CFB Betting Preview: Toledo at Akron
MAC action on Friday as the Toledo Rockets make the short trip within Ohio to take on the Akron Zips. Toldeo is coming off a disappointing loss to MAC front runner Northern Illinois while Akron enters this contest having won three of their last four games, albeit against bottom feeders Miami-OH, Kent State and UMass. This is the final game of the year for both teams.
Akron could take advantage of a ‘letdown’ spot for Toledo coming off of the Northern Illinois loss. This was a circumstance where Toledo had high hopes of a MAC title run this year instead they’ve lost to both East leading Ball State and West leading NIU. Terry Bowden’s team started the year hoping to improve a horrific defense. Akron allowed 33 or more points in 11 of Bowden’s first 14 games at the helm but they have shown improvement as the season has progressed. Once again it’s important to keep in mind the low level of the Zips’ most recent opponents but they do deserve some credit for having allowed 17 or fewer points in their three most recent wins.
Toledo certainly isn’t a bad team coming off a 9-3 season and in a position to finish 8-4 this year. Their only non conference losses came to SEC foes Florida and Missouri-they covered the spread against Florida and came within 1.5 points of a cover against Missouri. They’ve got plenty of big play talent on offense and have been a very dependable road team in recent years going 11-6 ATS on the road since 2011. They’ve also been very good when laying points posting a 5-1 ATS record as a favorite this season.
On paper this looks like an easy win for Toledo but we’re more concerned about the emotional/subjective factors surrounding the situational spot. This is a huge letdown situation for the Rockets following their disappointing showing against Northern Illinois and while they’ll most likely get a bowl bid they wanted something more. Akron, on the other hand, has to be feeling better about themselves after their solid showing in recent weeks. Akron hasn’t done well SU in this series but they’ve been a plucky pointspread opponent and we look for them to get inside the number here.
BET AKRON +7′ OVER TOLEDO