The Week 5 encounter of the 2025 regular season sees the Akron Zips traveling to face the Toledo Rockets. Scheduled to be held at the Glass Bowl in Toledo, Ohio, this Saturday afternoon game kicks off at 3:30 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Both teams are members of the Mid-American Conference, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this conference game.
Akron comes into the game with a 1-3 record for the season, having struggled on the road with a 0-2 away record. Their most recent game was a victory over the Duquesne Dukes, where they showcased impressive offensive stats with 249 passing yards and 269 rushing yards. However, consistency has been an issue for the Zips, as seen in their heavy defeat against Nebraska earlier in the season.
On the other side, the Toledo Rockets hold a balanced 2-2 record, with a perfect 2-0 record at home. Toledo’s recent performances include a dominant 60-0 victory over Morgan State and a narrow loss to Western Michigan. The Rockets have been strong in rushing, evidenced by their 307 rushing yards against Western Kentucky, and will look to leverage their home-field advantage in this upcoming contest against Akron.
Toledo vs Akron At a Glance
- Game Location: Glass Bowl in Toledo, OH
- Game Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 3:30 PM
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Akron Zips Record: 1-3 this season
- Toledo Rockets Record: 2-2 this season
- Game Odds: Toledo is favored with a -1764 moneyline
Toledo Rockets Prepare for an Exciting Game
Offensive Strategies and Performance
The Toledo Rockets have shown a strong offensive presence this season, ranking 28th in points for with a total of 134. Their passing game, however, sits at 68th with 857 yards, indicating room for improvement. The rushing game is a standout, securing the 27th rank with 817 yards.
First downs are crucial for maintaining offensive momentum, and Toledo ranks 25th with 85 first downs this season. This ability to convert plays is a significant factor in their offensive strategy. Consistency in achieving first downs can help the Rockets sustain drives and control the game’s tempo.
Defensive Strengths
On the defensive side, Toledo is ranked 35th in points against, allowing 59 points this season. Their defensive line is robust, with a 9th place ranking in sacks, totaling 9 so far. This pressure on the quarterback can disrupt opposing offenses and create turnover opportunities.
Interceptions and fumbles recovered are pivotal for defensive success, and Toledo ranks 4th and 1st, respectively, in these categories. With 3 interceptions and 5 fumbles recovered, the Rockets demonstrate a keen ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
Recent Game Insights
Toledo’s recent performance includes a narrow loss to Western Michigan with a score of 14-13. Despite the defeat, their defense held strong, limiting the Broncos to 91 rushing yards. The Rockets excelled in rushing with 191 yards but struggled in the passing game, only managing 89 yards.
In a dominant 60-0 victory over Morgan State, Toledo showcased their offensive prowess with 297 passing yards and 260 rushing yards. This game highlights their potential when both the passing and rushing games are firing on all cylinders.
Key Players and Stats
Quarterback Tucker Gleason leads the team with 688 passing yards over four games. His performance is supported by standout running back Chip Trayanum, who ranks 10th in rushing yards with 401. Trayanum’s ability to find the end zone, with 5 rushing touchdowns, is a critical asset for the Rockets.
Wide receiver Junior Vandeross III is a key target, leading the team with 22 receptions and 258 receiving yards. His four receiving touchdowns highlight his importance in the passing attack. Keeping these players involved will be essential for Toledo’s offensive success.
Toledo Rockets Betting Trends
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: Last 14 Games (2022–2025) → 13-1 (92.9%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 22 Games (2021–2025) → 18-4 (81.8%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 4 Games (2023–2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 26 Games (2022–2025) → 19-7 (73.1%)
- SU – All Games: Last 28 Games (2023–2025) → 20-8 (71.4%)
Akron Zips Set to Challenge Toledo Rockets: A Data-Driven Preview
Akron’s Offensive Overview
The Akron Zips have had a mixed performance this season, ranking 69th in points scored with a total of 79. Their passing game has been less effective, coming in at 95th with 732 passing yards. On the ground, they’ve seen better success, ranking 57th with 633 rushing yards.
Akron has been effective in moving the chains, achieving 73 first downs, which places them 35th in the rankings. Their offensive strategy seems to focus more on rushing and securing first downs, while their passing game has room for improvement.
Defensive Insights
The Zips’ defense has allowed 116 points against them, placing them at 83rd in the rankings. They have been successful in applying pressure, securing 6 sacks and ranking 12th. Their ability to create turnovers is notable, with 3 interceptions and 3 fumbles recovered, ranking 4th and 3rd, respectively.
This defensive prowess in turnover creation could prove crucial in upcoming games, as they aim to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. The Zips’ ability to maintain a strong defense despite challenges has been a key aspect of their season.
Recent Game Performances
In their recent game against Duquesne, the Zips emerged with a commanding 51-7 victory, showcasing their potential when both offense and defense are in sync. This win was highlighted by 26 first downs, 249 passing yards, and 269 rushing yards.
However, their prior games showed inconsistencies, including a 68-0 loss to Nebraska, where their offensive struggles were evident with only 62 passing yards. These varying performances highlight the need for consistency as they face future challenges.
Key Players to Watch
Ben Finley leads the Zips’ passing game with 694 passing yards over four games, though his ranking suggests room for growth. On the ground, Jordan Gant has been a standout performer, amassing 278 rushing yards.
In the receiving corps, Israel Polk has been a reliable target, securing 163 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. The Zips’ success will hinge on these key players’ ability to deliver consistent performances.
Betting Trends
- O/U – Away Games: Last 10 Games → 9-1 (90.0%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 5 Games → 5-0 (100.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 9 Games → 8-1 (88.9%)
- O/U – As Favorite: Last 4 Games → 4-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 4 Games → 4-0 (100.0%)
The Akron Zips have shown a strong trend in covering the over/under, particularly in away games and after losses. This could be an area of focus for bettors looking at upcoming matchups.
Toledo vs Akron Prediction: Toledo -21.0
The Toledo Rockets have a strong home record this season, standing undefeated at 2-0. Their offensive prowess ranks 28th in points scored, with 134 points this season, making them a formidable opponent for the Akron Zips. Akron, on the other hand, has struggled on the road with a 0-2 record, making it challenging for them to compete with Toledo’s high-powered offense.
Despite a narrow loss to Western Michigan, Toledo has shown an impressive track record when playing at home, with an 81.8% win rate over their last 22 home games. This trend suggests that the Rockets are likely to perform well against the Zips, who have allowed 116 points this season, ranking them 83rd in points against. The spread of -21.0 seems achievable for Toledo, given their offensive capabilities and Akron’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Akron’s defense has been one of their weak points this season, ranking 83rd in points against, which doesn’t bode well against a Toledo team that has been effective offensively. Additionally, Toledo has a 73.3% win rate after a loss over their last 15 games, indicating resilience and a strong chance of bouncing back in this matchup. With Toledo’s offensive stats and Akron’s defensive woes, covering the -21.0 spread seems feasible.
Taking into account Toledo’s home performance and Akron’s struggles on the road, the prediction leans towards Toledo not only winning but also covering the spread. Expect Toledo to capitalize on Akron’s defensive issues and deliver a decisive victory at home.
- Toledo vs Akron Prediction: Toledo -21.0
- Toledo vs Akron Score: Toledo 42 – Akron 17
