Get ready for an enjoyable MACtion matchup when the Akron Zips meet the Northern Illinois Huskies this evening.
The Zips have had woes in the red zone, but my Akron vs. Northern Illinois predictions expect some of those woes to end against the Huskies.
Read on as I explain my free college football picks for Wednesday, November 13. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Huskie Stadium in Dekalb, with the game airing on CBS Sports Network.
Akron vs Northern Illinois prediction and best bet
My best bet
Akron +15.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
The Akron Zips are a good eighty-yard team. Their red zone offense ranks 118th in the nation, with 10 trips to the end zone in 20 attempts.
Hopefully Akron took the four extra days to prepare for Wednesday’s clash to figure out its RZ woes. The Northern Illinois Huskies rank 18th nationally, with 10 RZ TDs allowed in 24 attempts.
Akron QB Ben Finley anchors the fourth-best passing offense to offset the Zips' non-existent rushing game. The problem is they can’t score from 20 yards in, and that’s the only reason the Zips average fewer than 19 points per game.
The Huskies' stop unit tops the MAC in points allowed (18.8) and total yards (287.5). They’ve been tough, but they’ve also allowed 19+ in three of their last five, opening the door for an Akron cover.
Akron’s defense will do the rest.
The Zips stop unit looks worse on paper than it may be. Their stats look bad because they’ve played top Power 5 offenses, and this NIU offense isn’t one of those. Akron is also decent against the rush. The Huskies have a top rushing offense with an outstanding back in Antario Brown, but he left the WMU game and failed to return.
If Akron stops the run, it'll cover the spread. The Zips have good tacklers and are decent against stopping the pass. NIU QB Ethan Hampton is a dual-threat player, but his arm isn’t as good as his legs.
The Zips have had four extra days to prepare, and I expect Finley to get the job done with his arm, the defense to slow the rush, and Akron to cover the huge spread.
Akron vs Northern Illinois same-game parlay (SGP)
Akron +15.5
Akron team total Over 14.5
Northern Illinois team total Under 30.5 points
I like Akron to cover, and I expect a big day from the Zips' offense.
Finley threw for 354 yards his last time out against Buffalo. We’ve already seen how NIU can beaten in the air, and I expect Akron to move the chains and find a way to end its RZ scoring woes.
The Zips' defense is also better than advertised. They're good tacklers and decent against the rush, and NIU has only scored 31+ once in its last five games and thrice this season.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best Akron vs Northern Illinois bonus
Up to $1,500 in bonus bet insurance at BetMGM
Make your football plays at BetMGM, which is offering new users up to $1,500 in bonus bets (if your first bet doesn't win)!
Sign up now to join the King of Sportsbooks, or learn more with our comprehensive BetMGM sportsbook review.
Eligible U.S. locations only. Also, see our full list of BetMGM bonus codes.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Akron vs Northern Illinois odds
Akron vs Northern Illinois live odds
Akron vs Northern Illinois opening odds
- Akron vs. Northern Illinois spread: Northern Illinois -13.5
- Akron vs. Northern Illinois moneyline: Akron +400, Northern Illinois -550
- Akron vs. Northern Illinois Over/Under: 48.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Akron vs Northern Illinois spread and Over/Under analysis
- Akron is 2-3-0 ATS across its last five, which is likely why the spread spiked by as many as two points from the +13.5 (-110) opener.
- NIU is 2-2-1 ATS across its previous five but 1-2-1 ATS this season at Huskies Stadium.
- The total has dipped sharply to as low as 45.5 (-110) from its 48.5 (-110) opener.
Akron vs Northern Illinois betting trend to know
Akron has scored 15+ in each of its last four games. Find more college football betting trends for Akron vs Northern Illinois.
Akron vs Northern Illinois game info
| Location: | Huskie Stadium, Dekalb, IL |
| Date: | Wednesday, 11-13, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBSSN |
Akron vs Northern Illinois latest injuries
Akron vs Northern Illinois weather
Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
