Akron Zips at Kent State Golden Flashes Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 11/19/2024 7:00 PM EST

We have your Akron Zips at Kent State Golden Flashes prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Akron Zips hit the road to face the Kent State Golden Flashes.

Akron Zips at Kent State Golden Flashes Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Akron Zips -380 (DraftKings) / Kent State Golden Flashes +300 (DraftKings)
Best Spread Odds: 10.0 - Akron Zips -108 (BetRivers) / Kent State Golden Flashes -110 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 49.0 - Under -110 (Caesars) / Over -110 (Caesars)

Game Info

Date: 11/19/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Dix Stadium (Kent, OH)
TV: CBSSN

Akron Zips at Kent State Golden Flashes Preview

The Akron Zips and Kent State Golden Flashes are set to clash in a classic MAC rivalry that, despite the teams' struggles this season, promises to deliver an intense battle for the coveted Wagon Wheel. Akron enters the matchup with a 2-8 record, having secured their only conference win against Eastern Michigan. Meanwhile, Kent State is still searching for their first victory of the season, sitting at 0-10 and enduring a 19-game losing streak that dates back to September 2023.

Akron's offense, led by former NC State and California quarterback Ben Finley, has shown flashes of potential. Finley has amassed 2,160 passing yards and 13 touchdowns this season, with wide receiver Adrian Norton emerging as a key target, boasting 38 receptions for 724 yards and seven touchdowns. Norton's ability to stretch the field with an impressive 19.1 yards per reception could exploit a Kent State defense that has struggled mightily, allowing an average of 521.9 yards per game.

On the ground, Akron's running back Jordon Simmons has been a consistent performer, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. This could be a crucial factor against a Kent State defense that has been porous against the run, surrendering 248 yards per game in conference play. The Zips' offensive line will need to provide Finley with protection to capitalize on Kent State's defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the red zone where the Flashes have allowed scores on 49 of 53 trips.

For Kent State, the season has been a series of challenges under head coach Kenni Burns, who is 1-21 in his tenure. The Golden Flashes have struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball, with their offense failing to sustain drives and their defense ranking near the bottom in several key statistical categories. Despite these difficulties, Kent State has shown resilience in past matchups against Akron, winning four of the last five encounters.

As both teams prepare for this rivalry game, the stakes are high despite the absence of postseason implications. A victory for Akron would provide a much-needed morale boost, while Kent State aims to end their winless streak and salvage some pride in a challenging season. With both teams eager to claim the Wagon Wheel, this matchup promises to be a hard-fought contest under the lights at Dix Stadium.

Akron Zips at Kent State Golden Flashes Pick: Akron Zips Moneyline

In this matchup between the Akron Zips and the Kent State Golden Flashes, the Zips are the clear choice for the moneyline pick. Akron enters the game with a 2-8 record, which, while not impressive, is significantly better than Kent State's winless 0-10 season. The Zips have shown competitive spirit in recent games, losing by 13 points or fewer in each of their last five outings and covering the spread in three of those contests. This indicates a team that, despite its struggles, has the ability to stay in games and potentially come out on top against a weaker opponent.

Akron's offense, led by quarterback Ben Finley, has demonstrated the capability to exploit defenses, particularly through the air. Finley has thrown for 2,160 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, with wide receiver Adrian Norton emerging as a significant deep threat, averaging 19.1 yards per reception. This big-play potential is crucial against a Kent State defense that has been porous, allowing an average of 521.9 yards per game. Additionally, Akron's running back Jordon Simmons, who averages 5.6 yards per carry, could find success against a Kent State defense that has struggled against the run, surrendering 248 yards per game in conference play.

On the other hand, Kent State has faced a challenging season under head coach Kenni Burns, with a 19-game losing streak that dates back to September 2023. The Golden Flashes have been outclassed in most of their matchups, with their defense ranking near the bottom in several key statistical categories, including allowing scores on 49 of 53 red-zone trips. This defensive vulnerability is likely to be exploited by Akron, which has shown flashes of offensive competence.

While Kent State has had some success in past matchups against Akron, winning four of the last five encounters, the current form and statistical trends heavily favor the Zips. Akron's ability to move the ball both through the air and on the ground, combined with Kent State's defensive struggles, makes the Zips the more reliable pick to secure a victory in this rivalry game. With the added motivation of claiming the Wagon Wheel, Akron is poised to capitalize on Kent State's weaknesses and emerge victorious.

Akron Zips at Kent State Golden Flashes Top Player Prop Picks

Ben Finley Over 1.5 Passing TDs +115 (bet365)

Ben Finley has been a bright spot for the Akron Zips this season, throwing for 2,160 yards and 13 touchdowns. His ability to connect with top receiver Adrian Norton, who averages an impressive 19.1 yards per reception, makes the over on 1.5 passing touchdowns an enticing pick. Kent State's defense has been porous, allowing an average of 521.9 yards per game, and has struggled significantly in the red zone, allowing scores on 49 of 53 trips. With Finley's knack for finding the end zone and Kent State's defensive vulnerabilities, the odds are favorable for him to surpass this line.

Adrian Norton Over 54.5 Receiving Yards -114 (FanDuel)

Adrian Norton has emerged as a key target for the Zips, with 38 receptions for 724 yards and seven touchdowns this season. His big-play ability, highlighted by his 19.1 yards per reception, positions him well to exceed the 54.5 receiving yards line. Facing a Kent State defense that has allowed an average of 521.9 yards per game, Norton is poised to exploit their weaknesses. Given his role in Akron's passing attack and the Golden Flashes' struggles to contain explosive plays, Norton should comfortably surpass this receiving yardage mark.

Jordon Simmons Over 13.5 Rushing Attempts -110 (bet365)

Jordon Simmons has been a consistent performer for Akron, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. With Kent State's defense surrendering 248 rushing yards per game in conference play, Simmons is likely to see a significant workload. Akron's strategy will likely involve establishing the run to exploit Kent State's defensive frailties, making the over on 13.5 rushing attempts a strong pick. Simmons' ability to move the chains and maintain offensive balance will be crucial, and the matchup against a struggling Kent State defense provides an ideal opportunity for him to see ample carries.