Akron vs. Appalachian State Prediction, Game Preview

Akron vs. Appalachian State prediction and game preview. Find out who’s projected to win the battle between the Zips and Mountaineers.

Akron vs. Appalachian State Game Preview

When: Saturday, Sept. 24 – 3:30 ET

Where: InfoCision Stadium, Akron, Ohio.

TV Broadcast: ESPN3

Which version of Akron’s offense will show up? The Zips put up 576 total yards in a 47-24 win over VMI and 524 in last week’s 65-38 victory over Marshall. In between there, though, is the 224-yard performance in a 54-10 loss at Wisconsin. Of course that came against better competition, but that drastic of a difference isn’t healthy. Luckily for Akron, the Mountaineers’ defense can be suspect, too.

Many believed Appalachian State would beat now-No. 15 Miami last week. But then the Hurricanes recorded 549 yards while running away with a 45-10 win. The loss was especially disheartening considering App State played so tough at then-No. 9 Tennessee to open the season before falling in overtime and looked good in a 31-7 win over Old Dominion. The Mountaineers are favored in this road matchup as they look to get back to .500.

What To Know About Akron

Thomas Woodson has played extremely well. He tossed four touchdown passes and ran for another last week against Marshall and has 10 TDs to only two interceptions. Woodson threw for 16 touchdowns and 11 picks all of last season. He’s getting plenty of help from the running game, too, as Warren Ball and Manny Morgan are averaging nearly eight yards per carry apiece. The defense also forced four turnovers last week after not getting any takeaways in either of the first two games.

What to Know About Appalachian State

Aside from the 31-point showing against Old Dominion, the Mountaineers have struggled offensively. Superior competition held them to fewer than 300 yards in each of the other two games, so they’ll be looking to get back on track in this one. Taylor Lamb has thrown two touchdowns and three picks while averaging 1.2 yards on 22 rushing attempts. Marcus Cox has been solid at running back, averaging 5.7 yards per carry with three touchdowns.

Advantages

Offense: Akron – Woodson should build off his last performance.

Defense: Even – Both teams need to be better. The Zips have allowed over 500 yards each of the last two games.

Special Teams: Akron – The Zips have two special teams touchdowns.

Coaching: Appalachian State – Scott Satterfield is coming off an 11-win season and has led the Mountaineers’ transition into FBS.

Intangibles: Appalachian State – Has faced better competition to date, so a trip to Akron won’t be intimidating.

Matchup To Watch

Woodson vs. The Mountaineers’ defense

If Woodson goes off like he did in Akron’s victories, the Zips could pull one out even if their defense continues to play poorly. If he has another Wisconsin game, they’re in trouble.

Betting Odds

Spread: Appalachian State -6

Over/Under: 56