In a weekend filled with high-stakes college football matchups, one game stands out as the "ugliest tilt on the entire slate" - Toledo vs. UMass. While it may not attract the same level of attention as the Red River Rivalry or Georgia vs. Kentucky, this game still presents an opportunity for bettors to cash in.

UMass started the season impressively with a road victory against New Mexico State, a win that signaled a potential turnaround for the program. Led by new quarterback Taisun Phommachanh and several key transfers, the Minutemen showed promise. However, their subsequent results have been mixed, with close losses to Eastern Michigan and New Mexico, as well as a gutsy performance against Miami (Ohio) despite playing their backup quarterback.

One positive for UMass is their improved offense, which is averaging nearly 27 points per game. This is a significant improvement compared to last season when they struggled to score in double digits. Even in a blowout loss to Auburn, the Minutemen managed to find the end zone twice. With an offense that can score at a decent clip, UMass becomes an interesting bet, especially against a Toledo team that may not prioritize a non-conference showdown.

Toledo, the favorite to win the MAC, enters this game with a 2-0 record in conference play. However, their narrow victory over Northern Illinois suggests that this game against an independent UMass team may not be high on their priority list. There is even speculation that Toledo may not give their full effort, potentially resting some starters to avoid the risk of injury in what is considered a relatively meaningless game for them.

This combination of factors - UMass' improved offense, Toledo's potential lack of motivation, and the large point spread (+19 for UMass) - makes the Minutemen an intriguing bet. For years, UMass may have been on many bettors' "blacklist," but now is the time to reconsider and back the underdogs. It's an opportunity for bettors to win some "green cash" on a lesser-known matchup that could still offer betting value amid the chaos of a busy college football Saturday.