Ohio at Akron 2026 Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Midweek MACtion returns Tuesday night when the Ohio Bobcats visit the Akron Zips at InfoCision Stadium.

Ohio enters 6-2 overall and 4-0 in the MAC, riding a five-game winning streak after a dramatic 24-20 victory over Eastern Michigan. Akron is 1-7 and 0-4 in conference play and has lost six straight, most recently falling 35-20 at Kent State before its bye week.

Ohio enters as a 12.5-point road favorite, with the total set at 50.5.

Game Information

Matchup: Ohio Bobcats at Akron Zips Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET TV: ESPN2 Venue: Info Cision Stadium — Akron, Ohio Tickets: As low as $19 Point Spread: Ohio -12.5 Over/Under: 50.5

The Ohio -12.5 spread means the Bobcats must win by 13 points or more to cover.

If Ohio wins 27-17, Akron +12.5 covers because the Zips lost by only 10. If Ohio wins 31-17, the Bobcats cover by 14. Because the spread includes a half-point, there is no possibility of a push.

Ohio: Bobcats Control Their MAC Destiny

Ohio has positioned itself as one of the MAC’s strongest teams.

The Bobcats are averaging 29.6 points, 369.5 total yards and 190.9 rushing yards per game, while allowing only 21.9 points. Ohio has also converted an impressive 48.5 percent of its third downs.

Quarterback Nick Poulos delivered one of his best performances against Eastern Michigan, throwing for 266 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score. He has thrown six touchdown passes without an interception in his five appearances this season.

Wide receiver Dom Dorwart provided the biggest explosive play against Eastern Michigan, catching four passes for a career-high 126 yards, including a 78-yard touchdown.

Ohio can also attack Akron on the ground. The Bobcats have rushed for more than 190 yards per game behind Duncan Brune, Victor Rosa and Poulos.

That could become the defining matchup Tuesday night.

Akron: Gant Gives the Zips a Chance

Akron’s 1-7 record doesn’t tell the entire story of its most recent game.

The Zips actually outgained Kent State 422-376 and held a 17-14 lead before allowing 21 unanswered points in a 35-20 loss.

Running back Jordan Gant was outstanding, rushing for 162 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. Quarterback Brayden Roggow threw for 275 yards, while Kyan Mason caught seven passes for 129 yards.

Roggow has thrown for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns, but his 10 interceptions are a major concern. Akron as a team has turned the ball over through the air 11 times.

Defensively, the Zips have struggled badly.

Akron allows 32.8 points and 412.5 total yards per game, including 185.6 rushing yards per contest. Opponents are averaging 5.8 yards per rushing attempt.

That is exactly where Ohio is best equipped to attack.

Four Prop Bets to Consider

College player-prop availability varies by sportsbook and jurisdiction, so these are target numbers to consider if offered near these ranges.

Prop Bet #1: Duncan Brune Over 64.5 Rushing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Brune Over 64.5 Rushing Yards

• Ohio 190.9 Rush YPG
• Akron Allows 185.6
• Bobcats Favored by 12.5

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Ohio should be able to establish its running game early.

Akron allows nearly 186 rushing yards per game, while Ohio averages almost 191.

Prediction: Duncan Brune — 84 rushing yards

Prop Bet #2: Nick Poulos Over 179.5 Passing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Poulos Over 179.5 Passing Yards

• 266 Yards vs Eastern Michigan
• 6 TDs, 0 INTs
• Akron Allows 226.9 Pass YPG

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Poulos is coming off a 266-yard performance and has taken excellent care of the football.

Akron is allowing 226.9 passing yards per game, creating opportunities for Dorwart and Riley Neer.

Prediction: Nick Poulos — 218 passing yards

Prop Bet #3: Jordan Gant Over 74.5 Rushing Yards

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Gant Over 74.5 Rushing Yards

• 162 Yards vs Kent State
• 28 Carries Last Game
• Akron Needs Ball Control

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Akron needs Gant involved if it wants to keep Ohio’s offense on the sideline.

His 162-yard performance against Kent State should guarantee another substantial workload.

Prediction: Jordan Gant — 88 rushing yards

Prop Bet #4: Ohio Over 29.5 Team Points

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Ohio Over 29.5 Team Points

• 29.6 PPG This Season
• Akron Allows 32.8
• Zips Allow 412.5 YPG

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Ohio has scored at least 29 points four times this season, including 48 against Sacramento State and 31 against Central Michigan.

Akron’s defensive numbers make 30-plus points realistic.

Prediction: Ohio — 34 points

Players to Watch

Nick Poulos — Ohio

Poulos has thrown six touchdowns without an interception and gives Ohio an efficient complement to its rushing attack.

Dom Dorwart — Ohio

Dorwart is coming off a career-high 126 receiving yards and gives Poulos an explosive downfield target.

Jordan Gant — Akron

Gant is Akron’s biggest offensive weapon. The Zips need another 100-yard-caliber performance to shorten the game.

Brayden Roggow — Akron

Roggow can generate passing yards, but his 10 interceptions could be costly against an Ohio defense that has allowed only eight passing touchdowns.

Keys to the Game

Ohio should attack Akron’s run defense immediately. The Bobcats average 4.9 yards per rushing attempt, while Akron allows 5.8.

Akron needs Gant to control possession and keep the Zips out of obvious passing situations.

Turnovers could determine whether this stays competitive. Poulos has yet to throw an interception this season, while Roggow has thrown 10.

Ohio also enters with the psychological edge. The Bobcats are seeking their eighth consecutive victory over Akron, including a 30-10 win in the most recent meeting.

Betting Prediction

The Ohio -12.5 spread requires the Bobcats to win by at least 13 points.

Road favorites in conference rivalry games always require some caution, but the matchup strongly favors Ohio.

The Bobcats have won five straight, remain unbeaten in MAC play and hold significant advantages in rushing efficiency, defense and turnover avoidance.

Akron has enough offense to contribute to the 50.5 total, especially if Gant and Roggow reproduce some of their production from the Kent State game.

The Verdict

Akron keeps the game competitive early behind Gant, but Ohio’s balance eventually takes control.

Poulos creates explosive plays through the air, Brune and Rosa wear down the Zips on the ground and Ohio forces Roggow into at least one costly mistake.

Final Score Prediction

Ohio 34, Akron 20

Betting Category Pick Best Bet Ohio -12.5 Against the Spread Ohio -12.5 Moneyline Ohio Over/Under Over 50.5 Top Prop Duncan Brune Over 64.5 Rushing Yards

Final Prediction: Ohio 34, Akron 20

Ohio wins by 14 points, covering the 12.5-point spread. The projected 54 combined points also finish over the 50.5 total.