Akron vs Michigan State Odds, Analysis, Predictions
Akron Zips vs Michigan State Spartans
Date: Saturday, September 10th
Location: Spartan Stadium (MI), East Lansing, MI
TV: BTN
Point Spread: Zips +34.5 / Spartans -34.5
Money Line: Zips +2500 / Spartans -10000
Over/Under: 56.0
RECENT FORM
This season, the Zips have an overall record of 1-0 and have yet to play a game in the
Mid-American. Akron finished the season by winning just 1 time on the road, going 1-5. Over their
last 3 road games, they went 2-1-0 vs the spread.
In their previous game, Akron knocked off St. Francis (PA) by a score of 30-23. However,
grabbing the home win, Zips did not cover the spread, as they were 18.0 point favorites. In the
win, Akron completed 59.5% of their 37 passes, 2 of which resulted in touchdowns. The team ended
the game with 2 rushing touchdowns, along with a total of 98 yards on the ground.
Heading into the matchup, DJ Irons has an overall passer rating of 101.86 on a total of 286
yards. Thus far, he has thrown for 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Wide receiver Shocky
Jacques-Louis, has come up with the most production for the team, with a total of 102 receiving
yards. The Zips have turned to running back Cam Wiley a total of 21 times for a total of 84
rushing yards.
So far, the Spartans have an overall record of 1-0 and have not played a game in the Big Ten.
Last year, the Spartans were an above .500 team at home, going 6-0. Across their last 3 home
games, they had an ATS record of 1-2-0.
In their previous game, the Spartans picked up a 35-13 road win over Western Michigan. This
week, the Spartans will look to pick up another win, as they are coming off a 35-13 win over
Western Michigan. With the 22-point victory, Michigan State also covered the spread. The team
finished the game throwing for 4 touchdown passes. Overall, the Spartans had 233 passing yards on
a completion percentage of 50.0%. On the ground, the team ended with 1 rushing touchdown while
averaging 6.2 yards per carry for a total of 197 yards.
So far, quarterback Payton Thorne has a passer rating of 106.42 while completing 12 of his 24
attempts. Receiver Keon Coleman heads into the game, as the team’s leader in receiving yards,
with a total of 84. The top option in the run game for the team is Jalen Berger, who has carried
the ball 16 times for a total of 120 yards.
BETTING TRENDS
Over their last 10 games, the Zips have struggled both straight up (2-8-0) as well as vs the
spread, going 4-6-0. On offense, the team averaged 19.9 points per game while allowing 37.8.
Their over-under mark (last 10) is 4-6-0.
Over the Spartans’ last 10 games, they have a strong record of 8-2-0, while also going 8-2-0
against the spread. Their last 10 scoring differential sits at +3.8, as they averaged 30.8 points
per game while allowing 27.0. The over-under record in these games was 4-5-1.
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KEY STATS AND ANALYSIS
Heading into this week’s matchup, the Zips will look to improve their offensive output, as
they are ranked just 76th in the NCAA in points scored.
So far, the Zips are averaging 286.0 yards per game through the air, placing them 43rd in the
country. This week, the Zips will be facing a Michigan State defense that finished 216th in pass
yards allowed per game. Last year, they averaged 219.56 yards per game when facing defenses
ranked outside the top 50 in passing defense.
So far, the Akron offense is averaging just 98.0 yards per game on the ground. This production
has come on an average of 33.0 rush attempts per game (77th). This week, the Zips will be facing
a Michigan State defense that finished 30th in rush yards allowed per game. Last year, they
averaged 80.0 yards per game when facing top 25 rush defenses.
Heading into the game, the Zips will hope for some improved play from their defense, as they
are currently 71st at 23.0 points per game allowed.
Heading into this week’s matchup, the Spartans will look to improve their offensive output, as
they are ranked just 56th in the NCAA in points scored.
This season, the Spartans have struggled to move the ball through the air, averaging just
233.0 passing yards per game. This week, the Spartans will be facing an Akron defense that
finished 100th in pass yards allowed per game. Last year, they averaged 247.2 yards per game when
facing defenses ranked outside the top 50 in passing defense.
averaging just 32.0 attempts per game. With their limited opportunities, they have an average of
197.0 yards per contest, good for 47th in the NCAA. This week, the Spartans will be facing an
Akron defense that finished 203rd in rush yards allowed per game. Last year, they averaged 184.36
yards per game when facing defenses ranked outside the top 50.
Going into the game, the Spartan’s defensive unit is 39th in the NCAA in points allowed per
game at 13.0.
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Akron +34.5 Points
