Akron vs. Ohio State Prediction, Picks & Odds Today: Week 1
Ohio State notched a resounding 52-point win the last time they played Akron.
That was three years ago, but I'm expecting much of the same in my Akron vs. Ohio State prediction as part of our Week 1 college football predictions.
Akron heads to Ohio Stadium in Columbus as a 48.5-point underdog across our best college football betting sites for Saturday's game at 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+).
The Buckeyes are a college football championship odds favorite, while the Zips are one of the worst teams in the FBS.
There's a chance of some light rain, but we can safely assume Ohio State will score plenty of points with its new QB and Heisman Trophy odds contender Will Howard. The forecast now calls for a 60% chance of rain right around kickoff, but it may not last long.
Best Akron vs. Ohio State picks
College football picks based on the odds from our best college football betting sites. Odds subject to change.
- Game pick: Ohio State Over 52.5 points (-105 via DraftKings) vs. Akron ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Player prop: Will Howard Over 240.5 passing yards (-114 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Akron vs. Ohio State prediction: Week 1
Ohio State Over 52.5 points (-105) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Last year was the first time in Ryan Day's tenure that Ohio State didn't finish ranked top 10 nationally in total offense. But that's not happening again.
Even with the down season, the Buckeyes still managed to hang 63 points on their lone Group of Five opponent, Western Kentucky. And not only is Ohio State far more loaded this season, but Akron is a much worse opponent than the Hilltoppers.
The Zips were 92nd in SP+ on defense last year, and that was with one of the weakest schedules in the country. Akron twice gave up 40-plus points to MAC opponents, and Ohio State's a little tougher than Bowling Green or Northern Illinois.
Transfers, a top recruit, and a new coach?
Day had one down year by his standards and has done everything in his power to improve Ohio State's offense. He brought in All-Big 12 QB Will Howard (Kansas State) and All-SEC running back Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss) and landed the No. 1 recruit in the country, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
To make matters even worse for Akron, Judkins joins All-Big Ten running back TreVeyon Henderson in the backfield with new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly known as one of the best run game designers in the sport.
Ohio State has averaged 57 points in its last five games against Group of Five opponents. It only needs 53 to turn a $10 bet into a $9.52 profit.
Best odds: -105 via DraftKings | Implied probability: 51.22%
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Akron vs. Ohio State player prop
Will Howard Over 240.5 passing yards (-114) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
For as bad as Kyle McCord was at times for the Buckeyes last season, he still averaged 264.1 passing yards per game. That's how easy Day's offense makes it on his quarterback.
Howard is a much better passer who eclipsed 240.5 passing yards in six of 12 starts last year while playing with far less talented pass catchers at Kansas State.
Throwing to Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate against an Akron secondary that lost four of its five starters from last year will feel like playing 7-on-7 against the local high school.
If Howard hits the Over, a $10 bet pays an $8.77 profit.
Best odds: -114 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 53.27%
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Akron vs. Ohio State odds
See all of this week's college football odds and NCAAF scores.
Akron vs. Ohio State game info
- When: Saturday, Aug. 31
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
- How to watch: CBS, Paramount+
- Weather: 77 degrees, 13-mph winds, 60% chance of precipitation
- Favorite: Ohio State -48.5 (-110 via bet365)
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