Ohio State vs. Akron prediction, odds, best bets, and player props to grab

Welcome to game week! It's Week 1 of the 2024 college football season, and the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Akron Zips. We have the latest Ohio State vs. Akron betting odds, best bets, player prop options, and a prediction for you to bank on. Let's dive in.

How to Watch Akron vs. Ohio State Matchup Details

• Game : Akron Zips vs Ohio State Buckeyes
• Date : Saturday, August 31, 2024
• Game Time : 3:30 PM EST
• Location : Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH
• Odds/Point Spread : Buckeyes (-48.5) (-115)
• Moneyline : N/A
• Total : 58.5 (-115)

The Ohio State Buckeyes, who had an 11-2 record last year, will host the Akron Zips, who finished the season at 2-10, at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, August 31, 2024. For this game, FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Akron Zips as 48.5-point underdogs. The game's over/under is set at 58.5.

Ohio State vs. Akron Player Props to Consider

Player props are not legal in the state of Ohio, but if you're elsewhere, you might be able to find options at a daily fantasy site under the guise of going higher or lower. It's not uncommon for matchups with projected blowouts to not feature player props, though.

Here are game props that we found that we like instead.

• Time of First Score OVER 5 Minutes Elapsed (-139)
• First Score of Game is Touchdown - Yes (-417)
• Will There Be a Scoreless Quarter - Yes (+398)

Akron vs. Ohio State Betting Prediction and Pick

This matchup presents a stark contrast between a lower-tier MAC team and what is considered one of the nation's premier teams. Despite Ohio State having little to gain from significantly outscoring its weaker rival, it's expected that they will still produce numerous explosive plays and dominate defensively.

Fresh from a season where it ranked in the top five for crucial defensive statistics like EPA/Play and points allowed per drive, Ohio State not only retains over 64% of its defensive lineup but also welcomes Caleb Downs, the previous SEC Freshman of the Year from Alabama.

Akron placed 129th in EPA/Play the previous year, so it is significantly outclassed in this game. Although the Buckeyes might appear to prioritize their ground game with talents like TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins, anticipate their revamped offense to still deliver substantial plays from various positions.

Even though Akron's defense was ranked in the top 50 in EPA/Play the previous year, it's no match for the Buckeyes' sheer skill level. With both their starting lineup and possibly their second string, the Buckeyes are set to capitalize on advantageous field positions.

My prediction leans heavily toward the Buckeyes to secure a victory with a margin over 50 points this Saturday.

Ohio State vs. Akron Betting Pick : Ohio State (-48.5) and OVER 58.5