Akron Zips vs Ohio Bobcats Matchup

Check out our free Akron Zips vs Ohio Bobcats pick and preview for this CFB week 5 game in Athens. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this week 5 CFB matchup.

ESPN+ will be covering the week five matchup between the Akron Zips and Ohio Bobcats, set to kick off at 3:30 ET from Peden Stadium in Athens. The Bobcats are favored by -12.5 points, with the over/under line currently at 46.5 points. Akron enters the game with a 1-3 record, while Ohio is 2-2 on the season.

Zips vs. Bobcats Matchup At A Glance

Sport: CFB
Teams: Akron Zips at Ohio Bobcats
Where: Athens at Peden Stadium
Date: Saturday, September 28th
Betting Odds OHIO -12.5, AKRON +371 | OHIO -499 O/U 46.5

Zips Preview:

Akron is looking to bounce back after a tough 50-7 loss to South Carolina on the road. The Zips, who were +25 point underdogs, not only fell short of the upset but also failed to cover the spread. This defeat dropped Akron to 1-3 for the season. The combined score of 57 points surpassed the over/under line of 41.5 points.

The Zips fell behind early, with South Carolina taking a 15-0 lead in the first quarter. Akron managed to score in the second quarter, but the Gamecocks matched it, resulting in a 22-7 score at halftime. Akron was shut out in the second half, while South Carolina added 21 more points to their total.

Zips Offense Breakdown

In their 50-7 loss to South Carolina, Akron's offense was limited to 155 total yards and just 38 rushing yards. Ben Finley completed 14 of 27 passes for 110 yards and one touchdown, with his passer rating ending at 59.18. Adrian Norton led the receiving effort with four catches for 56 yards and the Zips' lone touchdown.

Jordon Simmons was the team's leading rusher, gaining 19 yards on six carries. Akron's offense managed to convert nine first downs in the game.

Zips Team Defense

Akron's defense will be looking to bounce back after giving up 550 total yards and 50 points in their most recent game. South Carolina's rushing attack was particularly effective, racking up 274 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. The Zips' secondary also had a tough day, allowing 276 passing yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Bobcats Preview:

Bobcats Offense Breakdown

Ohio's offense was limited to 223 total yards in their 41-6 loss to Kentucky, with 113 yards coming on the ground and 110 through the air. The Bobcats managed to pick up 14 first downs but were unable to find the end zone through the air, while Nick Poulos completed just 42.1% of his passes for 110 yards and threw one interception, ending the game with a passer rating of 39.36.

On the ground, Duncan Brune led the team with 33 rushing yards on six carries, while Coleman Owen was the top receiver, with four receptions for 54 yards.

Bobcats Team Defense

Ohio's defense will be looking to rebound after giving up 488 total yards to Kentucky in their last game. The Bobcats were particularly vulnerable against the run, allowing 206 yards and four rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, they gave up 282 yards on 19 completions.

Zips vs Bobcats Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last five games away from home, the Akron Zips have a straight up record of 0-5 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 11 points per game in these contests.
Through their last three home games, Ohio has an ATS record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 1-2 while averaging 17 points per game.
In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Akron Zips have a straight up record of 0-5 and an ATS mark of 3-2.
Going back to their last ten games as the favorite, the Ohio Bobcats have a straight up record of 8-2. But, their mark vs the spread was just 4-6.