Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Akron Zips Prediction & Game Preview - 11/20/2021

by Chuck Sommers

Saturday, Nov 20, 2021
Game time: Noon ET
Venue: InfoCision Stadium, Akron, OH
Where to watch: ESPN+

Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks


DraftKings: Kent State -13
BetMGM: Kent State -13.5
Caesars: Kent State -13.5

Season record
Kent State: 5-5 (4-2 MAC)
Akron: 2-8 (1-5 MAC)

Ben Burns is 26-11 the past four Saturdays; this is the BIGGEST of them all. That's because Ben's 2021 COLLEGE GAME OF THE YEAR has arrived. This play has a history of success. Last year, we had to wait for Dec 12 for Ben's BIGGEST college bet. It resulted in a BLOWOUT WINNER with V-Tech. Ben's 2019 GOY (Ole Miss on 11/2) ALSO resulted in a DOUBLE-DIGIT COVER. The 2021 version goes Saturday afternoon. Catch Ben’s and other plays available right now at the Shop Picks page, where you can find all of the Best Bets from our champion sports handicappers.

Kent State - Akron preview and analysis


Last week
Kent State: lost 54-30 at Central Michigan
Akron: lost 45-40 at Western Michigan

The biggest game in the MAC West division isn’t in the middle of the week, which seems weird given the MAC’s game placements over the last few weeks.

But no, the drama has been set for the Kent State Golden Flashes. They need a win against the Akron Zips on Saturday to set up a winner-take-all matchup with the Miami-Ohio RedHawks to determine who goes to the conference title game.

The RedHawks won 34-7 this week against the Bowling Green Falcons.

The winner of that week will face the Northern Illinois Huskies in the title game.

Alas, the Flashes will be trying for their third straight victory over Akron in the Wagon Wheel Rivalry. Kent State will need to rebound after losing by 24 to the Central Michigan Chippewas last week on the road.

Quarterback Dustin Crum threw for 322 yards and two touchdowns, but the Kent State defense couldn’t stop the dominant attack of CMU quarterback Daniel Richardson (268 yards, 4 TD) and freshman running back Lew Nichols III (215 yards, 4 TD).

Kent State’s sudden surge to the top of the conference standings has withstood a defense that has given up 36.8 points per game heading into this matchup, but fortunately, the Flashes are facing an Akron team that has failed to score and not play defense at all.

The Zips have lost four in a row and are coming off a bye week. Akron lost 45-40 at the Western Michigan Broncos on Nov. 9. It turned into a banner day for Akron quarterback Zach Gibson, who threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns. The problem was Akron gained 391 yards total and got no help from the running game while the Akron defense allowed 533 total yards to the bowl-eligible Broncos.

Prediction


You look at this matchup and wonder what exactly is the purpose of Akron. Are the Zips really ready to play spoiler? Considering how close they were from knocking off Western Michigan in comeback fashion, maybe there is that inkling, but man, it doesn’t seem like they have a chance against a team that has something to play for. Kent State by 17

Betting trends


Kent State is 1-5 ATS on the road this season.

Kent State is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 November games.

Akron is 1-11 ATS in its last 12 as a home underdog.

Akron is 0-7 ATS in its last seven following a conference loss.

Statistical leaders


Kent State:
Passing: Dustin Crum -- 2,414 yards, 13 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Marquez Cooper -- 814 yards, 9 TD
Receiving: Dante Cephas -- 907 yards, 7 TD

Akron:
Passing: Zach Gibson -- 1,151 yards, 10 TD
Rushing: Jonzell Norrils -- 433 yards, 3 TD
Receiving: Konata Mumpfield -- 684 yards, 8 TD

Don't miss our champion handicappers' free picks and expert football picks today. And if you enjoyed this Kent State - Akron prediction, be sure to drop by every day for our daily college football projections and previews.

Chuck Sommers

About the Author:

Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

© 2024 Al McMordie's BigAl.com. All Rights Reserved.