College Football Schedule Week 8: Under the Radar Games to Watch

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Toledo Rockets quarterback Dequan Finn (7) scores a touchdown in the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini

Sep 2, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Toledo Rockets quarterback Dequan Finn (7) scores a touchdown in the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Toledo at Miami (OH)

Saturday, 3:00 PM CT on ESPNU

I am a bit ashamed to say that I have not yet highlighted a MAC game in this series. That’s changing now, as this is the biggest game so far this year in the league. Toledo and Miami (OH) share identical 6-1 records with both undefeated in conference play. And as members of opposite divisions, this could absolutely be a preview of this season’s MAC Championship Game.

The Toledo Rockets boast a prolific offense. They’re averaging nearly 37 points and 459 yards per game. They’re led by an outstanding QB in Dequan Finn. Finn has averaged over 243 yards of total offense per game with 16 total TDs scored this season. Alongside him in the backfield is stud RB Peny Boone, who’s already posted 792 yards and eight TDs on 7.4 yards per carry. WRs Junior Vandeross III and Jerjuan Newton have combined for 51 catches and 724 yards, with Newton hauling in an absurd nine TDs already.

They’ll face a Redhawks defense that’s surrendering just 19.1 points per game. Miami (OH) has a strong pass rush. They’ve posted a MAC-leading 21 sacks to this point led by DL Caiden Woullard with six. QB Brett Gabbert, who is indeed Blaine’s younger brother, leads the conference in both passing yards and TDs.

The MAC tends to be one of the most competitive and crazy conferences in college football. With the two best teams in the league facing off, there’s sure to be plenty of #MACtion.

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