Akron's defense has faced only 2 teams in the top 60 in offense (yds/play), while Bowling Green has faced 6. Bowling Green in previous years has been known for their defense and known for turning it up after their byes late in the season. Tonight they get that opportunity. They were 111th in opponent passer rating on the season, but over their last 3 they have allowed 116 QB rating. Same goes for yards per play on the season 117th, but over their last 3 just 4.7 which would be top 25. Conference stats suggest they are better than Akron on defense almost. Akron's biggest problem here will be their offense ranking 120th in yards per play yet they have only played two teams in the top 50 in defense. Bowling Green has faced 2 bad offenses on the season VMI (held them to 7 pts) and Ohio held them to 13 points on the road. In fact Bowling Green won 31-13 on the road against Ohio while Akron lost 20-23.
This is a huge game for Bowling Green already up in the Mac East by 1 game and a win here would just about clinch their division title. They are also getting 7 extra days to prepare for this game compared with what Akron has. Akron is just 17-35-1 ATS int heir last 53 conference games and 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games while Bowling Green is 19-7 in their last 26 games in November. Bowling Green can protect their QB better 10th in protection, and they can run better at 4.66 ypc giving them some balance on the road will allow them to pull off the upset.
