Akron Zips (1-2) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (2-1)
September 21, 2024 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: South Carolina Gamecocks -28.5; Over/Under: +46.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a South Carolina vs Akron prediction for this College Football Week 4 game on Saturday, September 21st, at Williams Brice Stadium. Let’s take a look at a South Carolina Gamecocks vs Akron Zips pick.
Akron Coming Off First Win
Akron has played a tough schedule but they are coming off a win in the last game. To start the season, Akron lost to Ohio State and Rutgers, but in the last game against Colgate, they were able to secure the 31-20. A the end of the first quarter, Arkon was down 17-7 but in the second quarter they scored 21 points and that was enough for the victory.
Ben Finley completed 28 of his 43 passes for 358 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Jordan Simmons was decent on the ground finishing with nine carries for 49 yards. In this, the offense is going to need to be good but the defense is going to need to step up. Akron doesn’t have much of a shot if they get into a shootout here.
How Does South Carolina Bounce Back?
The big question heading into this game for South Carolina is if they can bounce back from their last loss. At halftime against LSU, South Carolina looked like they were going to cruise to a 3-0 record. In the second half against LSU though South Carolina was outscored 20-9 and they ended up losing 36-33. LaNorris Sellers is a good mobile quarterback but his passing could be improved. He did end up finishing with 10 carries for 88 yards and two touchdowns. He completed 9 of his 16 passes for 113 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception.
Sellers is also dealing with an injury heading into this game but he’s expected to be ready to go. South Carolina two games ago against Kentucky gave up only six points and the defense is going to need to be better here.
Why South Carolina Will Beat Akron
- Akron has lost each of its last 12 road games in September.
- South Carolina has won 10 of its last 11 September home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Akron has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- South Carolina has covered the spread in five of its last six games in September.
- South Carolina has won the first half in three of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
South Carolina vs Akron Prediction
South Carolina is going to be mad coming off their last game, and they are going to want to make a statement with this game. LaSellers should be good to go, and he’s going to look quite impressive against the Akron defense. Akron gave up 52 points against Ohio State in the first game, and the defense is going to be a problem again here. South Carolina is going to put on a show with the offense, and they are going to cruise to victory here. Back South Carolina against the spread here.
