Akron at Miami Ohio – College Football Predictions
The Game
Yes, guy.
It does NOT get much better than Tuesday night MACtion. Akron visits Miami Ohio this week in what should be a really competitive and entertaining game. The Redhawks are sitting at a disappointing 3-6 and need to win out for bowl eligibility. Last season they reeled off 6 (!) straight wins after an 0-6 start to DO THE DEED. Can they do it again ? They will have to get past the wacky Akron Zips who essentially control their own destiny to make the MAC Championship Game if they can bag a win over Ohio next week. Let’s go !
The Details
Miami Ohio -5.5 Akron (50.5)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Miami Ohio -4
Sagarin Ratings – Miami Ohio -1
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Miami Ohio 28 Akron 22.5
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Akron 24 Miami Ohio 21
The Match-Up
Miami Ohio offense vs Akron defense
The Redhawks have some nice pieces on offense but have definitely missed the presence of QB Gus Ragland. Billy Bahl has been serviceable (5-4 TD to INT; 52%) but does not have the play making ability of Ragland who is listed as questionable this week. We tend to think he will play (even if he does not start) based on information from our MAC INSIDERS and the action in the point spread. They have a really nice 1-2 punch at RB (K Young, A Smith) that has combined for over 1,100 yards and 6 rushing TDs. WR James Gardner is a legit #1 WR and is on his way to a 1,000-yard season (847). TE Ryan Smith is also a dangerous target and is #2 on the team in receiving yards and receptions. The Akron defense is tough to handicap because the stats do not look that great but the results have been good. They have been tough to score upon other than the games vs Penn St, Iowa St and Toledo. We can see Miami getting into the 20s but not into the 30s unless Ragland gets some playing time.
Akron offense vs Miami Ohio defense
The offense has done just enough to slither though the schedule and bag five wins. QB T Woodson makes enough plays to keep his team in the game and does not make an inordinate number of mistakes as a senior leader. The running game has been a big disappointment (leading rusher 332 yards) and the passing game has been a success due to the variety of targets (8 players with TD passes). Miami has one of the better run defenses in the MAC and only allows 53.5% completions. They should be able to control the Akron offense and just need to avoid giving up too many big plays and/or short fields due to turnovers.
MEGA-MAZING MINUTIA
This is the Zips 5th road game in the last 7 weeks…..The under is 7-2 in their last 9 meetings…..The under is 39-16 in the last 55 Akron conference games.
Summary
We really like Miami Ohio is this game. We think they will have a motivational edge and have the better offense and defense (by a slight margin). The issue we have is with the point spread. We were hoping for something in the “3” range. Oops.
Conclusion
Strong lean to the under 50.5.