As Week 9 of the 2025 college football season unfolds, the Akron Zips travel to face the Buffalo Bulls at UB Stadium. Scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM, this Mid-American Conference encounter will be broadcasted on ESPN+. The outdoor setting in Buffalo, NY, sets the stage for an intriguing afternoon game. The Akron Zips arrive with a 2-6 record, struggling particularly on the road with a 0-4 away record. Their recent performances include a 42-28 loss to Ball State and a home victory against Central Michigan with a score of 28-22. Akron will aim to improve their 1-3 conference standing against a familiar conference opponent. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bulls hold a 4-3 record, showing strength in conference play with a 2-0 record. They recently secured a narrow victory against Massachusetts, winning 28-21 on the road. Buffalo’s home form has been mixed at 2-2, and they will look to solidify their position in the conference at UB Stadium.
Buffalo vs Akron At a Glance
- Game Location: UB Stadium in Buffalo, NY
- Game Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM
- Broadcast Information: Available on ESPN+
- Akron Zips Record: 2-6 overall, 0-4 on the road
- Buffalo Bulls Record: 4-3 overall, 2-2 at home
- Betting Odds: Buffalo favored with a moneyline of -352, and a spread of -9.5
Bulls on the Rise: Buffalo Bulls Prepare for Akron Challenge
Buffalo Bulls Offense
The Buffalo Bulls offense has seen a noticeable dip from the previous season, with 179 points scored so far, placing them at 57th nationally. Their passing game has managed 1,511 yards, ranking 80th, while the rushing unit has contributed 1,079 yards, placing 64th. Despite these figures, the Bulls have been effective in securing first downs, standing 36th with 144 achieved.
Quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson has been leading the charge with 1,337 passing yards, ranking 81st in the nation. His 10 touchdowns show his ability to find the end zone, but he has thrown three interceptions. The team’s rushing attack is spearheaded by Al-Jay Henderson, who has accumulated 477 yards, positioning him at 57th nationally.
Defensive Strength
On defense, Buffalo has allowed 149 points, placing them 75th. Their strength lies in their pass rush and turnover creation, ranking 10th with 19 sacks and 3rd with two interceptions. The Bulls’ ability to recover fumbles is also notable, with four recoveries placing them 6th.
The defense has shown resilience in critical moments, and their ability to pressure the quarterback has been a key factor in their recent victories. They will need to maintain this pressure to succeed against Akron.
Recent Performances
Buffalo’s recent form has been mixed, with a narrow 28-21 win against Massachusetts showcasing their ability to win close games. In contrast, their 31-30 victory over Eastern Michigan highlighted their offensive prowess, despite defensive struggles. Losses to Connecticut and Troy demonstrated vulnerabilities that need addressing.
The Bulls’ ability to bounce back from defeats is crucial, as shown in their record of winning five of the last six games following a loss. This ability to recover will be tested once more as they aim to continue their winning momentum.
Key Players to Watch
Victor Snow has been a standout wide receiver with 522 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, ranking him 36th nationally in yards. His partnership with Roberson has been pivotal in the passing game. Jack Howes, the placekicker, has consistently delivered, making eight field goals and 21 extra points.
On defense, Demetrius Ballard’s potential return could bolster the defensive line, provided he overcomes his undisclosed injury. His contributions could be vital in maintaining their strong defensive performance.
Injury Report
The Bulls are dealing with several injuries, with key players like Jake Timm and Alex Heininger listed as questionable. Messiah Burch and Ramari Taylor’s uncertain status could impact both offensive and defensive depth. Ryan Daly’s absence for the season is a significant loss, impacting the tight end position.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 10 Games (2024–2025) → 9-1 (90.0%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 7 Games (2024–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 15 Games (2024–2025) → 11-4 (73.3%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 6 Games (2024–2025) → 5-1 (83.3%)
- SU – All Games: Last 11 Games (2024–2025) → 8-3 (72.7%)
The Akron Zips: A Season of Challenges and Opportunities
Offensive Overview
In the 2025 regular season, the Akron Zips have shown moderate success on offense, ranking 73rd with 145 points scored. The passing game has been a strength, with the team accumulating 1,568 passing yards, placing them 68th in that category. Meanwhile, the rushing attack has contributed 1,059 yards, ranking 67th overall, showing a balanced approach in their offensive game plan.
First downs have been a positive aspect for Akron, as they rank 35th with 145 first downs achieved this season. This indicates an ability to sustain drives and move the chains efficiently. However, consistency in scoring remains a concern as they transition into the latter part of the season.
Defensive Analysis
The Zips’ defense has faced significant challenges, allowing 245 points, placing them near the bottom at 125th in points against. On a positive note, their pass rush and ball-hawking abilities have been standout features, with 16 sacks and 5 interceptions, ranking 13th and 6th, respectively. This indicates an aggressive approach that can disrupt opposing offenses.
Fumble recoveries have also been a strength, with 4 recoveries ranking them 6th. This ability to force turnovers could be pivotal in swinging momentum in close games as the season progresses.
Quarterback Performance
Ben Finley has been a key contributor for the Zips, throwing for 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns over 7 games. While his passing yardage ranks 66th, he leads the team in this category, showcasing his importance to Akron’s aerial attack.
With 6 interceptions, Finley’s decision-making will be crucial moving forward to minimize turnovers and capitalize on scoring opportunities. His performance will play a significant role in the team’s offensive success in upcoming games.
Running Back and Receiver Contributions
Jordan Gant has been a standout performer in the backfield, rushing for 605 yards and 3 touchdowns over 8 games, ranking 27th in rushing yards. His ability to gain yards on the ground provides a balanced offensive approach for the Zips.
Wide receivers Israel Polk and Kyan Mason have been pivotal in the passing game, with Polk securing 23 receptions for 293 yards and 5 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Mason has caught 24 passes for 371 yards and 3 touchdowns, highlighting their role as key targets in the passing game.
Betting Trends
- O/U – After Loss: Last 7 Games (2024–2025) → 7-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – As Favorite: Last 5 Games (2023–2025) → 5-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 4 Games (2024–2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 12 Games (2023–2025) → 10-2 (83.3%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 10 Games (2020–2025) → 8-2 (80.0%)
Buffalo vs Akron Prediction: Over 47.5
The upcoming game between the Buffalo Bulls and Akron Zips presents an intriguing opportunity for bettors, especially with the total set at 47.5. Buffalo’s recent performance includes a high-scoring 28-21 victory over Massachusetts, indicating their ability to contribute significantly to the total. Akron’s defensive struggles, allowing 245 points this season, further support the possibility of a high-scoring game.
Buffalo’s offense ranks 57th in points for, with a total of 179 points scored this season, suggesting they can effectively exploit Akron’s weak defense. Meanwhile, Akron’s offense, although ranked lower, has managed to put up 145 points, which might contribute to pushing the total over. The historical context also aligns with this prediction, as their head-to-head matchup last year ended in a 41-30 score, surpassing the set total.
Buffalo has demonstrated consistency in covering the over, with a 11-4 record in over/under bets over their last 15 games. Given Akron’s current road record of 0-4, one can expect their defensive vulnerabilities to be exposed by Buffalo’s offense. As such, taking the over 47.5 seems to be the prudent play.
Considering both teams’ offensive capabilities and defensive lapses, a projected final score of Buffalo 35 – Akron 21 aligns with the over bet. This anticipated outcome is based on recent trends, statistical data, and the dynamic between the two teams.
- Buffalo vs Akron Prediction: Over 47.5
- Buffalo vs Akron Score: Buffalo 35 – Akron 21
