Akron Zips (1-3) vs. Ohio Bobcats (2-2)
September 28, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: Ohio Bobcats -12.5 / Akron Zips +12.5; Over/Under: +45.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Akron Zips and the Ohio Bobcats meet Saturday in college football action from Peden Stadium. Here’s an Ohio vs Akron prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Ohio vs Akron pick.
Akron Zips Betting Preview
The Zips started out their year with a tough matchup versus Ohio State and got crushed 52-6. Akron followed that up with a 49-17 blowout loss to Rutgers in game two, but finally got their first win 31-20 over Colgate on September 14.
Last weekend versus South Carolina, the Zips gave up points in every quarter (including 21 in the fourth) during a 50-7 blowout loss. QB Ben Finley posted 110 yards with one TD and one pick. Adrian Norton caught four balls for 56 yards and a TD.
Ohio Bobcats Betting Preview
Over on the Bobcats’ side, they lost their opener this year as well, 38-22 versus Syracuse. Ohio was able to get into the win column during their next pair of games, beating South Alabama 37-20 and Morgan State 21-6.
The Bobcats played Kentucky in their fourth game of the season. In that one Ohio gave up double-digit points in each of the final three quarters in a 41-6 blowout loss. Nick Poulos threw for 110 yards and an interception. Duncan Brune led the rush with six carries for 33 yards.
Why the Ohio Bobcats will win
- Akron has lost each of its last 11 road games.
- Ohio has won 13 of its last 14 games at Peden Stadium.
- Akron has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Ohio has won the first half in 13 of its last 17 games against conference opponents.
Why the Akron Zips will win
- Ohio has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven September games as a home favorite.
- Akron has covered the spread in three of its last four road games against Ohio.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Ohio’s last four September games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Akron’s last four games have gone OVER the total points line.
Ohio vs Akron Prediction
I’ll lean toward Ohio. Probably staying away, though. The Bobcats are coming off a tough road matchup versus Kentucky, posting 223 total yards (110 passing) 14 first downs and a pair of turnovers. Ohio gave up 488 yards (282 passing) on the other side, along with 25 first downs and 7.2 yards per play.
As for Akron, they had a rough game last weekend as well. The Zips managed just 154 yards (117 passing), nine first downs and 3-of-13 on third-down tries versus South Carolina. Both teams should match up a lot better this weekend, and I think Ohio can power out the cover at home.
