Akron at Illinois 8/31/19 - College Football Betting Odds & Picks
Akron Zips vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
NCAAF: 12:00 PM EST
Aug. 31, 2019
TV: BTN
Latest Odds : ILL -16.5
The Akron Zips are set to visit Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois for a Week 1 clash against the Illinois Fighting Illini. The Akron Zips are looking to rebound after finishing the 2018 season 4-8, and they will need to improve on the offensive side of the ball as they finished 125th in PPG. The Zips will return their starting QB in Kato Nelson who contributed 2329 passing yards, 15 TDs, and 8 interceptions during the 2018 season. Nelson will return his top target in Andre Williams who should once again have a big season after pitching in 649 yards and 6 TDs last year.
The Akron Zips shoed potential on the defensive side of the ball last season as they ranked 68th in points allowed, and they should be better this year as they return most of their talent. The Zips will return their leading tackler from a season ago as John Lako contributed 126 tackles and 10 TFL. Akron will also be in good shape in the secondary as their interception leader from a season ago in Alvin Davis returns after pitching in 4 interceptions.
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The Illinois Fighting Illini will be looking to improve after finishing 4-8 last season, but they will need to improve on the offensive side of the ball as they finished the year ranked 99th in PPG. The Fighting Illini will have a new look under center as AJ Bush moved on from the program, but the change is necessary after he threw 6 TDs compared to 10 interceptions. The Fighting Illini will return their leading rusher from a season ago as Reggie Corbin contributed 1085 yards and 9 TDs.
The Illinois Fighting Illini were destroyed on the defensive side of the ball last season as they finished the year ranked 124th in points allowed. The Fighting Illini lost one of their key pieces as Del’Shawn Phillips is no longer on the team after pitching in 95 tackles and a team-high 4 interceptions last season. Illinois will be looking for a bigger season out of LB Jake Hansen as he contributed 95 tackles and 8.5 TFL last year.
Recent Betting Trends:
Zips are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games on fieldturf.
Under is 8-1 in Zips last 9 non-conference games.
Fighting Illini are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 vs. MAC.
Over is 5-1 in Fighting Illini last 6 games overall.
Free Betting Pick: Akron Zips +16.5
Both of these teams are looking to significantly improve and make a bowl game, and I think the Akron Zips are in better shape than the Fighting Illini. Illinois struggled a ton on the offensive side of the ball last season even with a 1000-yard rusher, and I am concerned that they will see similar results this season as they have a big question mark at QB. The Akron Zips were in a bowl game not too long ago, and a huge reason for their success was the emergence of Kato Nelson who is still taking the snaps for the Zips. Akron should be improved on the offensive end and will also be stout on the defensive side of the ball as they return talent. Final Score Prediction, Illinois Fighting Illini win but fail to cover ATS 28-17.