Toledo Rockets vs Illinois Fighting Illini 9/1/2023 – On Saturday night at the University of Illinois Memorial Stadium in Urbana-Champaign, fans will witness an exciting matchup between Toledo Rockets and Illinois Fighting Illini at kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET – both teams hope to begin their 2023 campaigns off right. The 2023 college football betting predictions are flourishing online for bettors to place their bets on their top teams. This is going to be an important game between two top teams.
Toledo Rockets vs Illinois Fighting Illini 9/1/2023
| When: | Saturday, September 2, 2023 7:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Memorial Stadium |
| TV: | TV |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockets | +9.5 (-110) | 45 o (-110) | +290 |  |
| Fighting Illini | -9.5 (-110) | 45 u (-110) | -360 | |
| ||||
Did you miss us? #TeamToledo pic.twitter.com/kVXIA6MNou
— Toledo Football (@ToledoFB) August 28, 2023
Jason Candle vs Bret Bielema
The Toledo Rockets enter 2023 with great hopes and ambitions to make an impressionful statement. Head coach Jason Candle has established an outstanding record leading his program toward success – however, this season presents new challenges as late-season mistakes must be avoided to achieve true excellence.
Junior quarterback Dequan Finn will be an essential component of Toledo’s success. Both seasoned and talented, Finn’s performance will be essential in driving Toledo forward. Last season he displayed both brilliance and moments of inconsistency, posting an 18:2 touchdown/interception ratio. To assist Finn, Toledo boasts an excellent group of receivers led by Jerjuan Newton who recorded 53 receptions for 830 yards and nine touchdowns – while running back Jacquez Stuart with his average of 5.7 yards per carry adds depth and balance to Toledo’s offensive strategy.
On defense, Toledo displayed its excellence in 2022 by ranking first in the MAC in pass defense and boasting standout players such as Quinyon Mitchell, Maxen Hook, Nate Bauer, and Zachary Ford in its secondary. New transfers Judge Culpepper and Travion Ford further strengthened Toledo’s defense line; linebacker Dallas Gant tallied 115 tackles while new players need to step up as leaders of that team’s defensive effort.
Under Brett Bielema’s direction as former Wisconsin head coach, the Illinois Fighting Illini are hoping to establish themselves as a consistent force in the Big Ten Conference. While they have shown signs of improvement since 1990, consecutive winning regular seasons still elude them despite growing optimism for success in the Big Ten West division.
High Hopes and Formidable Defense Clash
Last season, Illinois averaged 378 yards and 24 points per game through ball control and limited turnovers, but their lack of an effective downfield passing game severely limited their offensive potential. Luke Altmyer – former Ole Miss quarterback now charged with elevating that aspect – should help remedy that deficit; his talent will benefit from having access to an array of young receivers eager to break out – the return of top receiver Isaiah Williams is especially welcome and Reggie Love III was an underrated force during last year.
On the defensive side of the ball, Illinois looks to maintain its dominance on defense. In 2022, Illinois ranked 52nd in points allowed, allowing opponents an average of 12.8 per game. Illinois excelled at creating pressure on quarterbacks – ranking 13th for quarterback hurries and 23rd in sacks. Opponents struggled running against them, averaging only 99.8 yards per game while throwing for 173.7.
Conclusion With both Toledo Rockets and Illinois Fighting Illini meeting for their season openers, the excitement of college football can only increase. Rocket brings high hopes with its talented quarterback and formidable defense, hoping to replicate last season’s performance; Illinois looks forward to being led by Bielema to become a formidable Big Ten opponent.
Toledo Rockets Betting Trends
Toledo are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toledo’s last 6 games.
Toledo is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games.
Rockets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games on the road.
Toledo is 2-7 SU in their last 9 games against an opponent in the Big Ten conference.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toledo’s last 6 games played in September.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
Illinois are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Illinois’ last 12 games.
Illinois are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.
Illinois are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Illinois’ last 5 games against an opponent in the Mid-American conference.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Illinois’ last 6 games played in September.
Toledo Rockets vs Illinois Fighting Illini
As this game will take place at the University of Illinois Memorial Stadium, football fans should anticipate an explosive contest between two teams looking to make an impression in the 2023 college football season. Both sides looking to reach victory and fulfill their respective aspirations and goals on the field. The online football betting sportsbook odds are updated in favor of the Illinois Fighting Illini to win this exciting game and cover the spread.
