The Akron Zips and Miami of Ohio Redhawks face off on Saturday in a MAC college football showdown at Yager Stadium. When these two teams faced off in 2020, Miami won 38-7
The Akron Zips currently sit with a 2-4 record overall, but it seems they are an improving team. In the last game against Bowling Green, the offense was strong scoring 35 points. It seems the team is turning to Zach Gibson under center, and in the last game he completed 14 of 15 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Blake Hester also had 20 carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Akron is averaging 21.3 points while the defense is giving up 38.67 points.
On the other side of this matchup is the Miami of Ohio Redhawks who also sit with a 2-4 record but they have lost three games in a row. In the last game against Eastern Michigan the defense was strong giving up only 13 points, but the offense could only manage 12 points, and that led to the defeat. Miami is averaging 22 points while the defense is giving up 23.3 points per game. Miami has used AJ Mayer and Brett Gabbert under center, but it appears in this game, it will be Mayer. On the season, Mayer has thrown for 717 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Akron is 4-0 against the spread in their last four meetings in Miami. The under is 4-1 in the last five meetings. The road team is 4-0 in the last four meetings between the two teams. Akron is 1-4 in their last five road games. Miami is 10-3 in their last 13 home games. Miami is 4-11 against the spread in their last 15 games as a home favorite.
Akron has struggled the last few years, but Miami hasn’t done anything this season that has really impressed me. The Redhawks offense isn’t great and this isn’t a game where they are going to be scoring 40 points. Look for Akron to score at least 17 points, and that will be enough to cover the spread.