Akron has 4 extra days to prepare for this game and despite being 1-10 and 0-7 in the MAC this will be like a championship to them. HC Terry Bowden has made great strides this year at Akron although the record does not indicate that. They have 4 games decided by 8 points or less and have not lost by more than 19 points on the road while Toledo has not beaten a team at home by more than 19. As good as Toledoâs offense has been they are coming off a crushing defeat which was for the division against Northern Illinois in a game they led most of the way. Now they could be without their RB who has an ankle injury. I do not think he will play as Toledo really has nothing to play for other than the spot light and I think Akron will be more pumped up for this game as head coach Bowden already said, âToledoâ¦. Premier teams of our conference, what a better way to end the season, than a national tv game vs. a top program and a chance at an upset.â
I canât play just the emotional advantages and I have to provide some stats for the stat gurus out there. Akron is actually ranked 14th in passing yards and are more than capable of putting up yards and points against Toledoâs defense which is 120th in pass defense and 114th in sack % while Akron is led by a senior QB Dalton Williams who is the MACâs #1 passer in yards and TDâs. Heâs playing in his last game and with extra days to prepare you better believe heâll be ready for this. Heâs actually a 5th year senior with good size and the fact that Toledo has been unable to get a pass rush Iâm thinking he should be able to move the ball especially with the threat of RB Jawon Chrisholm who is on the verge of 1,000 yards and averages 5.56ypc. Akron is also 42% on the road converting third downs and 30% defending them. Toledo has not been that great at converting third downs just 42% at home and they allow 43% conversions in the conference worse than Akron. Akronâs red zone TD% is also better at 80% in conference play to Toledoâs 48%. Although Toledoâs red zone defense is a bit better 50% conference play to Akronâs 59% itâs not much of a difference to believe Toledo will blow Akron out tonight.
