The Akron Zips return home on October 4, 2025 to face Central Michigan with the urgency of a 1–3 start that has highlighted both offensive shortcomings and defensive inconsistency, and their focus will be on cleaning up execution to give themselves a chance to grab a much-needed MAC win in front of their home crowd. Offensively, the Zips are averaging just 19.8 points per game while surrendering 29.0, a scoring margin that reflects their struggles to keep pace in shootouts and their inability to control tempo for extended stretches. Quarterback Ben Finley has been one of the bright spots, throwing for 694 yards and 4 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions on 117 attempts, showing that when protected he is capable of managing the passing game and giving Akron balance. However, the running game has been sluggish, and until the ground attack can provide consistent yardage, opposing defenses will continue to pressure Finley and limit big-play opportunities. Their third-down conversion rate is a troubling 26.8 percent, which has too often left their defense overexposed after quick three-and-outs, and their inability to sustain drives has been a major factor in their early-season struggles.

Defensively, Akron is giving up 6.25 yards per play, and while they’ve managed to limit some opponents’ scoring outbursts, they’ve lacked the ability to consistently win at the line of scrimmage or prevent explosive plays downfield, leaving them vulnerable to even modest offensive units like Central Michigan. To succeed against the Chippewas, the Zips must prioritize gap discipline, tackle more efficiently in space, and generate pressure on the quarterback without sacrificing coverage on the back end. Forcing turnovers will be key, as creating short fields would give their offense much-needed scoring opportunities, especially against a CMU defense that has surrendered 33 points per game. Special teams will also be vital for Akron, as any miscues in coverage or missed opportunities on returns could hand the Chippewas easy momentum, while strong execution in this area could help flip field position and keep the game close. From a betting perspective, Akron’s inefficiency on third downs and their negative scoring margin make them a risky proposition even at home, but rivalry dynamics in the MAC often level the playing field, and with improved execution they could find value as a home underdog. Ultimately, the Zips’ formula is straightforward: protect Finley, run the ball well enough to establish balance, avoid the short drives that have plagued them, and step up defensively to limit CMU’s scoring chances. If they can feed off their home crowd and execute in those key areas, Akron has a legitimate opportunity to flip the narrative of their season and capture a win that could serve as a turning point in their conference campaign.