Story by
Ohio vs Akron Prediction, Odds, Start Time, Picks — 11/3
- Story by
- Ohio vs Akron Prediction, Odds, Start Time, Picks — 11/3
Dylan Widger-Imagn Images. Pictured:Ohio QB Nick Poulos.
If you want more Action Network content, be sure to add us as a preferred source on Google .
The Ohio Bobcats take on the Akron Zips in Akron, Ohio, on Tuesday, November 3. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Advertisement
Ohio is favored by -13.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -580. Akron, meanwhile, enters as a +13.5 underdog and is +440 on the moneyline to pull off the upset. The over/under sits at 50.5 total points.
Here's my Ohio vs. Akron predictionand college football pick for Tuesday, November 3.
-
Ohio vs. Akron Pick: Ohio -13.5 or Better
My Akron vs. Ohio best bet is on the Bobcats to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page .
Ohio vs Akron Odds, Spread, Line
-
Ohio vs Akron Spread: Ohio -12.5, Akron +12.5
-
Ohio vs Akron Over/Under: 51.5 Points
-
Ohio vs Akron Moneyline: Ohio ML -550, Akron ML +410
Ohio has been much more consistent offensively since quarterback Nick Poulos came back from an injury that sidelined him for three weeks early in the season, and the Bobcats continue to pile up the wins in MAC play.
Advertisement
Ohio is 4-0 in the MAC and squarely in contention for a trip to Detroit for the MAC title game.
The Bobs remain the only undefeated team in conference play, but four teams behind them have just one loss, and big games against Miami (OH) and Toledo await. There's no room for error.
Poulos has completed 67% of his passes since coming back from injury and has thrown for 601 yards the last three weeks with a 5:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Ohio has leaned heavily on the run game in MAC play, with Duncan Brune and Victor Rosa garnering the majority of the carries. These two have combined to run for 716 yards and eight rushing scores this season, with Poulos also showing mobility while chipping in 203 rushing yards.
Advertisement
Riley Neer has been the most reliable receiving option, catching passes for 497 yards and five touchdowns. The offensive line has also played well since entering conference play.
The Ohio defense hasn't been as dominant as the stop units that we've seen over the last five years, but the performance has been strong since entering MAC play.
The Bobcats are allowing just 102 rushing yards per game in conference play, and the defense is excellent at preventing explosive plays on the ground.
The coverage unit is getting better every week, as five of the Bobs' last six opponents have been held under 200 yards passing.
Akron has struggled through a tough 1-7 start to the season, one that was doomed before the Zips took a snap when projected starting quarterback Reese Poffenbarger was ruled ineligible.
Advertisement
Brayden Roggow and Cibastian Broughton have split time at the position, but the Zips have been forced to use Roggow as the primary quarterback due to injury.
He has completed 59% of his throws this season with seven touchdown passes, but his three best games of the season came over the last three contests.
The ground attack hasn't been strong this season, as the Zips are averaging just 139 rushing yards per game against FBS competition on 3.7 yards per attempt.
Feeding Jordan Gant is a big part of the game plan. The senior running back has rushed for 618 yards and six touchdowns this season. Sean Patrick was registering about eight carries per game before an injury sidelined him a couple of weeks back. He has yet to factor into the offense since coming back.
Advertisement
On the other side, the defense hasn't been strong.
In previous years, the defensive line would provide some resistance against the run, and the defensive line could be counted on to create negative plays and pressure opposing quarterbacks. But that hasn't happened this year.
Akron has just four sacks and 23 tackles for loss registered. The lack of pressure has been tough on the secondary, which has been shredded all season.
This is a tough assignment for a Zips defense that has to take on a surging Ohio offense right now.
This line opened with Ohio listed as a 12-point favorite, with a total that has been bet up from 48 to 51.5. Ohio has taken money, and the line has bounced between 13.5 and 14.5 for the last 48 hours. I like the Bobcats in this matchup.
Advertisement
Ohio's offense has been surging, and the Bobs are playing excellent complementary football right now.
The ground attack has shredded opponents in three of their last four MAC games, and Akron can't stop the run.
The Zips' defensive line has been incredibly weak, and Akron ranks 119th in Rushing Success Rate allowed while struggling to stop the explosive plays.
Poulos has looked very sharp since coming back from his injury, and his dual-threat ability will create problems for Akron here. The Zips have given up 18 touchdown passes this season while forcing just three interceptions.
Kent State averaged nine yards per pass attempt last weekend, and the Zips were also shredded by UNLV , Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan in recent weeks.
Advertisement
Ohio will be able to move the football with success, and I expect Bobs to end several trips to the red zone with touchdowns.
Akron has seven losses and won't qualify for a bowl game. It's also coming off a 15-point loss against rival Kent State in the Battle for the Wagon Wheel.
I fail to see where this team is drawing motivation from, and the offense will struggle to keep up with Ohio in this game.
The Bobcats should be fully locked in to remain atop the MAC standings. Ohio will pull away in the second half of this one. I'm laying the number here.
Pick: Ohio -13.5 or Better
