The Northwestern Wildcats (-21) are set to host the Akron Zips in Northwestern. The game will get underway at 7:30 p.m. ET and fans can catch it live by tuning in to Big Ten Network.
Akron Zips at Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
Northwestern is the heavy favorite and is currently giving up 21 points to Akron. Vegas hasn’t decided what the game’s over/under (O/U) will be yet. Should one side can create a bunch of points in the early stages, it will likely produce a reasonable in-game betting opportunity.
The opening line was initially set at -22, but has recently shifted.
The Zips are 0-1 against the spread (ATS) and have gained 0.0 units so far. The team’s posted an O/U record of 0-1. The Wildcats have lost 0.6 units for moneyline bettors this season. They’re 1-1 ATS and have an O/U record of 1-1.
The Zips are 1-0 straight up (SU) in 2018 while the Wildcats are 1-1 SU.
The Zips are hoping to remain undefeated following a 41-7 win over Morgan State last week where the Zips completed 18-of-31 passes for 237 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Kato Nelson went 16-for-26 for 232 yards, three touchdowns and one interception while Alex Ramart completed two-of-five for five yards and one interception. Van Edwards, Jr. (109 rushing yards on 17 attempts, two TDs) led the ground attack. Andre Williams (four receptions, 46 yards, one TD) and Jonah Morris (four catches, 94 yards, one TD) handled the receiving duties in the win.
A week ago, Duke took care of this Northwestern team by a score of 21-7. The Wildcats let the Blue Devils pass for 204 yards and rush for 97 more. Johnathan Lloyd had a productive showing in the win, posting 94 yards on five catches for Duke. As a group, the Wildcats collectively completed 31-of-56 passes for 282 yards and two interceptions. Clayton Thorson went 22-for-38 for 198 yards and one interception while TJ Green was nine-of-18 for 84 yards and one interception. Jeremy Larkin (121 yards on 24 rush attempts, one TD) led the running game as Flynn Nagel (12 receptions, 133 yards) led the pass-catching attack in the loss.
If the numbers last year are any indication, then the Wildcats may hold an advantage in terms of effectiveness in the ground game. Their backfield generated 4.2 yards per carry last season while their defense allowed a YPC of 3.2 to opponents. The Zips ran for 3.2 yards per carry last year while allowing a YPC of 5.0 to opponents..
Free Pick: Akron Zips vs. Northwestern Wildcats
SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Akron
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Notes
Betting Trends
The Zips put up 24 passing touchdowns last season.
The Wildcats logged 17 passing touchdowns last season.
The Zips created 14 rushing touchdowns last season.
The Wildcats put up a whopping 30 rushing touchdowns last season.
The Zips offense yielded 38 sacks last season. Their defense created 21 sacks.
The Wildcats offensive line gave up 31 sacks last season. Their defense sacked opposing quarterbacks on 32 occasions.
The Northwestern D has created five sacks on the year while Akron has one.
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