- Game: Akron Zips vs Central Michigan Chippewas
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Location: Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Point Spread: Chippewas (-6.5)
- Over/Under Total: 47.5
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The Akron Zips (1-3) are traveling to Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026, to face off against the Central Michigan Chippewas (2-2). The oddsmakers have positioned Central Michigan as 6.5-point favorites. The game’s total is set at 47.5.
This season, the Akron Zips enter the game with a record of 1-3. In their previous contest, the Zips faced the UNLV Rebels, resulting in a defeat with a score of 38-10. During that matchup, Akron ran the ball 32 times, amassing 107 yards, which averaged to 3.3 yards per carry. Ultimately, they executed 58 plays totaling 301 yards. The Zips’ defense allowed 17 passes completed on 29 attempts for 290 yards, giving a completion percentage of 58.6%. Against the run, they permitted 203 yards on 34 attempts, averaging 6.0 yards per carry.
This season, the Zips have accumulated a total of 1,350 yards. In terms of touchdown distribution, they have recorded 6 passing touchdowns and 4 rushing touchdowns, along with 7 turnovers. Akron’s offense has produced 83 first downs, although they’ve been penalized 22 times for a total of 202 yards. They average 136.3 rushing yards per game, ranking 101st nationally. In scoring, the Zips average 19.5 points per game.
Defensively, Akron ranks 123rd in the nation, allowing an average of 31.8 points per game. They permit 5.1 yards per rush and have given up 152.8 rushing yards each game this season, totaling 611 rushing yards across four games. In passing defense, they have allowed 1,030 yards, ranking 125th, with an average of 257.5 passing yards given up per game and a completion percentage of 60.7%. Overall, they are conceding 410.3 yards per game, putting them 118th in Division 1. The Zips have allowed 10 passing touchdowns and 4 rushing touchdowns.
The Chippewas come into this matchup with a record of 2-2 this season. Their most recent game ended in a loss against the Miami Hurricanes, where they fell 52-3. Central Michigan completed their last game with a total of 158 yards over 51 plays (3.1 yards per play). Their running attack averaged only 0.8 yards per carry, totaling 21 yards on 25 attempts. The Chippewas’ defense faced 34 rushing attempts, yielding 201 yards (5.9 yards per rush). Furthermore, their secondary allowed a completion percentage of 79.4%, giving up 371 yards on 27 out of 34 passing attempts.
In terms of scoring, the Chippewas currently rank 137th in Division 1 with an average of 11.8 points per game. They gain an average of 238.5 yards per game, also ranking them 137th. The Central Michigan offense has committed 24 penalties resulting in 222 yards, placing them 90th in the nation. They have lost 4 interceptions and allowed opponents to recover 4 fumbles, achieving 55 first downs thus far. This season, the Chippewas have thrown for a total of 275 passing yards, with an average of 68.8 yards per game, ranking 138th in college football. Their rushing game averages 169.8 yards per game, totaling 679 yards.
On defense, the Chippewas are conceding 27.5 points per game, ranking them 104th in Division 1. They have permitted a total of 661 rushing yards (averaging 165.3 yards per game), alongside allowing 9 rushing touchdowns this season. Through the air, they’ve surrendered 4 touchdowns and 208.5 passing yards per game, which ranks them 73rd in college football. The Central Michigan defense has played 258 snaps, placing them 72nd nationally, and they have recorded 2 fumbles and 4 interceptions this year, allowing 110 points thus far.
Who will emerge victorious in the Zips vs. Chippewas college football showdown?
Expert Prediction: Choose the Zips +6.5
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