Akron vs Ohio State Prediction College Football Picks 8/31/24

In this article, we will formulate an Akron vs Ohio State prediction for this College Football Week 1 game on Saturday, August 31st, at Ohio Stadium.  Let’s take a look at a Lindenwood Lions vs Kansas Jayhawks pick. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Zips recent form and recent player performance 

-The Buckeyes recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Akron

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Ohio State

-Recent betting trends in games played between Akron and Ohio State

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Zips and Buckeyes. 

Can Akron Finally See Some Results from the Rebuild

Akron is trying to rebuild their program and the hope is this is the year they can finally start to turn around their program. Last season the offensive line wasn’t good enough and that meant plenty of struggles with the rushing and passing game. Akron does have a new quarterback this season, Ben Finley, who the team hopes can help lead the offense to some success. Michigan State transfer Jordan Simmons has joined the running back room, and he needs to have a big game. Wide receiver Justin Cambell has joined the team from the JUCO ranks, and he can be an elite playmaker. 

The defense did have some positives from last year that they can build on, but this is a monster task they have. Leading tackler Antavious Fish is back, and he’s going to need to be the anchor of this defense. If Akron wants a chance the defense is going to need to make a couple of big-time turnovers. 

National Championship or Bust for Ohio State

Ohio State and Ray Day know that they need to beat the Michigan Wolverines to keep his job, and this is a team that has the talent to win the title. Chip Kelly is in charge of the Buckeyes’ offense, and that is something that Ohio State fans have to be excited about. The Buckeyes offensive line was good in the passing game, but they struggled to create big holes for the running game. Under center for Ohio State in this game will be Will Howard who transferred in from Kansas State. The strength of this Ohio State team is the running back room. Quinshon Judkins transferred in from Ole Miss while TreVeyon Henderson is back after finishing the end zone 11 times last year out of the backfield. 

Everyone knows Ohio State’s defense is scary and last year they gave up only 11.2 runs per game. Seven of the starters are back from last year’s squad, and they are going to try and start right where they left off last year, creating turnovers. 

Why Ohio State Will Beat Akron

• Ohio State has won 42 of its last 44 games at Ohio Stadium.
• Akron has lost each of its last eight road games.
• Akron has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games against AP-ranked teams.
• The team ranked 2nd in the AP Poll has covered the spread in each of its last four games.
• Akron has lost the first half in 16 of its last 19 games against non-conference opponents.

Akron vs Ohio State Prediction 

Ohio State is going to win this game, and they will win it big, but it’s all going to come down to the defense. I do believe Akron’s offense is going to be improved this season, but this is such a tough matchup against an elite Ohio State defense. Akron is going to struggle to get the ball past the 50-yard line, and they aren’t going to score more than a field goal. Ohio State isn’t going to score more than 52 points, and this game is going to end up staying under the total. Back the under to cash.