Through 2 Quarters
The Western Michigan Broncos were expected to win this one, and so far that’s exactly how it’s playing out. They have emerged as the frontrunner at halftime and are ahead of the Akron Zips 24-14. WMU has been led by RB Sean Tyler, who so far has rushed for one TD and 125 yards on 13 carries in addition to snatching one receiving TD.
Both the Broncos and Akron suffered losses in their previous contests, but WMU is closer to making up for it this week. Either team could still leave here with a redeeming win, so expect a scrappy second half.
Who’s Playing
Akron @ Western Michigan
Current Records: Akron 2-7; Western Michigan 5-4
What to Know
The Western Michigan Broncos and the Akron Zips are set to square off in a Mid-American matchup at 7 p.m. ET Nov. 9 at Waldo Stadium. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they’ll have plenty of motivation to get the ‘W.’
The point spread favored the Broncos on Wednesday, but luck did not. They took a 42-30 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Central Michigan Chippewas. QB Kaleb Eleby had a pretty forgettable game, throwing one interception and fumbling the ball twice.
Meanwhile, Akron was within striking distance but couldn’t close the gap on Tuesday as they fell 31-25 to the Ball State Cardinals. The Zips’ defeat shouldn’t obscure the performances of WR Michael Mathison, who caught eight passes for one TD and 154 yards, and RB Jonzell Norrils, who punched in one rushing touchdown. One of the most thrilling moments was Mathison’s 57-yard TD reception in the fourth quarter.
This next matchup looks promising for the Broncos, who are favored by a full 24.5 points. They have failed bettors playing the spread in their past two games, so buyers beware.
The losses put WMU at 5-4 and Akron at 2-7. A pair of defensive stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: WMU is 225th worst in the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, with 19 on the season. Akron has experienced some struggles of their own as they are stumbling into the game with the 245th most touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 42 on the season. It’s possible one of these Achilles’ heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Waldo Stadium — Kalamazoo, Michigan
- TV: CBS Sports Network
- Live Stream: CBSSports.com or fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Watch on your Phone: CBS Sports App
- Watch on Connected TV: CBS Sports App on Roku and Fire TV
- Ticket Cost: $6.00
Odds
The Broncos are a big 24.5-point favorite against the Zips, according to the latest college football odds.
Bettors have moved against the Broncos slightly, as the game opened with the Broncos as a 26-point favorite.
Over/Under: -111
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Series History
Western Michigan have won two out of their last three games against Akron.
- Nov 04, 2020 – Western Michigan 58 vs. Akron 13
- Oct 15, 2017 – Akron 14 vs. Western Michigan 13
- Oct 15, 2016 – Western Michigan 41 vs. Akron 0
