:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68501225/1229863309.0.jpg)
The MAC East division champoin Buffalo Bulls will try to end their regular season in style when they play the Akron Zips Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET in Buffalo, NY.
The Bulls (4-0) had their game last week against the Ohio Bobcats canceled, which means by a scheduling technicality they win the MAC East division. But a couple of weeks ago, the Bulls demolished Kent State 70-41 thanks to running back Jaret Patterson, who had a record-breaking game: 409 yards on 36 carries and eight touchdowns. The previous week against Bowling Green, the 5-foot-9 running back had 301 yards on 31 carries and four touchdowns. The task at hand for the Zips is to try and keep Paterson under 200 rushing yards, which might not be easy since they are giving up 212.2 yards per game on the ground.
As for Akron (1-4), they smacked Bowling Green 31-3 last week, snapping their four-game losing streak to start the season. The Zips got a great game from running back Teon Dollard, who had 185 rushing yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns.
Then on the defensive side of the ball, Akron recovered two fumbles and returned one of them for a touchdown. They are going to need that and more to slow down this Bulls’ offense powered by Patterson.
Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming
You can watch Akron vs. Buffalo on Saturday, December 12th at 2:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, or you can stream it via the CBS Sports app with a cable or streaming service login.
Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends
Point spread: Akron vs. Buffalo (-32.5)
Point Total: O/U 59.5
Money line: N/A
- Going back to the 2018 season, the Zips have a record of 3-14 against the spread and 1-19 straight up.
- Akron’s straight up record is not great on the road either as they are winless (0-10) in its last 10 games.
- Dating back to last season, the Bulls have a record of 6-1 against the spread and 7-0 straight up in its last seven games.
- The point total went over in eight of Buffalo’s last 10 games.
Betting splits
Akron: (13% of handle, 34% percent of bets)
Buffalo: (87% of handle, 66% percent of bets)
The Best Bet
With there being no moneyline for this game, the best bet is Buffalo -33.5. Usually I shy away from taking large spreads, especially when a team is the overwhelming favorite. But seeing this Buffalo offense work over the last two weeks, they can put up points quickly anytime Patterson is on the field.
Pick: Buffalo (-32.5)
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.