The Western Michigan Broncos will look to continue their success in the MAC when they travel to take on the Akron Zips. Western Michigan has won four of their last five games, including a 23-10 win over Bowling Green in their last matchup. An 82-yard touchdown from running back Cole Cabana helped propel the Broncos to victory. Akron has lost its last seven games. They are coming off a 28-20 loss to Ohio. Akron gave Ohio a good run for their money, but their hopes for victory were slashed by a 91-yard touchdown from the opposing team late in the fourth quarter. We will see if any long runs break out Tuesday when these two teams meet in Akron, Ohio.
If any team is going to break out a long run in this game, it will likely be running backs for Western Michigan. Western Michigan averages 4.5 yards per carry, while Akron allows 5.8 yards per rushing attempt, ranking near the bottom of the country. In total, the Zips have allowed 182.9 rushing yards and 32.2 points per game. Jalen Buckley is the Broncos' top back, totaling 711 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. Cabana provides a second punch, as he is coming off a career-high 110 yards rushing yards in a single game. With this tandem, Western Michigan will have the opportunity to establish the run and control possession. Akron will also try to establish their offense with the run in this game with running back Jordan Gant. Gant is averaging 5.1 yards per carry, totaling 726 yards and 7 touchdowns. The problem for Gant and Zips is they are going against a much more stout defense. Western Michigan has held opponents to 149.2 rushing yards and 19.2 points per game. If Akron gets put into long third downs, turnovers may continue to be a problem. The Zips have a -9 turnover differential, and it could get worse against a Broncos defense that excels at taking the ball away. I am expecting Western Michigan to take advantage of Akron’s defensive deficiencies, particularly against the run. If the defense can take the ball away on top of that, it should lead to a comfortable Broncos victory.
Western Michigan vs Akron prediction: Western Michigan -14 (-110) is available at time of publishing. Playable to 16 (+100).
