The 2023 Arizona Bowl is taking place in Tucson. We have the matchup of the 11-2 MAC runner-up Toledo Rockets and the (8-4) Wyoming Cowboys. Toledo comes into this one after their loss to Miami Ohio in the MAC title game. The Rockets have appeared in 20 bowl games in their program’s history. They have a 11-9 record in those games. Wyoming comes into this one winning their final two games of the regular season. The Cowboys have appeared in 18 bowl games in their program’s history. They have a 9-9 record in those games. Wyoming is a 3.5 point favorite with the over/under set at 44. Here is my preview for the Arizona Bowl.
Toledo Rockets
The Toledo Rockets put together a great 2023 campaign. Offensively, they average 33.6 points per game and 434.2 total yards. The bad news for the Rockets is that starting quarterback Dequan Finn entered the transfer portal and won’t play in this bowl game. We also found out that stud running back Peny Boone (1,400 rushing yards, 7.2 yards per carry and 15 touchdowns) is also sitting out. Backup quarterback Tucker Gleason is going to have his hands full. He appeared in all 13 games and threw for 199 passing yards to go along with 4 passing touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Toledo losing their top two rushers in Boone and Finn hurts. They have to get someone else to step up for them in this Arizona Bowl showdown.
Defensively, the Rockets were good in 2023. They allowed 20.6 points per game and gave up 348.1 total yards of offense. Toledo might be without stud cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, which would hurt them. However, this defensive unit is ready for this Arizona Bowl showdown with Wyoming. In 2023, Toledo allowed 30+ points in four games and they have a 3-1 record in those games. Toledo needs to contain this Wyoming rushing attack if they want to win this bowl game.
Wyoming Cowboys
Wyoming is ready to send their head coach off with a great bowl victory. Offensively, the Cowboys average 25.9 points per game to go along with 337.5 total yards. This offense is led by quarterback Andrew Peasley. Peasley threw for 1,823 passing yards to go along with 20 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He also added 403 rushing yards on 4 yards per carry to go along with 7 touchdowns. Peasley can thank running back Harrison Waylee for his success in 2023. Waylee rushed for 856 rushing yards on 5.9 yards per carry and 5 touchdowns. This duo is huge for Wyoming and will need to be good if they want to win this Arizona Bowl.
Defensively, the Cowboys are alright. They allow 22.9 points per game and give up 373.6 total yards. There are no defensive starters missing from this Wyoming defense. This unit put together a good run in 2023 as they only gave up 30+ points in four games this season and that’s where they got all four of their losses. If the Cowboys can hold Toledo to under that number, they will win this bowl game.
Betting Trends
-Toledo is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games.
-The under is 5-2 in Toledo’s last 7 games.
-Wyoming is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games.
-The over is 5-0 in Wyoming’s last 5 against a MAC opponent.
The Don’s Best Bet
I have one play in this Arizona Bowl matchup. My official play is Wyoming -3.5 -110 odds for one unit. If Toledo had Dequan Finn this would be a different story. However, with Wyoming coach Craig Bohl retiring after this game it gives the Cowboys that much more juice to want to win this game. Wyoming takes care of business and gets the job done to send their coach off with a win. Ride the Cowboys to win this one and cover this number.
