NIU Huskies vs Akron Zips Prediction, 10/7/2023 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: NIU Huskies vs Akron Zips

Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023

Location: InfoCision Stadium in Akron, OH

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Zips (+3)

Total/Over-Under: 47.5

InfoCision Stadium is the location where the Akron Zips (1-4) will take on the NIU Huskies (1-4) on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Akron is 3-point underdogs. The total comes in at 47.5.

The NIU Huskies come into this matchup with a record of 1-4 this season. The last time they stepped onto the field, the Huskies faced the Toledo Rockets and took a loss by a final of 35-33. Rocky Lombardi connected on 21/31 with 258 yds passing and 2 TDs. He had a QB rate of 158.9 and ended the contest without throwing a pick. Antario Brown was the rushing leader for the Huskies with 16 carries for 152 yards (9.5 yds per attempt). In the game, they ran 63 plays which converted into 444 yds. The NIU Huskies ended up rushing 32 times and amassed 186 yards, which earned them an average of 5.8 yards per attempt. On the ground, the Huskies gave up 261 yds on 43 tries, which averages out to 6.1 yards per run allowed. NIU gave up 16 pass completions on 20 tries for a total of 281 yds, and a completion percentage of 80.0%.

When talking about putting the ball in the endzone, the NIU Huskies hold an average of 19.2 points per game. As a unit they have an average of 121.6 yards via the ground game ranking them 107th in the country. The Huskies have tallied 1,586 total yards for the year. In terms of getting the ball in the endzone, NIU has amassed 6 touchdowns via the pass and 5 touchdowns on the ground. NIU has accrued 92 1st downs as a team, and they have been called for 23 infractions for 193 yards. They have given the ball to the opposition 9 times.

The Huskies are ranked 77th in the nation in terms of team defense, allowing 26.0 PPG. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 4.7 yards per rush and 176.6 rushing yards per contest this season. For the year, they have conceded 883 yards via the ground game in 5 contests. When it comes to passing yards, the Huskies are allowing 853 yds which has them sitting in 19th in D-1. They have given up 170.6 yards per contest via the pass and allowed a completion percentage of 56.3%. During the season, they are allowing 347.2 yards per contest putting them at 53rd in college football. They have yielded 6 touchdowns by air in addition to 11 touchdowns via the ground game.

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The Zips come into this matchup with a record of 1-4 this season. When they last played, the Zips took a defeat with a final score of 13-10 against the Buffalo Bulls. Demarcus Irons Jr. (1 TD) ended the contest with 136 yds on 19/26 passing while his QB rate was 129.7. He didn't throw any picks and his average yards per attempt was 5.2. Lorenzo Lingard carried the rock 9 times for 47 yards, finishing the contest with 5.2 yards per carry for Akron. The Zips finished with 253 yds on 55 plays (4.6 yds per play). Akron ran for 4.3 yards per tote, totaling 117 yards on 27 attempts. Akron surrendered 36 run attempts for 112 yds (3.1 yds per carry). The Zips pass defense allowed a completion percentage of 55.9%, relinquishing 142 yards on 19 for 34 passing.

The Akron Zips are averaging 303.0 yards per outing, ranking them 126th in Division 1. The Akron offense has accrued 311 yds of penalties on 36 infractions, which is good for 29th in D-1 in terms of giving up free yards. They have an average of 101.4 rushing yards per game and have run for 507 yards for this year. They have thrown 7 interceptions while letting opponents recover 4 fumbles and they have been able to tally 85 first downs. In terms of their scoring prowess, the Zips are ranking 127th in Division 1 maintaining an average of 17.0 points per game. For the season so far, the Zips have earned 1,008 yards via the pass along with holding an average of 201.6 throwing yards per outing, which has them ranked 98th in the country.

Akron has surrendered a total of 479 yards rushing (95.8 yards/game) as well as 4 touchdowns on the ground so far this season. They have given up 10 touchdowns through the air and 218.2 yards/game, which has them sitting 58th in Division 1. Their defense has 4 fumbles recovered and 4 interceptions on the year. The Zips defense has taken part in 327 plays, which is good for 73rd in Division 1. The Zips are conceding 24.4 points per game, which has them sitting 65th in the country. Overall, they have given up 122 points.

Who will win tonight's Huskies/Zips college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Zips +3

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