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The Akron Zips fell flat on their face against the Miami (OH) RedHawks last week, but memory of that harsh defeat doesn't seem to have tripped them up today. After three quarters it's looking more and more like the Zips' high-powered offense is just too much for the Bowling Green Falcons as Akron lead 24-3. Akron has been led by RB Teon Dollard, who so far has rushed for one TD and 113 yards on 19 carries.
Akron has been riding high on the performance of Dollard, who has rushed for one TD and 113 yards on 19 carries. Dollard had some trouble finding his footing against Miami (OH), so this is a step in the right direction.
Akron is struggling to protect the pocket and have allowed four sacks. They are going to have to protect QB Zach Gibson better if they want to hold on to their lead.
Who's Playing
Bowling Green @ Akron
Current Records: Bowling Green 0-4; Akron 0-4
What to Know
The Akron Zips are 1-4 against the Bowling Green Falcons since October of 2015, but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit Saturday. The Zips and Bowling Green will face off in a Mid-American battle at 2 p.m. ET at Summa Field at InfoCision Stadium. Both of these teams will be looking for a pick-me-up after considerable defeats in their previous games.
A win for Akron just wasn't in the stars last week as the team never even grasped a temporary lead. They ended up on the wrong side of a painful 38-7 walloping at the Miami (OH) RedHawks' hands. Akron was in a tough position by the half, with the score already sitting at 24 to nothing. QB Zach Gibson had a memorable game, but not in the way you want to be remembered: despite one touchdown, he threw one interception with only 5.22 yards per passing attempt.
Meanwhile, Bowling Green played a game they are hoping to forget as they lost a 52-10 blowout to the Ohio Bobcats last week. The last quarter was a mere formality since it was already 52-10 by the third quarter. Bowling Green's loss came about despite a quality game from RB Andrew Clair, who picked up 118 yards on the ground on 15 carries.
This next contest is expected to be close, with Akron going off at just a 2.5-point favorite. At 0-2 against the spread at home, they are no cash cow. That said, the Falcons aren't so hot on the road, where they are 0-2.
The losses bumped both teams down to an identical 0-4. Two defensive stats to keep an eye on: The Zips are ninth worst in the nation in yards allowed per game, with 489.3 on average. Bowling Green has experienced some struggles of their own as they are stumbling into the matchup with the second most rushing yards allowed per game in the nation, having given up 339 on average. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Saturday at 2 p.m. ET
- Where: Summa Field at InfoCision Stadium -- Akron, Ohio
- TV: ESPN3.com
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds
The Zips are a slight 2.5-point favorite against the Falcons, according to the latest college football odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Zips as a 3-point favorite.
Over/Under: -108
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Series History
Bowling Green have won four out of their last five games against Akron.
- Nov 02, 2019 - Bowling Green 35 vs. Akron 6
- Nov 17, 2018 - Bowling Green 21 vs. Akron 6
- Sep 30, 2017 - Akron 34 vs. Bowling Green 23
- Nov 09, 2016 - Bowling Green 38 vs. Akron 28
- Oct 17, 2015 - Bowling Green 59 vs. Akron 10
