College Football Week 7 Predictions: Western Michigan vs. Akron 10/15/16

Western Michigan vs. Akron Prediction

Can No. 24 Western Michigan hold the Akron offense in check when the two MAC foes meet up today at 3:30PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Western Michigan is the clear favorite on the road, as the Broncos are getting odds of -12 points against Akron. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 73.5 points. Western Michigan has won five of its last six meetings with Akron, and the two have hit the over in three straight meetings.

Bet on Western Michigan vs. Akron

Western Michigan climbed into the top 25 rankings for the first time in program history thanks to a 6-0 start following a 45-30 win over Northern Illinois last week. The Broncos are now 2-0 in the MAC and 3-3 with the over/under total. The Broncos have been solid on both sides of the ball this season, as the defense is giving up just 20.5 points and 346.7 yards per game. On offense, WMU is averaging 44.8 points and 478.5 yards per contest. The run game is leading the Bronco offense as Jamauri Bogan and Jarvion Franklin have combined for 1,044 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. QB Zach Terrell has yet to thrown an interception this season, racking up 1,390 yards and 15 touchdowns. Both Terrell and Bogan are dealing with injuries entering this game as Terrell is probable with a mouth injury while Bogan is questionable with an ankle injury.

Akron is 4-2 this season and 2-0 in the MAC following a 35-13 win over Miami (Ohio). The Zips are 5-1 with the over this season, as their defense is giving up 33.5 points and 467 yards per game. On offense, Akron has been moving the ball well, averaging 37.7 points and 414.5 yards per contest. QB Thomas Woodson is dealing with a shoulder injury, but is probable to play today. He has thrown for 1,247 yards and 13 touchdowns this year. Receiver JoJo Natson has caught 33 passes for 484 yards and seven touchdowns while Manny Morgan has run for 249 yards.

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Western Michigan is going on the road, but the Broncos have managed great showings on the road against Big Ten teams like Northwestern and Illinois. I don’t think Akron is going to put on a better showing than those two teams. The Zips have a good offense, but the Broncos have been stopping better units all season. With Bogan injured, the WMU run game may not be quite as effective as well, leaving me to believe this game isn’t going to get close to a very high total of 73.5 points.

 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 7 PREDICTION: WESTERN MICHIGAN/AKRON UNDER 73.5