The Toledo Rockets head out west to take on the Colorado State Rams in a contest that should be a good indicator on just where the Rockets are at this season. Toledo looked good in the first 2 and a half quarters against Kentucky, before finally falling to the SEC foe. Then they pounded an over-matched Murray State squad. While the Rockets defense wasn’t quite up to par in that one, that could be attributed to the opponent. A night game against a Mountain West team should see a Rockets squad that is ready to play.

Game Details

Who: The Toledo Rockets at the Colorado State Rams

When: Saturday, September 21st, 10:15 P.M.

Where: Fort Collins, Colorado

Watch: ESPN 2

Stream: WatchESPN

Line: Toledo - 9.5 per vegasinsider.com

Toledo should be up for this night game on the road. They were already a superior team before Colorado lost their starting QB to injury, at least as best I can tell. This early in the season, with such a wide variety in skill levels of their first two opponents, I am still not 100% sold on the Rockets in either direction. I do think their offense has rebounded quite nicely after losing 3 great receivers from 2018, plus the injury to their starting center at the beginning of this season. They shouldn’t have much trouble putting points on the season.

Defense is another question. In fact, you should say defense has been a question in the short, but successful Jason Candle era. For the Rockets to really contend for a MAC Championship, this defensive unit will need to be better than their predecessors. Colorado State, even though they are without their starting QB, will be the perfect test. There is little doubt the Rockets will be giving a great effort on national TV at night, so it will be a question of execution and skill.

While Colin Hill’s loss will hurt the Rams, backup QB has looked pretty good against the Razorbacks, completing 7 of 10 passes, for 135 yards, and a touchdown. They also have weapons Marvin Kinsey Jr. is a weapon at running back, as is Dante Wright at receiver. If the Rockets are going to contend in the MAC, I would expect them to win this game in a shootout. And that is exactly what I think is going to happen. Rockets should win, 45-25.