College Football 9/5/09
Akron Zips (MAC)-#8 Penn State Nittany Lions (Big 10)
By Mark • Saturday, September 5th, 2009 12 PM EST
Penn State (0-0) vs. Akron (0-0)
Line-Penn State -27
These teams have met just three times since 1999, the last being in ‘06 and is nothing but an every few years type deal. The Nittany Lions fell into a mediocrity for several years beginning in 2000 and Joe Patterno was peppered with questions of age or retirement. PSU is back to winning and those questions are not much of a subject now. By any account the Nittany Lions had a banner year in ‘08, winning the Big 10 title and excelling on both sides of the ball. The Lions averaged 39 ppg and could run or pass as the situation dictated. Penn State football is all about teamwork and playing tough and nowhere was that more prominent than on a defense that was difficult to move on and equally tough to score on. The Nittany Lions were ranked #8 in both total and scoring defense and were especially stingy in the running department allowing only 93 yards per game. When all is said and done, Penn State will only go as far as their 'D' takes them.
Akron is definitely not a football powerhouse that is up and coming especially for a team that didn't show a lot of bite in the MAC. Even though the Zips finished ‘08 with a dismal 5-7 record, four of those losses were by one score or less with two being in overtime. With a small bit of good fortune Akron could have turned their season around, but good teams win the close ones. The Akron offense was a big positive last season racking up decent yardage and scoring plenty of points, averaging 30 per game. The Zips needed every point as it turned out because their 'D' was giving away points faster than Akron could get them and more. On average opposing teams were torching the Zips defense for 400 yards and 31 points and one wonders what would have happened if they were a bit more stout on ‘D‘. Akron will likely need a huge effort and plenty of points to give Penn State a run for their money.
There is some reason for concern as the Nittany Lions lost 6 starters on offense and 7 on defense while Akron returns 9 players offensively and 6 on ‘D'. The Zips had an overall 6-6 mark ATS and were 4-3 on the road. Penn State was 7-4-1 against the number and 4-2 ATS at home. I don't think Penn State's loss of players from last season effects the outcome of this game as the Nittany Lions have talent falling in their lap. Let's just say Akron doesn't have the horses to win this game and though I greatly dislike huge spreads, I have more faith in Penn State covering than I do in Zips.
Pick: Penn State -27
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
.gif&AffUrlID=768)
