Miami (Ohio) RedHawks at Akron Zips, InfoCision Stadium, Akron, OH
Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 6:00 pm Eastern, TV: ESPNU
Opening Line: Miami -13 1/2
Current line: Miami -9 1/2
Opening Total: 47 1/2
Current Total: 47
Money Line: Miami -350 / Akron +290
The Miami RedHawks can still go to the MAC Championship game if they win their last two games and Kent St upsets Ohio next week. But first things first, the 6-4 RedHawks must take care of business against the winless Akron Zips. Akron is the only FBS team without a win this season, and are desperate to avoid going 0-12. Bettors might have noticed that this game dropped from Miami -13 1/2 to -9 1/2. This is because talented RedHawk quarterback Zac Dysert is out for the regular season with a lacerated spleen. He could return for Miami’s bowl game as surgery isn’t necessary and the spleen is repairing itself. Redshirt Freshman Austin Boucher will start in place of Dysert. The RedHawks are 4-2 ATS against the Zips in their last 6 meetings. In fact Akron has only one straight-up win in their last 7 versus Miami. Akron is 6-15 ATS against conference foes in the last 3 years, and 3-11 ATS in games played on turf in the last 2 seasons.
The RedHawks are 6-4 on the season with a 5-1 conference record. The RedHawks do not have a win against a team with a winning record. Their four losses are to Florida, Missouri, Cincinnati, and Ohio. In those 4 losses Miami has been outscored by an average of 41-10. This explains why Miami has a winning record and is being outscored on the season 27-20. Miami is only gaining 327 yards a game including only 72 yards a game on the ground. They have a turnover margin of -2 but have forced 19 sacks, and give up 345 yards a game. Miami does struggle to protect the quarterback as they give up almost 3 sacks a game. Boucher hasn’t played much this season, mostly in mop-up duty in blowouts. Dysert’s injury occurred in the 4th quarter and Boucher didn’t have to throw a pass in the RedHawks 24-21 victory over Bowling Green last week. There was heavy fog in the stadium so neither team threw the ball very much. For the season Boucher has thrown for 130 yards and a touchdown pass. The RedHawks top receivers are Armand Robinson (65 catches, 696 yards, and 4 TD catches) and Nick Harwell (45 catches, 615 yards, 4 TD’s). However, 6 other Miami receivers have at least 13 catches. The RedHawks only have 7 rushing touchdowns on the season but Thomas Merriweather has 6 of them, along with a touchdown catch.
It is no secret why Akron is considered the worst team in FBS college football. They are awful on both sides of the ball. Akron is being outscored 39-15 and outgained 438 yards to 258 yards. They have a turnover margin of -5 and have allowed 29 sacks on the season. The Zips are allowing teams to convert 46% of third downs and an astounding 71% on fourth down. Azron has the 113th (out of 120 teams) ranked pass defense and the worst offense in the country. Zips quarterback Patrick Nicely is only throwing for 136 yards a game along 7 total touchdowns and 12 interceptions on the season. Akron only rushes for 112 yards a game but Alex Allen and Nate Burney split most of the carries. Allen has 6 of the Zips 8 touchdown runs. Jeremy LaFrance is the team’s leading receiver with 31 catches, 410 yards, and 5 touchdown catches.
Temps should be in the mid 40’s with light rain for this game. Akron can’t stop anybody especially in the passing game, but Miami is starting a freshman quarterback making his first career start. Miami should roll in this game as there defense is decent and Akron can’t move the ball at all. Miami does need to avoid looking ahead to Temple next week, but it shouldn’t be a problem. The two coaches, Miami’s Michael Haywood and Akron’s Rob Ianello are best friends and have been assistant coaches together for years.
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