The Akron Zips (0-1) face off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (1-0) on Saturday, September 7th. This game will be played at SHI Stadium in Piscataway and televised on BTN. Rutgers is coming off a win in their previous game, while Akron is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Ohio State. Kickoff is set for 12:00 ET.

Akron Zips vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights

 

Akron Offense Breakdown

In their 52-6 loss to Ohio State, Akron’s offense was limited to 191 total yards, with 130 yards coming through the air. Quarterback Tahj Bullock completed 9 of 13 passes for 68 yards, earning a passer rating of 81.57. He was also Akron’s top rusher, gaining 42 yards on 14 carries.

The Zips managed 11 first downs but struggled to establish a ground game, finishing with just 61 rushing yards on 34 attempts. Tahj Bullock threw two of Akron’s three interceptions, and Jake Newell led the receiving effort with two catches for 41 yards.

Rutgers Offense Breakdown

Rutgers’ offense was dominant in their 44-7 win over Howard, racking up 476 total yards and 29 first downs. The ground game was particularly effective, with 329 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Kyle Monangai led the way with 165 yards on 19 carries, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt and finding the end zone once.

Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis completed 62.5% of his passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns, finishing with a passer rating of 119.27. Dymere Miller was the top receiver, hauling in four catches for 37 yards and a score.

Akron Team Defense

In their 52-6 loss to Ohio State, Akron’s defense struggled to contain the Buckeyes’ offense, giving up 406 total yards. Ohio State’s rushing attack found success, gaining 172 yards on the ground and scoring two rushing touchdowns. The Zips’ secondary had a tough day, allowing 234 passing yards and three touchdowns through the air, with Ohio State completing 18 of 31 pass attempts against Akron.

Akron Team Defense

After holding Howard to just 7 points and 262 total yards, Rutgers’ defense is looking to build on a strong performance. The Scarlet Knights allowed just 14 first downs and 116 passing yards, with an interception. However, they did give up 146 rushing yards on 35 attempts, including one touchdown.

Akron vs Rutgers Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the Akron Zips have a straight up record of 1-9 while going 7-3 vs. the spread. The team averaged 17 points per game in this stretch.
• Through their last ten home contests, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights offense has averaged 11 points per game while allowing an average of 28. Rutgers posted an overall record of 2-8 while going 4-4-1 ATS.
• Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, Akron has an ATS mark of 3-2 while going 0-5 straight up.
• Rutgers has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last three games.

Zips vs Scarlet Knights Prediction

We’re projecting a 36-11 win for Rutgers in their week two matchup against Akron. The over/under line is set at 41.5 points, and with our projected score, there is still enough room to take the over.

As for the spread, Rutgers is the heavy favorite at -23.5, and we expect them to cover this spread comfortably, making them a good pick as home favorites.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.