Wyoming is set to face Toledo in the upcoming 2023 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on December 30th. The Cowboys, with an 8-4 record, secured a tie for fourth place in the Mountain West Conference. This marks their third consecutive appearance in a bowl game, a historic feat for the school.
This is Toledo’s debut in the event, and the team is eager to achieve its first 12-win season since 1971.
Wyoming secured notable non-conference victories against Texas Tech and Appalachian State, along with key conference wins over the then-ranked Fresno State and arch-rival Colorado State. However, the Cowboys faced challenges on the road, suffering defeats at the hands of Air Force, Boise State, and UNLV.
In terms of Arizona Bowl history, Wyoming has participated twice, holding a 1-1 record. They clinched a convincing 38-17 victory against Georgia State in 2019 but experienced a 30-27 overtime loss to Ohio last year.
Heading into this upcoming matchup, the Cowboys are coming off a dominant 42-6 triumph over the Nevada Wolf Pack in their most recent game. In this victory, Andrew Peasley showcased his prowess by leading the team with 165 yards on 12-of-18 passing (66.7%), delivering two touchdowns without any interceptions. Peasley also made a significant impact on the ground, carrying the ball nine times for 96 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Contributing to the offensive success, Harrison Waylee managed 71 yards on 13 carries (5.5 yards per carry) with one touchdown. Additionally, Waylee displayed versatility by adding two receptions for 19 yards in the passing game. Wyatt Wieland was a key target, securing four receptions for 43 yards (10.8 per catch) against the Wolf Pack.
Wyoming Betting Stats
Wyoming has demonstrated a strong performance against the spread this year, boasting a commendable 7-3-1 record.
In situations where Wyoming has been favored by 1 point or more, the team holds an impressive ATS record of 3-1-1.
Over the course of the 11 games played this season, Wyoming has been involved in five matchups that surpassed the projected point total, indicating a trend of hitting the over.
Toledo Rockets
Toledo, with an impressive 11-2 record, suffered a setback in the MAC Championship game, falling to Miami (OH) with a score of 23-14 on Saturday. Despite this recent loss, the Rockets stand as the most successful team ever to participate in the Arizona Bowl.
The season for the Rockets began with a defeat against Illinois, but they rebounded strongly by securing victories in the subsequent 11 games. This appearance in the Arizona Bowl marks Toledo’s debut in the event, and the team is eager to achieve its first 12-win season since 1971.
In the MAC Championship game against the RedHawks, DeQuan Finn showcased his skills, completing 18 of 36 passes for 273 yards, contributing one touchdown and one interception. Finn also displayed mobility, rushing 13 times for 33 yards and adding another touchdown to his performance. Running back Peny Boone contributed with an 11-carry, 41-yard game (3.7 yards per attempt) and made two receptions for 30 yards. Additionally, Junior Vandeross III had a standout performance with six catches for 106 yards on 10 targets.
Toledo Betting Stats
Toledo has secured victories against the spread in five out of the 12 contests played during this season.
Toledo has covered the spread every time (1-0) when entering a game as a 1-point or greater underdog this year.
In terms of total points, six out of Toledo’s 12 games this season have exceeded the projected total. This indicates a trend of going over the total.
Arizona Bowl Betting Odds
The bookies are finding it hard to split these two teams. It is expected to be a very close encounter. The Cowboys are favored (-1) against the Rockets. The total is set at 45 points.
Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.