The UMass Minutemen are gearing up to play the Akron Zips in a midweek MACtion clash on November 4, 2025. UMass is still searching—desperately, honestly—for their first win of the season, and the odds aren’t exactly in their favor.
Akron’s coming off a win and sits as a 10.5-point favorite. This game feels like a real test for both squads, with Akron hoping to keep the good vibes rolling and UMass just trying to salvage something from a rough year.
Let’s break down what’s at stake: the betting odds, how both teams have looked lately, and a few players you might want to keep an eye on.
UMass vs Akron: A Glimpse at the Odds
The betting odds are pretty clear—Akron’s favored by 10.5 points. The moneyline sits at UMass +350 and Akron -450, so, yeah, Akron’s got the edge.
The over/under is set at 49.5 points, suggesting we could see a moderately high-scoring night.
Why Akron is Favored
Akron’s offense has actually looked much better lately. In three of their last four games, they’ve scored at least 24 points, which is a big jump from their early-season average of just 18.8.
A lot of that comes down to quarterback Ben Finley. He’s thrown for over 235 yards in half of his last six starts—not bad at all.
That recent win over Buffalo, 24-16, definitely helped boost their confidence. It showed they can compete in the conference, and maybe even win ugly if they have to.
The Zips’ offense seems to have found its rhythm. Against a UMass defense that’s struggled all year, you have to think they’re licking their chops.
UMass: Struggles and Challenges
UMass… well, it’s been a brutal season. They’re 0-8, and it’s not just one side of the ball letting them down.
The Minutemen average only 11.5 points per game, which is the lowest in college football. On defense, it’s not much better—they’re giving up 35.9 points a game, one of the worst marks in the MAC.
Key Defensive Concerns
The pass defense, in particular, has been a real weak spot. UMass allows 256.1 passing yards per game, ranking them 12th out of 13 teams in the MAC.
Akron’s passing game, led by Finley and receiver Israel Polk, should be able to take advantage. Polk’s got five touchdowns this season and has caught three in just his last three games.
Betting Insights and Predictions
Looking at how both teams have played, a few betting angles stand out. Here’s what might be worth considering:
- Akron -10.5 (-115): With Akron’s offense clicking and UMass’s defense leaking points, the Zips look likely to cover.
- Over 49.5 (-110): Both defenses give up their fair share, so a higher-scoring game wouldn’t be a shock.
- UMass +3.5 second quarter: Oddly enough, UMass has had some life in the second quarter lately. Maybe there’s a little value there.
Player Props to Watch
If you’re into player props, a couple stand out for this matchup:
- Ben Finley Over 234.5 passing yards: UMass’s secondary has struggled, so Finley could have a big night.
- Israel Polk anytime touchdown: He’s been Finley’s go-to guy and seems likely to score again.
Game Day Conditions and Venue
This one’s at InfoCision Stadium in Akron, OH, with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. ET. You can catch it live on CBSSN.
It’s always smart to keep an eye on the weather, just in case—college football can get weird when the elements show up.
Conclusion
UMass heads to Akron, still chasing their first win. The odds? Well, they’re not exactly in their favor right now.
Akron’s offense has been heating up, while UMass just can’t seem to patch up their defense. This matchup might not be pretty if things keep trending the same way.
Will Akron cover the spread and keep rolling, or could UMass finally surprise everyone? It’s hard to say, but fans and bettors will definitely be watching.
If you want more stats, trends, or a deeper dive, check out the UMass vs Akron prediction page on Covers.com.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
