Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Akron Zips 10/7/23 – Week 6 of the NCAAF season is upon us, and the matchup between the Northern Illinois Huskies and Akron Zips is garnering attention. Both teams come in with a 1-4 record, raising the stakes for a critical midseason contest. For those seeking expert NCAAF picks, this game poses an interesting opportunity. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Akron Zips
Date & Time: Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 3:30 PM ET
Location: Summa Field at InfoCision Stadium
TV: ESP+
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Akron Zips 10/7/23 Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Northern Illinois | -210 | -5.5 (-120) | 43.5 over (-110) |
| Akron | +180 | +5.5 (+100) | 43.5 under (-110) |
Northern Illinois Huskies Analysis
Offensively, the Huskies have shown moments of brilliance interspersed with inconsistency. Rocky Lombardi stands at the forefront of this offensive unit. With 72 completions from 131 passing attempts, he’s managed to rack up 824 yards, but a 55% completion rate indicates there’s room for improvement. His penchant for deep passes is evident from the 62-yard longest pass, highlighting a potential threat for any opposing defense. Running back Antario Brown has emerged as a stalwart, accumulating 336 yards from 80 attempts. His impressive 4.2 yards per carry and an 80-yard dash show that once he gets moving, he can be hard to stop. Wide Receiver Kacper Rutkiewicz, though not boasting of massive numbers, has proved to be a reliable target for Lombardi, with a decent 249 receiving yards and a notable 62-yard longest reception.
On the defensive side, Northern Illinois needs to buckle up. Their past games show a tendency to let games run high on points. With 13 of their last 18 games going over the total, the defense appears to be the Achilles heel for the Huskies. The squad will need to ensure tighter man-to-man coverage and improve their defensive line’s penetration to curtail Akron’s offensive forays.
Akron Zips Analysis
Akron’s offensive armory is bolstered by the talents of DJ Irons at the quarterback position. Achieving a completion percentage of 66.2, Irons demonstrates a certain consistency in delivering passes. With 722 passing yards from 133 attempts, he brings a sense of stability to the Zips’ offensive lineup. His longest pass, a 77-yard throw, signals his ability to exploit defenses with long throws when needed. Supporting him on the ground is Lorenzo Lingard. While his attempts are half that of his Huskies counterpart, his 5.4 yards per rush suggest a high level of efficiency. Jasaiah Gathings, though yet to find the end zone, provides Irons with a reliable target, amassing 205 receiving yards.
However, it’s the defensive woes that have been the Zips’ bane. Their struggle to hold fort against opponents is evident in their dismal 2-14 SU in the last 16 games. Particular concern arises from their performances against the Mid-American conference teams, where they’ve suffered 14 losses in their last 15 games. To overcome the Huskies, the Zips’ defense will have to fortify their front line and enhance their secondary coverage to keep Lombardi and company in check.
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Akron Zips Against the Spread
The Huskies’ recent betting trends underscore their struggles, with 2-5 ATS in their last seven games. However, against Akron, they have a more optimistic 5-2 ATS in their last seven matchups, suggesting a favorable trend for them in this specific contest. Their road game stats also tilt in favor of games with high scores.
Akron, on the other hand, isn’t doing much better with a 2-14 SU record in their last 16 games. But one stat stands out: the total has gone OVER in 7 of Akron’s last 10 games against Northern Illinois. This indicates that both teams tend to score more when they face off against each other.
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Akron Zips Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Northern Illinois -210
Despite their struggles, they’ve had a better record against Akron in recent matchups.
Spread: Akron +5.5 (+100)
Given the high-scoring nature of previous matchups between these two teams, it’s reasonable to expect Akron to cover the spread.
Total: 43.5 over (-110)
Historically, these teams tend to go over the total when they face each other.
Predicted Score: Northern Illinois Huskies 28, Akron Zips 24
In conclusion, this is a pivotal game for both teams as they aim to turn their seasons around. With both having defensive vulnerabilities but notable offensive players, points could be plenty. For those looking to make a wager, the Best Sportsbook in Canada might offer enticing odds. As always, betting should be done responsibly and with careful analysis.
