Akron Zips vs Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction, Picks and Game Preview - 08/31/2024

Game Time: 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, August 31, 2024

Venue:  Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

Where to Watch:  CBS

DraftKings:  Point Spread:  Akron +50.5, Ohio State -50.5; Over/Under:  58.5 points

Bet365:  Point Spread:  Akron +50.5, Ohio State -50.5; Over/Under:  58.5 points

BetMGM:  Point Spread:  Akron +50.5, Ohio State -50.5; Over/Under:  58.5 points

Akron Zips:  0-0 (0-0) (MAC)

Ohio State Buckeyes:  0-0 (0-0) (Big Ten)

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Akron Zips:  N/A

Ohio State Buckeyes:  N/A

Akron finished last season with a 2-10 record overall and they had a 1-7 record in their conference games too.  They were 2-3 in their home games, 0-7 in their road games, and they were also 0-0 in their neutral site games last season, but they will be on the road for this season opener. Last season, their offense was averaging 16.2 points scored per game while their defense was allowing an average of 28 points per game. Their offense also averaged 278.6 yards per game while their defense was allowing an average of 335 yards per game. Jeff Undercuffler led the team in passing yards with 1378, Lorenzo Lingard led the team in rushing yards with 641, and Jasaiah Gathings led the team in receiving yards with 575.

 

 

 

Ohio State finished last season with an 11-2 record overall and they had an 8-1 record in their conference games too.  They were 6-0 in their home games, 5-1 in their road games, and they were also 0-1 in their neutral site games last season, but they will be at home for this season opener. Last season, their offense was averaging 30.5 points scored per game while their defense was allowing an average of 11.2 points per game. Their offense also averaged 407.9 yards per game while their defense was allowing an average of 265.4 yards per game. Kyle McCord led the team in passing yards with 3170, TreVeyon Henderson led the team in rushing yards with 926, and Marvin Harrison Jr. led the team in receiving yards with 1211.

The current betting odds have Ohio State listed as a 50.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. Ohio State had a great season last year with their 11-2 record overall, but their loss to Michigan kept them out of the Big Ten Championship which also kept them out of the college football playoff. Ohio State once again enters this season ranked as one of the best teams in the country, but they have the talent on their roster to back that ranking up. They have recruited well and they have their new starting QB so there is no excuses for this team this season. They take on Akron in this season opener which should be a lay up for them. Akron was terrible last season with their 2-10 record overall and they were also 1-7 in a much weaker MAC. They didn't win any games on the road with their 0-7 road record and they really have no shot of winning this game either. They aren't returning many key players on offense either so they are going to need some time to adjust with the new faces. This is more of a tune up game for Ohio State but there is no reason why they shouldn't score at least 60 points on Akron here at home. Ohio State also prides themselves on defense so Akron is barely going to move the ball up the field in this one. The best way to place a bet here is on Ohio State to cover the spread in this game. 

Akron Ohio State Prediction:  Our NCAAF Pick for Saturday, August 31, 2024 (3:30 pm ET start time) is Ohio State 63 Akron 3.

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Akron Zips: 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games. 0-6 (-4 units) on the first half moneyline in their last 6 away games. 6-1 to the first quarter under in their last 7 away games. 

Ohio State Buckeyes: 6-2 (+5 units) on the first quarter moneyline in their last 8 games. 10-3 to the under in their last 13 games. 8-2 to the first half under in their last 10 games. 

Akron Zips:  None.

Ohio State Buckeyes:  T. Caffey (RB) - Knee.

“When Joe took over, we didn’t have the talent or depth to win. Now, that’s changing. This is not a gold-plate job, but Joe’s transforming the program, especially with the transfer portal and his recruiting connections.” - Athletic Director Charles Guthrie on head coach Joe Moorhead.

"You expect to win every game. That's just what it is. If you don't think that's the case, try losing a game at Ohio State. You're expected to win them all." - Ryan Day on the expectations of being at Ohio State.

WR Campbell, Justin

WR Norton, Adrian 

WR Adams, Alex 

TE Newell, Jake 

QB Finley, Ben 

RB Kellom, Charles 

WR Smith, Jeremiah

WR Tate, Carnell 

WR Egbuka, Emeka 

TE Scott Jr., Gee 

QB Howard, Will 

RB Judkins, Quinshon

Passing: N/A

Rushing: N/A

Receiving: N/A

Touchdowns: N/A

Passing: N/A

Rushing: N/A

Receiving: N/A

Touchdowns: N/A

Coaches:

Akron Zips: Joe Moorhead (3rd season)

Ohio State Buckeyes: Ryan Day (7th season)