Akron Zips vs Ball State Cardinals

Akron is better defensively than the stats suggest, having to tussle with Wisconsin in Week 2 and unbeaten Western Michigan last week. The Zips are still 2-1 in the MAC, first place in the East and well coached under Terry Bowden. On offense, their two quarterbacks have combined for 18 TDs to eight picks. Starting quarterback Thomas Woodson (13 TDs, four INTs) has been sidelined for the past two games, but returns for this game with Ball State. It's a balanced Akron attack with RBs Manny Morgan and Van Edwards averaging over 5.2 yards per carry. The Zips are 9-4 ATS after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Akron is also 24-10 UNDER the total in MAC games, plus 19-9 UNDER after a spread loss. Ball State returns home after playing five of seven on the road. QB Riley Neal (six TDs, eight picks) hasn't been sharp, with the passing game #81 in the nation, while the defense ranks #89 in yards allowed. Ball State is on a 4-11 spread run at home, as well as a 10-3 run UNDER the total overall. Grab the first-place visitors in a defensive battle. Take Akron and the UNDER.

The Akron Zips have made a lot of progress over the last couple years after being the MAC doormat for a few seasons. They are off to a 4-3 start, but they have been playing much below the line as they have failed to cover five of their six games vs. FBS opponents. They have failed as a sizable dog, a sizable favorite, as well as a small favorite as they are posted for this one. Ball State only has a pair of wins, but have been improving, and got a reward for their progress with a win last week at Central Michigan as a +10.5 point underdog. Their five losses have been by a combined 35 points, and they have been in every game they have played and are learning how to win. The Cardinals have an 11-5 ATS mark in their last 16 inside the conference, and will pick up their second straight win here. Play on Ball State.

This is a short line considering the resumes of these two teams. Ball State comes in at 7-1, averaging 39.1 points per game. Sure it's a road game but Ball State is 3-1 on the road, averaging actually more points (41.0 per game). Akron is 2-6 including 1-2 at home. They are allowing 31.5 points per game (37 per game at home) and their offense has really gone in the tank since the start of conference play. In four conference games, the Zips are averaging just 15.2 points per contest. Since the arrival of Pete Lembo in Muncie, this Cardinals team has out-performed expectations going 22-11 ATS. On the flip side, Terry Bowden coached teams are just 2-10 ATS as a home underdog. Lay the points with Ball State.