The Akron Zips (2-8, 1-5 MAC) take on the Kent State Golden Flashes (0-10, 0-6) in the annual “Battle for the Wagon Wheel” on Tuesday, Nov. 19. This game kicks off at 7 p.m. ET and can be seen live on CBS Sports Network.
Akron has lost 2 in a row and is coming off a 29-16 defeat at the hands of Northern Illinois. Kent State, meanwhile, is winless on the season and has lost its last 4 games by at least 21 points, including its most recent 34-7 loss to Miami (OH).
The Zips come into this one favored by 9.5 points with the total set at 48.5. These programs are both in the midst of losing seasons, but defeating their cross-town rival would ease the sting a bit.
Akron vs Kent State Prediction
- Akron vs. Kent State Pick: Over 48.5
My Kent State vs. Akron best bet is on both teams to go over the total, with the best line currently available at BetRivers, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Akron vs Kent State Odds
| Akron Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-10 -110 | 49 -110 / -110 | -380 |
| Kent State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+10 -110 | 49 -110 / -110 | +300 |
- Akron vs Kent State Spread: Akron -10 (-110) · Kent State +10 (-110)
- Akron vs Kent State Over/Under: 48.5 Points
- Akron vs Kent State Moneyline: Akron -380 · Kent State +300
Akron vs Kent State Preview
Akron Zips Betting Preview: Zips Playing Hard
Akron comes into this one off a hard-fought 29-16 loss to Northern Illinois.
The Zips clawed back into it after being down early but couldn't get the offense going and was shut out in the second half.
This team has been competitive in MAC play, but it has registered only one win in conference play.
The offense has shown flashes of competence, and the defense has provided some resistance while facing a reasonably difficult MAC schedule.
Akron has shown some ability on offense, ranking ninth nationally in Passing Down Explosiveness and 58th in Rushing Success Rate.
Quarterback Ben Finley has thrown for 2,160 yards and 13 touchdowns, and Adrian Norton is a big-play threat at wide receiver.
Running back Jordon Simmons is also averaging 5.6 yards per carry, allowing the Zips to move the ball against some of the weaker defenses in the MAC.
Simmons should be able to have success against the Flashes, who have given up 248 yards per game on the ground in conference play.
Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Preview: Can Kent State Pull Off Upset?
Kent State has been up against it all season and struggled through another blowout loss last week at Miami (OH).
The Flashes scored first when Chrishon McCray hauled in a touchdown pass from Tommy Ulatowski on the first possession following a Miami fumble. However, Kent State would go on to punt or turn the ball over on its next 12 possessions, as the offense couldn't sustain momentum against one of the top defenses in the MAC.
Success has been hard to measure for Kent State, which is outclassed week in and week out. Still, the Flashes would love nothing more than to salvage something this season by defeating their rival.
Kent State has the worst defense in the MAC and ranks in the bottom 10 in the FBS in most major statistical categories, including EPA Per Play allowed (130th), Success Rate allowed (127th) and Havoc (128th).
The Flashes' stop unit also ranks just 116th nationally in Defensive Finishing Drives and has allowed scores on 49-of-53 red-zone trips, including 37 touchdowns.
Akron should be able to hold up in the trenches and protect Finley, allowing him to find open receivers and extend drives. Akron hasn’t spent much time in the red zone this season, but that should change in this game.
Akron vs Kent State Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Akron and Kent State match up statistically:
Akron Offense vs. Kent State Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 83 | 127 | |
| Line Yards | 111 | 133 | |
| Pass Success | 121 | 125 |  |
| Havoc | 107 | 132 | |
| Finishing Drives | 126 | 120 | |
| Quality Drives | 131 | 134 | |
Kent State Offense vs. Akron Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 132 | 68 | |
| Line Yards | 121 | 65 | |
| Pass Success | 131 | 122 | |
| Havoc | 131 | 106 | |
| Finishing Drives | 132 | 116 | |
| Quality Drives | 133 | 107 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 132 | 120 |
| PFF Coverage | 133 | 126 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 67 | 125 |
| Middle 8 | 101 | 133 |
| Seconds per Play | 26.5 (48) | 28.0 (92) |
| Rush Rate | 44% (129) | 55% (79) |
Akron vs Kent State Pick & Prediction
While there hasn't been much to like about these teams this season, I can see a path for both offenses to find success and would support a position on the over, which currently sits at 48.5.
Kent State has struggled of late against the top three defenses in the MAC, but it's put up points against some of the weaker defenses in the league.
While the Zips play hard on defense, they're often caught out of position and surrender explosive plays. They rank 121st nationally in Defensive Success Rate allowed and are 130th in Defensive Finishing Drives.
Akron has allowed scores on 34-of-35 red-zone trips, including 29 touchdowns.
This rivalry is very important to both teams, and I can see these offenses pulling out all the stops.
It's hard to bet the over between teams with offenses this bad, but these defenses are completely unreliable. Both offenses should move the ball and have plenty of scoring chances.
Pick: Over 48.5 (Play to 50.5)
Akron vs Kent State Start Time, TV Channel, How to Watch
| Location: | Dix Stadium |
| Date: | Tuesday, Nov. 19 |
| Kickoff Time: | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | CBS Sports Network |
Akron heads to Kent State on Tuesday for the Wagon Wheel Rivalry at 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
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