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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 36.7 points per contest. Their week off comes to an end as they meet up with the Northern Illinois Huskies at 1:30 p.m. ET at Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium on Saturday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W.'
Three weeks ago, Akron was within a late touchdown of stealing the victory, but they took the "L" against the Eastern Michigan Eagles 34-28. The losing side was boosted by RB Cam Wiley, who rushed for three TDs and 144 yards on 18 carries. This was the first time Wiley has racked up 100+ rushing yards all year. Wiley's sharp performance also set his single-game rushing touchdown high for the season.
Meanwhile, NIU didn't finish too far behind, but the squad still lost 29-23 to the Miami (OH) RedHawks last Wednesday. Northern Illinois' defeat came about despite a quality game from RB Antario Brown, who punched in one rushing touchdown. That touchdown -- an 86-yard rush in the third quarter -- was one of the highlights of the matchup.
The Zips have to know they'll be fighting an uphill battle given the ten-point spread they are up against. Those playing the odds have seen things go back and forth with Akron, who are 4-4 against the spread.
Akron was pulverized by NIU 49 to nothing when the teams previously met three seasons ago. Can Akron avenge their loss, or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll soon find out.
