Akron Zips vs
Ohio St. BuckeyesPredictions & Preview

Ohio State Buckeyes Set to Kick Off Season Against Akron Zips, Favored by 48.5 Points

With college football season underway, the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes are set to kick off their season against the Akron Zips this Saturday. The game will take place at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 ET. Ohio State opens as the favorite with a current line of -48.5. Bettors may want to keep an eye on this matchup for potential betting opportunities.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Zips +800 | Buckeyes -1400
• Spread: Zips +48.5 (-110) | Buckeyes -48.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 58 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Ohio St. will win straight-up is 93%.

Akron vs Ohio St. Stats

Akron Zips

Joe Moorhead is entering his third season as head coach of the Akron Zips with a disappointing record of 4-20. Despite consecutive 2-10 seasons, there is optimism for improvement as the team lost several close games last year. The offense struggled in 2023, ranking 129th in scoring, but will see new offensive transfers, including quarterback Ben Finley. On defense, coordinator Tim Tibesar returns for his third season, with the team ranking 76th in points allowed last year. The defense's strength lies in their defensive line, led by CJ Nunnally IV and Bennett Adler. Akron currently has a power ranking of 117, with their offense ranked 128th and defense ranked 79th. They are yet to play a game this season.

Ohio St. Buckeyes Analysis

The Ohio State Buckeyes have high expectations this season, with Coach Ryan Day making significant acquisitions in the transfer portal, including veteran quarterback Will Howard and running back Quinshon Judkin. The offense is expected to be strong under the guidance of coordinator Chip Kelly. On the defensive side, coordinator Jim Knowles has a strong unit anchored by edge rushers Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau. The team has a power ranking of 6 and ranks #45 for offense, scoring an average of 30.54 points per game, and #2 for defense, allowing just 11.23 points per game. Akron has had success in their last three matchups against Ohio State, going 3-0. Overall, Ohio State is 0-0 (0-0 ATS) for the season.

Analyzing Football Gambling: Favoring Ohio State in Matchup Against Akron

In analyzing football gambling, the focus should be on key numbers and choosing the favored team. An opportunity could potentially arise if the point difference is seven touchdowns or higher, favoring Akron. However, within that margin, it is recommended to side with Ohio State while playing at home. Ohio State is considered a strong contender for the national championship, with offensive improvements being the main priority this season. The addition of offensive strategist Chip Kelly and experienced quarterback Will Howard should bolster their performance. The Buckeyes' offensive strategy will likely focus on establishing an early lead against Akron before turning to their proficient running backs, Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, to secure victory. Ultimately, backing the Buckeyes in this matchup is the prudent course of action.

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