Ohio vs. Akron Prediction, Game Preview


Ohio vs. Akron prediction and game preview. The Bobcats look to clinch a berth in the MAC championship game with a win over the Zips.


Ohio vs. Akron Game Preview

When: Tuesday, Nov. 22 – 7 p.m. ET
Where: Peden Stadium, Athens, Ohio.
TV Broadcast: ESPNU

Ohio hasn’t been to the MAC championship game since 2011, but it can change that this week. A win over Akron would clinch the East division for the Bobcats, who are getting their second crack at doing so after falling to Central Michigan, 27-20, last week. That snapped Ohio’s three-game winning streak and dropped it into a tie with Miami (OH), but the Bobcats hold the tiebreaker. They’d also clinch the East if both teams lose this week.

Akron will try to play spoiler and earn its sixth win to become bowl-eligible. The Zips have lost three straight games, though, with the most recent being a 38-28 defeat against Bowling Green on Nov. 9. That game finished with senior wide receiver Tyrell Goodman playing quarterback after starter Thomas Woodson and backup Tra’Von Chapman went down with injuries.

What To Know About Ohio

The Bobcats committed a season-high four turnovers last season, which accounts for one-fourth of their giveaways all year. They rallied from a 14-point deficit to tie it in the fourth quarter but allowed the deciding score with under six minutes remaining. Quinton Maxwell threw a touchdown pass and Dorian Brown ran for another, but Ohio is going to need to be more efficient this week if it plans to fend off the upset.

What To Know About Akron

Akron had its own turnover issues in its last contest. The Zips finished with six turnovers against Bowling Green, although three of them were interceptions by Goodman, who hasn’t played quarterback since high school.

Coach Terry Bowden still doesn’t know who will start under center against Ohio. Woodson is dealing with a shoulder injury, and Chapman suffered a neck injury following a hit. Injuries have been an issue all year for the Zips, who have had 24 players miss at least one game because of health concerns. Six players have been lost for the season, and Bowden said the Zips simply are trying to salvage what has been a disappointing season..

Advantages

Offense: Ohio – The Bobcats would get the edge here no matter what, but Akron’s quarterback situation makes that advantage greater.

Defense: Ohio – It is tied atop the conference with 22 turnovers forced this season.

Special Teams: Even – These are the two best field-goal kicking teams in the conference in terms of percentage made.

Coaching: Even – Bowden and Frank Solich have experienced pretty much everything during long careers in the game.

Intangibles: Ohio – The Bobcats have won the last eight meetings.

Matchup To Watch

Brown vs. Akron’s rush defense

This game will feature plenty of both teams’ running games, especially considering the Zips’ QB situation. But Brown will try to set himself apart while going up against the MAC’s 11th-ranked run defense.

Betting Odds

Spread: No line as of post
Over/Under: No line as of post

Ohio vs. Akron Prediction

Brown rushes for 125 yards and two touchdowns, and the Bobcats take advantage of the Zips’ injury misfortunes to clinch the MAC East.

Ohio vs. Akron final score prediction: Ohio 27, Akron 10

MORE: 1-128 College Football Rankings – Week 13