Entering the 2021 season, the Cardinals and Rockets were labeled with the highest odds of winning the MAC West division. But suddenly, after three weeks, instead of a marquee MAC West matchup, both teams are aiming to save their seasons from a disastrous 1-3 start. Not many programs in college football endured rougher Week 3 performances than these two. Ball State, the reigning conference champion, fell to Wyoming 45-12 in a game that was essentially over by halftime. Meanwhile, Toledo got shocked at home by a winless, struggling Colorado State program by the not-so-close final score of 22-6.
Ball State (1-2) controlled the last two iterations of this matchup, but Toledo (1-2) is hoping to spoil the Cardinals’ season this Saturday in Muncie, IN.