The Wagon Wheel is up for grabs this week when the Akron Zips (0-2) travel the 10 miles to visit the Kent State Golden Flashes (2-0) on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Kent State is tied at the top, and Akron tied at the bottom, of the MAC – East. This game will air live on ESPNU at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Through two games, the Akron offense is averaging just 11.5 points per game and 345.5 yards per game, 172.0 through the air and 173.5 on the ground. Teon Dollard leads the team with 232 rushing yards and Nate Stewart is the top receiver with eight receptions for 88 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, the Zips are allowing 41.0 points and 395.5 yards, 194.0 passing and 201.5 rushing.
The Kent State offense is averaging 44.5 points per game and 549.0 yards per game, 295.5 through the air and 253.5 on the ground. Bryan Bradford is the top rusher with 185 yards and Isaiah McKoy is the top receiver with 14 receptions for 178 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, the Golden Flashes are allowing 23.5 points and 333.5 yards, 173.0 passing and 160.5 rushing.
Below is my pick for the Akron Zips at Kent State Golden Flashes. All odds are from BetMGM Sportsbook.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/kent_state” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Akron Zips at Kent State Golden Flashes (-23.5): O/U 59.5 (-108/-112)
Last time out, Akron visited the Ohio Bobcats and suffered a 24-10 defeat. Akron dug themselves a 14-0 hole and could never dig themselves out of it as the Zips never led in the game. QB Zach Gibson went 18/30 for 218 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Teon Dollard had a great game with 165 rushing yards on 22 carries. The Akron defense gave up just 307 total yards but did not force any turnovers.
Kent State visited the Bowling Green Falcons and left with a dominant 62-24 win. This game was back and forth for the first quarter, as it was 10-10 after one, but Kent State exploded for 28 unanswered points in the second quarter to put this game on ice. QB Dustin Crum had a great night as he went 18/27 for 271 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. RB Bryan Bradford had 13 carries for 113 yards, and Collin Schlee and Marquez Cooper combined for 115 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries. The Kent State defense allowed 365 total yards and recovered one Falcons fumble.
Series History: Kent State won the meeting last season, but Akron still leads the all-time series 35-25-2.
College Football Predictions: I like Kent State -23.5 to win the Wagon Wheel easily this season.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 34-23