Akron vs. Bowling Green Prediction, Game Preview
Akron vs. Bowling Green prediction and game preview. The Zips look to keep the Falcons winless in the conference in Wednesday night's MAC battle.
Akron vs. Bowling Green prediction and game preview. The Zips look to keep the Falcons winless in the conference in Wednesday night’s MAC battle.
Akron vs. Bowling Green Game Preview
When: Wednesday, Nov. 9 – 8 p.m. ET
Where: InfoCision Stadium, Akron, Ohio.
TV Broadcast: ESPNU
Just two weeks ago, Akron looked like a contender for the MAC East title with a 3-1 mark in conference play. Back-to-back losses have changed that, and worse is that the Zips weren’t all that competitive in either contest. Buffalo hadn’t won a conference game until beating Akron, 41-20, on Oct. 27, and Toledo outscored the Zips 45-7 over the final three quarters in a blowout victory Nov. 2.
Akron will try to become eligible for a bowl game by beating Bowling Green, who is the only team yet to win a MAC game. The Falcons have dropped seven in a row after falling to Northern Illinois, 45-20, on Nov. 1 and continue to have issues hanging onto the ball.
What To Know About Akron
The Zips appeared to be in good shape against Toledo after Thomas Woodson hit Jerome Lane with a 91-yard touchdown pass on their first play from scrimmage. Then everything came apart. They allowed a season-worst 622 total yards and are now giving up an average of 497 per game, which ranks 11th in the MAC. Toledo also converted 11 of 16 third downs, a number that shouldn’t be shocking considering the Zips also rank 11th in that category as well with opponents converting 47.02 percent of such situations.
What To Know About Bowling Green
The only MAC team worse than Akron defensively is Bowling Green, which is giving up an average of 504.7 yards while allowing opponents to convert 47.29 percent of third downs. The Falcons won the MAC championships last season, but they’re just 1-8 after former coach Dino Barbers left for Syracuse. Some might be wondering if first-year coach Mike Jinks, who was coaching in high school just four years ago, is in over his head.
However, it’s not all Jinks’ fault that his team can’t protect the ball. Bowling Green has committed 26 turnovers, which are the second-most behind Kansas’ 29. James Morgan and James Knapke have combined for 22 interceptions, the most in the nation.
Advantages
Offense: Akron – Woodson should get more opportunities than usual considering Bowling Green’s turnover issues.
Defense: Even – These are the two worst defensive teams in the conference by far.
Special Teams: Akron – JoJo Natson has returned two punts for touchdowns.
Coaching: Akron – Terry Bowden needs to get his team back on track, though.
Intangibles: Bowling Green – The Falcons have won the last seven meetings.
Matchup To Watch
Woodson vs. Bowling Green’s defense
The Zips showed they have some offensive explosiveness by opening their game against Toledo with a long touchdown. If the Falcons continue struggling defensively, Woodson could be in for a big day.
Betting Odds
Spread: Akron -8.5
Over/Under: No line as of post
Akron vs. Bowling Green Prediction
Woodson throws three touchdown passes and the Zips return one of their two interceptions for a touchdown in a runaway victory.
Akron vs. Bowling Green final score prediction: Akron 38, Bowling Green 17
