Akron 2018 Betting Preview: Major Regression Coming for the Zips

Akron 2018 Betting Odds

• To win the National Title: +999999
• To win the MAC: +3000
• Win Total: 4.5 (over +130, under -160)

All lines taken on Aug 6. Always shop for the best line.

Akron 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds

The Action Network Projected Wins: 3.2

Bet To Watch

Under 4.5 wins (-160)

It may be shocking to see a team that played in the MAC Championship Game with a win total of 4.5, but the Boca Raton Bowl against FAU exposed Akron in every single way. I'm way down on the Zips this season.

Akron had one of the worst 2nd-Order win totals (2.2) so they got extremely lucky relative to their actual performance, benefited from a plus-10 net turnover margin, and the offense ranks 126th in returning production.

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Kato Nelson returns at quarterback after taking over in 2017 for suspended senior Thomas Woodson — he averaged a respectable 7.1 yards per attempt but completed just 50% of his passes. The Zips have one returning offensive lineman and only one running back with significant experience. The defense does return a little bit of experience from a unit that ranked 31st against explosiveness in 2017.

I think there's value on the under 4.5 wins (-160), as there are only four games on the schedule where Akron will compete (Morgan State, Kent State, Central Michigan and Bowling Green). A fifth win on this schedule would require an upset of two touchdowns or more.

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