It seems like MACtion never ends as we near the end of the season and close things out with a conference tilt between the University of Akron Zips and University of Buffalo Bulls. There is a lot to analyze to find the sharpest Akron-Buffalo prediction and pick and best college football odds. Outside of the information below, you can also always use our tools to help make best calls when evaluating the Akron-Buffalo odds, or other games in general.
Akron comes into this game with a 2-9 record. They are 5-5-1 against the spread, but 3-1-1 ATS over their last five games. The Zips blasted Northern Illinois 44-12 the last time they took the field. Akron won their first game of the season and beat Northern Illinois recently. However, sandwiched between those two wins was a nine-game losing streak.
Buffalo has struggled as well, dropping three straight games, two of which they were favored in. Coming into Week 10, the Bulls were riding a 5-game covering streak. That streak was abruptly ended and Buffalo is now riding a 3-game losing streak. They’ve dropped all 3 of those straight up and ATS. The Bulls are 6-4-1 ATS this season. Let’s dive into a the headlines to find the sharpest Akron-Buffalo prediction, odds and pick.
College Football Odds: Akron-Buffalo Odds
GAMEDAY as @ZipsFB Squares off versus Buffalo at 1 pm on ESPN+#GoZips | @ZipsFB
GAME INFORMATION
? | Buffalo
? | Fri, Dec. 2
⏰ | 1 pm
? | Buffalo, N.Y.
? Stats – https://t.co/wWNWyoMuEQ
? TV – https://t.co/UNptYsFK3u pic.twitter.com/hOdoWnesgf— Akron Zips Athletics (@AkronZips) December 2, 2022
Akron: +11 (-110)
Buffalo: -11 (-11)
Moneyline: Akron (350); Buffalo (-435)
Total: Over/under 55 (-110)
Akron’s Offense is Struggling
The Akron attack has been spearheaded by QB Demarcus Irons Jr for most of the season. Irons Jr. is the key to the Zups pass and run game, as he has 2,606 passing yards and ranks second on the team in rushing yards with 314. However, QB Jeff Undercuffler was the star last game, leading the team to victory against Northern Illinois. Undercuffler has 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions on the season. He has two main weapons on the edge. WRs Shocky Jacques-Louis and WR Alex Adams both have over 800 receiving yards, with no other receiver over 200.
Despite those numbers, the Zips’ offense has been underwhelming this season, averaging just 21.7 points per game. That sits at 108th out of 131 FBS programs. Considering their strength of schedule is ranked 109th, Akron’s inability to consistently score looks even worse. The Zips also have one of the worst run games in the NCAA, averaging just 93 yards per game on the ground.
As for the Buffalo defense, it should have a field day as its strength is in the pass defense, forcing opponents into a 55.7% completion rate. They give up 185.8 yards per game on the ground which will force Akron to gameplan differently.
Buffalo has More Balance
On the other hand, Buffalo’s offense is well balanced and playing well overall. They rank 64th in the nation in passing yards and 66th in rushing yards. The Bulls average 29.5 points per game which sits 59th in the nation.
The offense is led by QB Cole Snyder, who has 2,501 passing yards and 14 touchdowns on the season to just seven interceptions. The combination of Snyder with the team’s two key running backs, Ron Cook Jr. and Mike Washington, is responsible for the bulk of the team’s offensive production.
The Zips defense has been lacking this season. Their main problem comes from a weak run defense. They allow 174.4 rushing yards per game and allow 9.9 rushing first downs. This is going to be problematic for Akron against a Buffallo squad that can beat you multiple ways.
Final Akron-Buffalo Prediction & Pick:
Buffalo is 2-2 ATS at home this season, and it has far fewer flaws than Akron. The Zips inability to play to the Bulls weakness should come in key for this battle. The Bulls are also 1-0 ATS as double-figure favorites. This Akron-Buffalo prediction and pick is made simple by following the trends in college football odds and betting.
Final Akron-Buffalo Pick: Bulls -11.0 (-110), | Playable to -12.0 (+100), Caesars
