Akron Zips (1-5) vs. Western Michigan Broncos (2-3)
October 12, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: Western Michigan Broncos -9.5 / Akron Zips +9.5; Over/Under: +53.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Akron Zips and Western Michigan Broncos meet Saturday in week 7 college football action at Waldo Stadium. Here’s a Western Michigan vs Akron Prediction. This article will include a Western Michigan vs Akron Pick.
Akron Zips Betting Preview
The Akron Zips lost to South Carolina, Ohio, and Bowling Green, and they play Eastern Michigan next. The Akron Zips haven’t won a road game since November 2022. Ben Finley is completing 59.5 percent of his passes for 1,061 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Adrian Norton and Bobby Golden have combined for 612 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while Jake Newell has 27 receptions.
The Akron Zips ground game is averaging 64.7 yards per contest, and Jordon Simmons leads the way with 255 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Akron is allowing 38 points and 422.8 yards per game. Bryan McCoy leads the Akron Zips with 57 tackles, Bennett Adler has 3 sacks and Daymon David has 1 interception.
Western Michigan Broncos Betting Preview
The Western Michigan Broncos lost to Marshall, beat Ball State, and play Buffalo next. The Western Michigan Broncos have won 4 of their last 6 home games. Hayden Wolff is completing 69.7 percent of his passes for 907 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Anthony Sambucci and Blake Bosma have combined for 443 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while Malique Dieudonne has 5 receptions.
The Western Michigan Broncos ground game is averaging 181.8 yards per contest, and Jaden Nixon leads the way with 484 yards and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, Western Michigan is allowing 36.8 points and 428.6 yards per game. Donald Willis leads the Western Michigan Broncos with 43 tackles, Corey Walker has 3 sacks and Tate Hallock has 1 interception.
Why the Western Michigan Broncos will win
- Akron has lost each of its last 12 road games.
- The favorite has won each of Western Michigan’s last 17 games.
- Akron has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The favorite has covered the spread in five of Western Michigan’s last six games at Waldo Stadium.
- Akron has lost the first half in 36 of its last 44 games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Western Michigan’s last five games as a favorite has gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Akron’s last five games as a road underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Western Michigan ranks T124th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (36.8).
- Western Michigan ranks 122nd among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game this season (19.4).
- Akron ranks 133rd among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (5.0).
- Akron ranks 131st among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (12.2).
Western Michigan vs Akron Prediction
The Akron Zips aren’t a good football team, but that doesn’t mean you just throw the other team a ton of chalk. Western Michigan is arguably the worst defensive team in the country, ranked 114th in total defense and 124th in scoring defense. Western Michigan is also 0-2 ATS this season as favorites of 7 or more points. I can’t lay big numbers with a team that doesn’t play any defense. It’s Akron and the points or pass for me.
