The Eastern Michigan Eagles and the Akron Zips will meet Saturday in college football action from InfoCision Stadium. Here’s an Akron vs Eastern Michigan prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Akron vs Eastern Michigan pick.
Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Preview
The Eagles lost to Washington 30-9 in their second outing of the season, but otherwise beat UMass 28-14, Jacksonville State 37-34 (OT), and St. Francis PA 36-0 in their first four. The next two were a win over Kent State 52-33 and a loss to Miami-OH 38-14.
Matched up against Central Michigan last weekend, the Eagles scored 22 points in the fourth quarter to finish off a wild comeback in a 38-34 win. QB Cole Snyder logged 300 yards, three scores, and a pick (and a rush score). Tops in rushing was Delbert Mimms with 90 yards on 21 totes.
Akron Zips Betting Preview
Over on the Zips’ side, they lost to Ohio State 52-6 and Rutgers 49-17 before a 31-20 win over Colgate. Akron hit the skids after that, falling to South Carolina 50-7, Ohio 30-10, and Bowling Green 27-20 in the next trio of outings.
The Zips’ slide continued back on October 12 versus Western Michigan. Akron was within a touchdown going into the final quarter but ended up losing 34-24. Ben Finley posted 395 yards passing with an interception. Jordon Simmons led the rush with 63 yards and a score.
Why the Akron Zips will win
- The home team has won six of Akron’s last seven games.
- Eastern Michigan has lost 18 of its last 24 road games in October.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of Akron’s last four games.
- Akron has won the first quarter in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
Why the Eastern Michigan Eagles will win
- Akron has lost each of its last 12 games in October.
- The favorite has won each of Akron’s last 14 games.
- Eastern Michigan has covered the spread in each of its last four October road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Akron has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games.
- Akron has lost the first half in 10 of its last 12 home games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Six of Eastern Michigan’s last seven games as a road favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eleven of Akron’s last 13 October games as a home underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Akron ranks 133rd among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (5.3).
- Akron ranks 133rd among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (68.0).
- Eastern Michigan ranks 4th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (23.1).
- Eastern Michigan ranks 7th among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (65.0).
Akron vs Eastern Michigan Prediction
I’ll stay with Eastern Michigan. The Eagles were in trouble heading into the fourth quarter against the Chippewas over the weekend, facing a 27-16 deficit. EMU finished off the comeback though, logging 450 yards (300 passing) and 23 first downs. The Eagles did give up 285 rushing yards but held Central Michigan to just 2-of-10 on third downs.
As for Akron, they posted 501 yards of offense (413 passing) and 19 first downs against the Broncos in their last outing. The trouble is, the Zips also posted four turnovers (three fumbles) and gave up 196 yards rushing. Akron has had some extra time to prep for this one but I don’t think it’ll help a whole lot.