As college football fans gear up for Week 2, the Akron Zips clash with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in what promises to be a pivotal matchup for both teams. The Zips, currently struggling with a 0-1 record, are eager to shake off their early season woes, while the Scarlet Knights, sitting at 1-0, are looking to build on their initial success and make a statement at home. This game, set to kick off at SHI Stadium at 12:00 PM ET on Fox Sports 1, provides ample opportunity for bettors and fans alike to dive into today free college football tips and learn more about these two teams.
Akron Zips vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights 9/7/24 Game Info |
|
| When: | Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | SHI Stadium Piscataway, New Jersey |
| TV: | Fox Sports 1 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Akron Zips (0-1) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (1-0)
The Akron Zips, who have had a rough beginning, are looking to boost their otherwise struggling offense, primarily based on their run and pass plays. Backup running back Charles Kellom has been manageable as he has only gained 42 yards off 14 carries, averaging 3.00 yards in several appearances. Although these may not appear to wrap one’s attention, Kellom’s twist and turning skills among defenders would play critical roles in the forthcoming match. Replacement offensive tackle Jake Z. Newell has demonstrated remarkable ability after finishing the game with 41 yards on two catches. The ability to come down with big-time grabs is vital in numerous ball games, especially ones where everything is on the line. A vivid one is charged in the Arkansas vs Oklahoma State game today. Perhaps the underdog would turn the table as less expected receiving might be the trump card again.
On the other hand, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are off to a good start with what looks to be a consistent ‘O’, especially in the rushing and receiving departments. The ground game is led by Kyle Monangai, who has 165 rushing yards on 19 attempts with a high 39-yard run with a touchdown and 8.7 rushing yards per carry. His quickness will be useful against Akron’s defense. Also, he is well supported by one of the wide receivers, Dymere Miller, who had 37 yards and a touchdown from four catches. He has been able to deliver on current instructions spelled in what the Army vs FAU game will be. This includes the coordination of the wide receivers with the ‘quarter” offensive strategies.
Tahj Bullock QB vs. Athan Kaliakmanis QB
With quarterback Tahj Bullock aiming to make a more noticeable impact in the matchup against the Akron Zips, one recalls that this is not a new problem for him due to the low statistics faced in this contest. With just 68 passing yards on nine completions of 13 attempts and a completion rate of 69.2%, Bullock is at least consistent, though it still needs to look like a man on fire. He may not have hooked up for any touchdowns, and his passer rating stood at 113.2, but he can keep the short passes under control, which, with some adjustments, can be very helpful, even extending the current highlights.
On the other hand, Rutgers’ quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has had a more impressive first outing. 147 was KYAKMANIS’ passing yards, 15 was the number of completions completed out of 24 attempts, and the completion rate stands at 62.5. What is more important, though, is that he has already completed three touchdown passes and has not thrown any interceptions. In that way, a passer rated 155.2, indicating he was efficient enough to make the team’s decisive scoring drives as a playmaker. There is an aggressive pass, and the high risk that Kaliakmanis possesses is what makes him a helpful weapon for offense against Akron’s defense.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Rutgers -26.5, Total Odds: 43.5 Over/Under
The current betting odds favor Rutgers by a significant margin of 26.5 points, reflecting the Scarlet Knights’ strong season start and perceived dominance over Akron. With a total set at 43.5, oddsmakers hint at potential defensive solidity from both sides, although with room for key offensive plays leading to scores. Bettors could consider the spread, noting Akron’s challenges on the road and Rutgers’ solid track record. At the same time, the total invites speculation about whether it might slightly overestimate or underestimate each side’s current ability to capitalize offensively.
Akron Zips Betting Trends
For Akron, recent trends underscore their struggles. The Zips are a mere 1 -10 straight up (SU) in their last 11 games, highlighting their ongoing challenges. They have particularly struggled on the road, with a disheartening 0-9 SU in their previous nine away games. Moreover, Akron has found difficulties when facing Big Ten conference teams, with a 0-5 SU record in those matchups. September has also been unkind to them, as their games have gone under the total in five of their last six September outings. Additionally, their performance against the spread (ATS) in Week 2 games could have been better, as they have failed to cover in their last five.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Trends
The Scarlet Knights, while having challenges, offer more optimistic betting trends. Their recent ATS record isn’t flawless, sitting at 1-4 in their last five games. Yet, they demonstrate solid performance against Mid-American conference opponents with an 8-3 SU record in the previous 11 meetings. At home, they’ve seen the total go over in five of their last six games, suggesting that Rutgers can produce high-scoring affairs when confident. When it comes to September, they boast a robust 4-0-1 ATS record over their last five games and tend to see the total go under in Week 2, which aligns with their strategic strengths.
Akron Zips vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights 9/7/24 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ current forms and historical data, Rutgers appears to hold a significant advantage entering this matchup. Their potent rushing game led by Monangai and a competent passing attack spearheaded by Kaliakmanis suggests that they could control the tempo and score effectively against the struggling Zips.
For those looking to secure informed bets, placing confidence in Rutgers covering the spread might look promising due to their home performance and the Zips’ road woes. The under on the total of 43.5 might be appealing considering Rutgers’ ability to effectively stifle weaker opponents and the historical trend of under results when these teams play in early season matchups. Utilizing expert premium analysis picks might further refine these choices, considering historical performances and player effectiveness.