Akron vs Ohio Prediction
Akron comes into this matchup on a lengthy losing streak and they have allowed 34+ points in four of their last five games. The Zips have also struggled on the offensive side of the ball, scoring just 20 points or fewer in four of their last five. Ohio has won five games in a row, but barely survived against EMU in their last game. The Bobcats have allowed 20 points or fewer in five straight games, which helps cover for a low scoring offense. Take Ohio to cover on the road.
Akron Zips Betting Preview
The Akron Zips are 1-7 (0-4) this season after they lost to Kent State by a score of 35-20 in their last game. Akron was tied 7-7 at halftime and they led 17-14 in the third quarter, but they allowed the next 21 points for the loss. The Zips out gained Kent State by a total of 422-376, went 7-13 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-1 in the game. Brayden Roggow threw for 275 yards and one interception, while Kyan Mason caught seven passes for 129 yards. Jordan Gant rushed 28 times for 162 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.
Prior to that game, Akron lost to Miami (OH) by a score of 34-14 and Eastern Michigan by a score of 25-23. The Zips have scored 19.0 points per game with 215.4 passing yards and 134.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 32.8 points against per game this season. Brayden Roggow has thrown for 1,343 yards with seven touchdowns and nine interceptions, while Marcel Williams has 34 receptions for 375 yards and three scores. Jordan Gant has rushed 127 times for 618 yards and six scores this season, and he has been the best player for Akron.
Ohio Bobcats Betting Preview
The Ohio Bobcats are 6-2 (4-0) this year after they defeated Eastern Michigan by a score of 24-20 in their last game. Ohio trailed 13-10 at halftime and 20-17 in the fourth quarter, but they returned a kick-off for a touchdown with 3:40 left and hung on for the win. The Bobcats out gained Eastern Michigan by a total of 356-307, went 3-11 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-1 in the game. Nick Poulos threw for 266 yards and one touchdown, while Dom Dorwart caught four passes for 125 yards and one score. Victor Rosa rushed four times for 40 yards in the win.
Prior to that game, Ohio defeated Sacramento State by a score of 48-7 and Central Michigan by a score of 31-14. The Bobcats have scored 29.6 points per game with 178.6 passing yards and 190.9 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 21.9 points against per game this season. Nick Poulos has thrown for 781 yards with six touchdowns and zero interceptions, while Victor Rosa has rushed 77 times for 364 yards and five scores. Riley Neer is the leading receiver with 37 receptions for 497 yards and five touchdowns this year.
Why the Ohio Bobcats will win
- Ohio has won each of its last 10 games in Ohio.
- Akron has lost each of its last six games.
- The favorite has covered the spread in six of Akron’s last seven games.
- Akron has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games.
- Ohio has won the first half in each of its last four road games against conference opponents.
- Ohio has won the first quarter in seven of its last eight games against Akron.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of Akron’s last nine games as a home underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Ohio’s last four games in Ohio have gone UNDER the total points line.
Akron Zips Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 10, Brandon Hills ranks 3rd amongst FBS players for kick return yards (493) this season.
Ohio Bobcats Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 10, DJ Hamilton ranks 4th amongst FBS players for kick return yards (472) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Akron has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of 10+ points of any FBS team this season (5).
- Akron has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of 15+ points of any FBS team this season (5).
- Ohio has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of five points or less of any FBS team this season (2).
- Ohio ranks 120th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (177.1).
Positive Trends
We know Ohio is the better overall team in this matchup and we also have some good trends backing the Bobcats. Akron has failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games and Ohio has dominated the first half in their last four road games against MAC teams. We did see Akron have a strong month of November last year, but I don’t think we see that here. Take Ohio.