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This Saturday, the Akron Zips are hoping to patch up the holes in a defense that has allowed an average of 38.67 points per game. Akron and the Miami (OH) RedHawks will face off in a Mid-American battle at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at Fred C. Yager Stadium. The Zips have been on the wrong side of a one-way rivalry with Miami (OH) and are hoping to record their first win since Oct. 8 of 2016.
Akron didn't have too much trouble with the Bowling Green Falcons on the road last week as they won 35-20. Akron can attribute much of their success to RB Blake Hester, who rushed for two TDs and 120 yards on 20 carries.
Akron's defense was a force to be reckoned with, as it collected three interceptions and two fumbles. Those interceptions were spread across their defensive unit.
The RedHawks lost a heartbreaker to the Eastern Michigan Eagles when they met in November of 2017, and they left with a heavy heart again last week. Miami (OH) and EMU were almost perfectly matched up, but Miami (OH) suffered an agonizing 13-12 loss. For the second consecutive matchup, Miami (OH) couldn't find the end zone, and they got their points from four field goals.
Special teams was responsible for all of the team's points. K Graham Nicholson delivered a perfect 4-for-4 game.
Akron is the clear underdog, so they're hoping it's the size of the fight that determines this one. Those who got lucky with them against the spread last week might want to hold off on placing bets this time since the team has yet to string together back-to-back wins against the spread.
The Zips' victory brought them up to 2-4 while the RedHawks' defeat pulled them down to an identical 2-4. Akron is 0-1 after wins this season, and Miami (OH) is 2-1 after losses.
