Akron vs. VMI Prediction, Game Preview
Akron vs. VMI prediction and game preview for the opening contest of the 2016 season. Find out who's projected to win the matchup between the Zips and the
Akron vs. VMI prediction and game preview for the opening contest of the 2016 season. Find out who’s projected to win the matchup between the Zips and the Keydets.
Akron vs. VMI Game Preview
Game Details
When: Saturday, Sept. 3 – 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: InfoCision Stadium, Akron, Ohio
Matchup to Watch
Thomas Woodson vs. VMI’s defense
Woodson enters his senior season after throwing 16 touchdown passes while leading Akron to its first winning campaign since 2005 and first-ever bowl victory. Coach Terry Bowden is hoping that number increases given how often the Zips like to throw it deep and the fact top receiver Jerome Lane returns.
Woodson has dropped some weight and believes he can take another step in his improvement. He’ll get a chance to pick apart a VMI defense that allowed an average of 238.2 yards through the air last season.
Edge on Offense
A trimmer frame should help Woodson in the running game, too. With Conor Hundley gone, Woodson is the Zips’ leading returning rusher after going for 600 yards and three scores.
The Cadets get back Al Cobb, who threw for 2,736 yards in 10 games last year. He also tossed 18 interceptions to 14 touchdowns, though.
Advantage: Akron
Edge on Defense
MAC defensive player of the year Jatavis Brown is one of three starting linebackers gone, and a line that helped Akron finish third in the nation against the run has be revamped because of graduations. It’s still unclear how this unit will look, but it at least has more talent than VMI’s.
Advantage: Akron
Edge on Special Teams
Both clubs have question marks in this area having to replace key contributors.
Advantage: Even
Edge in Coaching
Bowden has been a college head coach at some level nearly every year since 1983, including leading Auburn from ’93-’98. He took his lumps while trying to rebuild Akron in his first four years, but after last season’s bowl victories seems to have the Zips trending upward.
Scott Wachenheim enters his second season at VMI after going 2-9 in 2015.
Advantage: Akron
Akron vs. VMI Prediction
Akron overcomes a slow start to win 31-10
