Akron Zips vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Pick & Prediction 9/7/24
SHI Stadium in Piscataway is the site for this week two non-conference matchup between the Akron Zips and Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The game is set for 12:00 ET on Saturday, September 7th, with BTN handling the television broadcast. The over/under line is currently at 41.5 points. Rutgers is the heavy favorite at -23.5 points, while Akron enters the game with a 0-1 record, compared to Rutgers, who is 1-0 on the season.
AKRON ZIPS VS RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Rutgers Scarlet Knights -23.5
This game will be played at SHI Stadium at 12:00 ET on Saturday, September 7th.
WHY BET THE RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS:
- We have the Rutgers Scarlet Knights winning this one by a score of 36 to 11
- Not only do we have the Rutgers Scarlet Knights winning straight-up, we have them covering the spread at -23.5
- Look for this game to go over the line of 41.5 points
Will The Akron Zips Pull Off An Upset As Road Underdogs
Akron is looking to bounce back after a 52-6 loss to Ohio State in their season opener. Despite being heavy +48.5 point underdogs, the Zips managed to cover the spread, with the game’s total score of 58 points surpassing the over/under line of 56.5 points. This was a positive for Akron, as they kept the game closer than expected against a top-tier opponent.
The Zips were down 7-3 after the first quarter but managed to keep the game within reach. However, Ohio State extended their lead to 17-3 by halftime, and Akron was unable to mount a comeback in the second half, resulting in a 46-point defeat.
In their 52-6 loss to Ohio State, Akron’s offense was limited to 191 total yards, with just 61 yards coming on the ground. The Zips managed to pick up 11 first downs but struggled to move the ball consistently. In the passing game, they finished with 130 yards, and Tahj Bullock led the way, completing 9 of 13 passes for 68 yards. Jake Newell was the top receiver, with two catches for 41 yards.
Bullock also led Akron in rushing, gaining 42 yards on 14 carries. The Zips’ offense was plagued by two interceptions, but Bullock finished with a passer rating of 81.57.
Akron’s defense will be looking to bounce back after giving up 52 points to Ohio State in their most recent game. The Zips allowed 406 total yards, with 234 yards coming through the air. Ohio State’s ground game was also effective, rushing for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Akron’s defense will need to tighten up in the secondary, as they gave up three passing touchdowns while allowing 18 completions on 31 pass attempts.
Are The Rutgers Scarlet Knights Going To Defend Home Field Advantage?
Rutgers is off to a strong start, with a 44-7 win over Howard in their season opener. The Scarlet Knights are now 1-0 for the season. No betting lines were available for this matchup.
Rutgers took control early, leading 7-0 after the first quarter. Howard managed to score in the second quarter, but the Scarlet Knights added 10 points to go up 17-7 at halftime. In the second half, Rutgers’ defense shut down Howard, and their offense added 27 more points to secure the win.
Rutgers’ offense was dominant in their 44-7 win, racking up 476 total yards and 29 first downs. The ground game was particularly effective, with 329 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Kyle Monangai led the way with 165 yards on 19 carries, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt and finding the end zone once.
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis completed 62.5% of his passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns, finishing with a passer rating of 119.27. Dymere Miller was the leading receiver, hauling in four receptions for 37 yards and one touchdown.
Looking at Rutgers’ most recent defensive performance, they allowed just 116 passing yards on 14 completions, with one interception. The Scarlet Knights’ defense was strong overall, holding Howard to 262 total yards and 7 points. On the ground, they gave up 146 yards and one rushing touchdown, but they were able to limit Howard’s offense to just 14 first downs.