Toledo vs Arkansas State Week 1 Odds and Free Pick

Arkansas State opens its defense of its 2015 Sun Belt championship in Week 1 against MAC power Toledo. The Red Wolves finally kept a coach for more than a single season, as Blake Anderson decided to put another year into the program instead of heading for bigger and better season. Can they improve on last year’s dominant set of performances? Also, don’t forget to check out more college football odds by clicking here.

Take a Look at the Toledo vs Arkansas State Week 1 Odds, Free Pick & TV Info

Camp Starts this Week!!! #LiftOff pic.twitter.com/basQkMxW1B

— Toledo Football (@ToledoFB) August 1, 2016

When: Friday, September 2, 2016, 9:00pm ET Where: Centennial Bank Stadium, Jonesboro, AR TV: ESPNU Radio: Toledo / Arkansas State  Live Stream: astateredwolves.com NCAA Odds: Arkansas State (-4)

Why should you bet on Toledo?

Jason Candle moves from offensive coordinator to head coach this year for Toledo, taking over a Rocket program that has won nine or more games in four of the last five seasons. He has a terrific pair of running backs in Kareem Hunt and Terry Swanson. The line has four starters returning, including all-conference left tackle Storm Norton. Logan Woodside returns at quarterback, the 2014 starter but the backup in 2015. He’ll enjoy throwing to Corey Jones (10 touchdowns over the last two seasons) and Cody Thompson (22.3 yards per catch last year, #3 in the NCAA). The defensive line is anchored by two-time all-conference tackle Treyvon Hester (23.5 tackles for loss in the last three seasons).

Why should you put your money on the Red Wolves?

It’s true that Arkansas State lost their offensive coordinator and their quarterback, but they might even move at a faster place under Buster Faulkner, who has taken over the coordinator job in a move from Middle Tennessee State. Justice Hansen, once a recruit of the Oklahoma Sooners, has transferred in, and he completed over 77% of his passes at the junior college level. Chad Voytik, a graduate transfer from Pitt, is also expected to compete for the job. The offensive line features two All-Sun Belt players from last year. Their tailbacks (Johnston White and Warren Wand) are both quick and elusive. The defense posted eight touchdowns of its own last year and picked off 26 passes, tops in the nation. They also gave up a lot of big passing plays, though, so getting a pass rush will be crucial.

My Free Pick and Final Score Prediction

I like Arkansas State to win this home contest, thanks to their continuity at head coach and their high-octane offense. I’m predicting a 31-24 Red Wolves win.