Akron Zips vs Central Michigan Chippewas Prediction, 10/3/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Akron Zips vs Central Michigan Chippewas

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Location: Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, MI

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Chippewas (-6.5)

Total/Over-Under: 47.5

The Akron Zips (1-3) are headed to Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026 where they will go up against the Central Michigan Chippewas (2-2). Central Michigan opens this game as 6.5-point favorites from oddsmakers. The over/under comes in at 47.5.

The Akron Zips head into this game 1-3 for this season. In their last matchup, the Zips played the UNLV Rebels and went home with a loss by a final score of 38-10. The Akron Zips ran the ball a total of 32 different times and recorded 107 yds, which had them averaging 3.3 yds per carry. When all was said and done, they ran 58 plays which totaled 301 yards. Akron allowed 17 pass completions on 29 attempts for 290 yds, and a completion percentage of 58.6%. When it came to stopping the run, the Zips conceded 203 yards on 34 attempts, which averages out to 6.0 yards per run allowed.

The Zips have earned 1,350 yards in total over the course of this season. When it comes to distribution of touchdowns, Akron has earned 6 passing touchdowns and 4 rushing touchdowns. They have turned the ball over 7 times. Akron has accounted for 83 1st downs as an offense, and they have been hurt by 22 penalties for 202 yards. As a team they average 136.3 yards on the ground which is 101st in the country. In terms of scoring points, the Akron Zips have an average of 19.5 points per game.

The Zips are sitting in 123rd in the country in terms of team defense, allowing 31.8 points per game. They are allowing 5.1 yards per rush and 152.8 rushing yards per game for the campaign. Overall, they have conceded 611 running yards through 4 outings. Regarding passing yards, the Zips have allowed 1,030 yards which ranks them 125th in college football. They have surrendered 257.5 yards per outing through the air in addition to conceding a completion percentage of 60.7%. Over the course of this season, they are conceding 410.3 yards per outing putting them 118th in D-1. They have conceded 10 touchdowns via the pass and 4 touchdowns on the ground.

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The Chippewas come into this game with a record of 2-2 for this year. The last time they took the field, the Chippewas walked away with a loss by a score of 52-3 when they faced the Miami Hurricanes. The Chippewas finished with a total of 158 yards while they ran 51 plays (3.1 yds per play). Central Michigan ran the ball for 0.8 yds per carry, finishing with a total of 21 yds on 25 carries. Central Michigan surrendered 34 rushing attempts for 201 yards (5.9 yds per rush). The Chippewas secondary allowed a completion percentage of 79.4%, surrendering 371 yds on 27 out of 34 passing.

When looking at their scoring prowess, the Chippewas currently sit 137th in Division 1 averaging 11.8 points per contest. The Central Michigan Chippewas have an average of 238.5 yards per contest, ranking them 137th in D-1. The Central Michigan offense has 222 yards of penalties on 24 infractions, ranking them 90th in Division 1 in terms of hurting your team. They have given away 4 interceptions while letting opponents recover 4 fumbles and they have been able to earn 55 1st downs. Over the course of the season so far, the Chippewas have thrown for a total of 275 yards via the pass along with an average of 68.8 passing yards per game, which has them sitting 138th in college football. They have an average of 169.8 yards per game via the rush and have toted the ball for 679 yards overall.

The Chippewas are conceding 27.5 PPG, which has them ranked 104th in Division 1. Central Michigan has given up a total of 661 yards via the ground game (165.3 yards/game) and 9 touchdowns by way of the ground game for the year. They have given up 4 touchdowns through the air as well as 208.5 yards/game, which puts them in 73rd in college football. The Chippewas defense has been on the field for 258 plays, which ranks them 72nd in the nation. They have compiled 2 fumbles and 4 interceptions on the year. This season, they have allowed 110 pts.

Who will win tonight's Zips/Chippewas college football game against the spread?

Guy's Pick: Take the Zips +6.5

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