[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/ohio” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]
The Mid-American Conference season finally got underway this last weekend, but it was not a joyous event for either the Akron Zips or the Ohio Bobcats, who both fell in their openers. For Akron, it was especially troubling. Coming off a windless 2019 season, the Zips were destroyed by Western Michigan, 58-13. Ohio lost to Central Michigan, 30-27.
The Bobcats enter this contest as prohibitive favorites at 26.5. They dominated last year’s contest between these two teams, crushing Akron, 52-3. The Bobcats have won five of the last six meetings.
Western Michigan Destroys Arkon
Amazingly, Akron held a 7-3 lead a little over six minutes into last Wednesday’s contest, but then yielded 55 of the next 61 points scored on the way to a crushing 58-13 defeat. While the defense allowed 8.3 yards per play to the Broncos.
Quarterback Zach Gibson was a solid 18 of 30 passing, but for just 125 yards and an interception. It was a challenging start for the freshman quarterback, but it will not be surprising to see him improve as the season goes along. Running back Teon Dollard also made his debut for the Zips, carrying the ball 16 times for 67 yards. He is a junior transfer from AAMU.
While the offense struggled, Jeremiah Knight played exceptionally well. The wide receiver often found himself carrying the ball, rushing for 76 yards on 11 carries. Look for him to have a bigger impact offensively in this game.
The defense shows no signs of improvement after last year’s winless campaign. They gave up 484 yards of total offense, including 218 on the ground. Western Michigan faced just 10 third-down situations, converting five of those and adding two fourth-down conversions.
Central Michigan Outlasts Bobcats
Ohio suffered a tough loss to open the season, falling at Central Michigan, 30-27. The Bobcats did cover the spread, as they entered as a 2.5 point underdog, but that is no consolation to a team that gave up 427 yards of total offense.about:blankYouTube URLPaste a link to the content you want to display on your site.
Quarterback Kurtis Rourke only threw the ball 19 times in the contest but completed 12 of his passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. His big issue was that he was sacked five times, highlighting a serious need for the offensive line to better protect their quarterback. He may be splitting time with Armani Rogers, who transferred from UNLV and had three pass attempts in last week’s contest.
Senior running back De’Montre Tuggle carried the ball 16 times for 79 yards and a score. It was a solid start after a 600+ yard 2019 campaign.
Many of last year’s starters returned for the Ohio defense but that did not seem to help in this contest. The defense recorded no sacks and no turnovers.
Trends:
Akron:
- 6-2 ATS in their last eight games on the road when facing a team with a losing record home.
Ohio:
- 3-7 ATS in their last 10 Mid-American Conference games.
- 0-6 ATS in their last six home games.
- 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
The Winner Prediction
I am going to start by being honest that Ohio is going to win this game. Akron has some work to do, and their defense is quite possibly the worst in the conference. They are going to yield some points, but I expect them to score some as well. I would not be surprised to see Gibson respond with a 250-yard performance, helping the Zips to keep this game close.
In the end, it will be that porous defense that dooms the Zips. However, not by 26.5 points. That is far too many, so take Akron and the points.
Pick: Take Akron and the points (+26.5) (-110).
The Total:
The total is set at 57.0. They have gone under in four of the last five meetings in Ohio and Akron has gone under in 17 of their last 24 games on the road. However, Ohio has gone over in each of their last four conference games and has gone over in four of their last five overall.
I like the trends for the Bobcats at home and expect there to be some serious offense in this contest, probably over 800 total yards produced. Take Ohio to win, 43-20.
Pick: Go over 57.0 (-110)