The Akron Zips and the Indiana Hoosiers meet Saturday in college football action from the Rock. Akron just finished up a game versus Kentucky. The Zips would go on to fall in blowout fashion. As for Indiana, they’re coming off a matchup against Louisville. In that one the Hoosiers lost by seven to fall to 1-2 overall. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Akron Zips 

The Zips kicked off their season with a road matchup against Temple. Akron had control in the first half but was outscored 14-0 from there in a 24-21 defeat. In game two versus Morgan State, Akron again got into trouble in the second half and trailed 21-17 going into the final quarter. The Zips were able to find a touchdown and hang on for a 24-21 win, though. 

In last weekend’s matchup versus Kentucky, the Zips gave up points in every quarter (and only scored in the third themselves) during a 35-3 blowout loss. Quarterback DJ Irons had 130 yards in the air, and also led the rush on 30 yards from 13 carries. Jasaiah Gathings put up 43 yards on five grabs to pace the receivers. 

Akron Zips Team Facts

Akron has lost each of its last 11 road games against non-conference opponents.
Akron has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven games against opponents from the Big Ten Conference.
Akron has lost the first half in 14 of its last 15 road games against non-conference opponents.
Each of Akron’s last four games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Indiana Hoosiers 

Over on the Hoosiers’ side, their first game was a rough draw against Ohio State. Indiana came up with just 153 total yards (82 passing) in that game during a 23-3 defeat. The Hoosiers had a much more manageable matchup versus Indiana State in game two. Indiana was able to pull back to .500 on the season with a dominant 41-7 victory, out-gaining the Sycamores 558-93 in total yards. 

On Saturday versus Louisville, Indiana was down 21-0 by halftime. The Hoosiers played much better in the second but still lost 21-14. QB Tayven Jackson had 299 yards with a TD and a pick. Jaylin Lucas had 29 rush yards off eight carries, and also led the receivers on 10 catches for 98 yards and a score. 

Indiana Hoosiers Team Facts

Indiana has won each of its last 14 September games as a favorite.
Indiana has covered the spread in four of its last five games.
Indiana has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against opponents from the Mid-American Conference.
Indiana has won the first half in nine of its last 11 games against non-conference opponents at Memorial Stadium (Bloomington).
Seven of Indiana’s last eight games against non-conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Indiana was one of only six FBS teams to win 3+ games when trailing after Q3 last season.
Indiana was one of only 14 FBS teams to lose 3+ games when leading at HT last season.
Akron suffered the equal-most losses by a margin of 10 points or less of any FBS team last season (6).
Akron suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of 40+ points of any FBS team last season (2).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stick with Indiana. There’s not a whole lot to get excited about in this one, though. The Hoosiers have faced a couple of tough teams in their first trio of games, but this one should be much more manageable. Things may not be so simple as the Indiana State game (33 first downs, 12-of-16 on third-down tries, 36:49 in time of possession, etc.) but Indiana should be in complete control. In last weekend’s matchup versus Louisville, the Hoosiers had a pretty rough first half but balanced things out from there on 357 total yards (299 passing) and 19 first downs. Akron should be a beatable opponent, but I’m staying away.