Kent State vs. Akron Prediction: MACtion Odds, Picks, Best Bet
Kent State enters as a 6.5-point underdog against Akron on Tuesday night in a special edition of "MACtion." This game carries significant stakes for both teams.
Season Context and Stakes
The Akron Zips (4-6) are ineligible for a bowl game due to academic violations but are one win away from their best season since 2017, when they finished 7-7 under Terry Bowden. Kent State (3-6) still has bowl hopes but must win all remaining games to qualify.
The Wagon Wheel Trophy
The winner will claim the Wagon Wheel Trophy, a symbol of this annual rivalry between the two Northeast Ohio schools. The trophy was commissioned in 1946 and adds extra motivation to the contest.
Team Performance Overview
Akron is favored by 6.5 points at home Tuesday evening. Both teams rank among the lower tier of FBS programs but have managed surprisingly respectable seasons given their challenges.
- Akron’s win totals in the past six seasons have been: 0, 1, 2, 2, 2, and 4.
- The Zips have lost at least 10 games in four of the last five seasons, excluding 2020, when the season was shortened to six games.
- The 4-6 record is notable for Akron, who could have easily given up in 2025 due to postseason ineligibility linked to academic issues.
"A 4-6 record may not seem noteworthy to most programs, but it is to the Zips, who had every excuse to just bail on 2025 entirely with no prospect of postseason play due to the academic violations."
Despite being underdogs, Kent State still pursues a bowl bid and the rivalry trophy, making this matchup highly competitive.
Author's summary: Kent State faces Akron in a pivotal rivalry game with bowl hopes on the line for Kent State and a chance for Akron to secure their best season since 2017 despite postseason bans.