Utah State has gone 9-2 vs. the MAC over their career and have beaten better MAC teams in bowl games over the last few years including Northern Illinois 21-14 and Toledo 41-15. However, I like the under a lot more, because both teams can defend the run, and both offenses have had major issues in the red zone and scoring when they haven’t been able to run the ball.

Neither team has elite at running the ball, but these are two tough run defenses. When Akron can’t run for more than 160 yards they are averaging just 9.16 points per game which has happened in 6 of their games. Worse run defenses have given Akron issues, and Utah State has faced much better rushing offenses. Akron is 91st in pace while Utah State comes in at 101st. Utah State averages just 16.33 ppg when they don’t rush for more than 160 yards with a high of 28. This offense has actually played worse under Keeton this year who will look to wrap up his career with a win over Akron. Also note this is more of a home game for Utah State who is used to playing on the blue turf in Boise. Less than 250 miles away while Akron has to travel 1700+.


I like Temple in this game, because of the coaching situation as Matt Rhule signs a 6 year contract, and all of his quotes lead me to believe that this game is huge for this program. A win and it’s a top 25 finish for Temple and an 11 win season which could be huge. For Toledo they have a new coach here after Matt Campbell heads to Iowa State, and when you look at this team’s resume they really were fortunate earlier in the season, and just not that impressive late.

Temple has 3 losses and each loss came when the opposing QB ran the ball. Greg Ward ran for 148 yards, Quinton Flowers for 90, and Deshaun Kizer for 143. Phillip Ely is not a running QB for Toledo, and I think Temple is going to be able to stop this Toledo rushing offense which really puts them in a difficult spot when that happens. Toledo will have their hands full on defense facing Jahad Thomas who will be healthier than he’s been in a while and P.J. Walker has proven that he continues to improve as the season has gone along. There is just too much motivation for Temple and they have played in many big games and have played well. Toledo never seems to be able to get over the hump. I like the edge Temple has in the red zone along with what they have done ranking 26th in special teams efficiency to Toledo’s 82nd ranking and they are far less penalized as well. This is a big game for Rhule and Temple who have a lot of recruits in Florida. We will see how it turns out.

Where to find Freddy?