Akron vs. Kentucky Prediction, CFB Picks & Odds for Saturday, 9/16

Author:
Zach Lutz
Publish date:
Sep 14, 2023 3:08 PM EDT

For the Kentucky Wildcats, a 3-0 start heading into SEC play would be a big confidence boost for a program that lost stars QB Will Levis and RB Chris Rodriguez to the NFL, after a season where Big Blue often sat within the AP Top 25 Poll . The only opponent standing in the Wildcats’ way of this 3-0 mark is the Akron Zips out of the Midwestern Athletic Conference (MAC).

While we do believe Kentucky’s triumph in this game is all but guaranteed come Saturday evening, our experts still found a betting angle worth tailing with an official Akron vs. Kentucky prediction and odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook.

If you want to cheer on your Wildcats and make a sizable profit at the same time, stay close and read on. Plus, if you are new to one of the best NCAAF betting sites , an exciting first-bet offer north of $1,000 awaits on the other side of our affiliate links.

AKRON ZIPS VS. KENTUCKY WILDCATS PREDICTION: Under 49.5 Total Points (-110 at BetMGM Sportsbook)

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Akron Zips vs. Kentucky Wildcats Prediction: CFB This Week

Let us set the scene for our Akron vs. Kentucky prediction by beginning with a brief overview of the Zips. While preseason whispers were floated about a dark horse run in the MAC, those hopes have been thwarted after Akron lost 24-21 at Temple in Week 1 and narrowly escaped FCS Morgan State at home on a scoop-and-score, 24-21. Akron was favored by 25 points last week, but only eked out the victory thanks to two defensive scores.

Splitting a pair of close games against lowly opponents does not give Akron a promising outlook at the home of an SEC opponent the caliber of Kentucky. To give some perspective, Akron’s odds to win the MAC at BetMGM are currently fourth-lowest at +2500, sitting behind a Ball State team Kentucky has already mopped the floor with, 44-14 back in Week 1.

Despite a struggle to move past FCS Eastern Kentucky in Week 2, where the Wildcats only managed 28 points, the talent gap between Akron and Kentucky is overwhelming. Kentucky’s size and athleticism, especially on the defensive side of the ball, should bother an Akron offense that has only managed four touchdowns in its two games.

If you believe our Akron vs. Kentucky prediction is headed in the right direction, read on to flesh out our experts’ best bet for Saturday.

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Akron vs. Kentucky Picks & CFB Best Bets for Saturday Including Under 49.5 Total Points (-110 at BetMGM)

Akron’s lack of offense matched with Kentucky’s defensive strength (highlighted by linebacker Trevin Wallace) through the first two weeks is our primary reason for making Under 49.5 total points (-110 at BetMGM) the pick from our official Akron vs. Kentucky prediction, but there is more to it than that.

Kentucky must get better on offense before SEC play. We believe this offense will work out some kinks behind NC State transfer QB Devin Leary, but we are not convinced a 40+-point showing is on the table this weekend, which is honestly what it could take for the over to hit.

We don’t like Akron to score more than 14 points at most and expect 10 or less. But for a Kentucky offense that flashed too many penalties, plenty of unforced errors and a lack of dynamic playmaking against an opponent like Eastern Kentucky, we don’t see the Wildcats almost single-handedly cashing this game total over.

One trend in support of our pick: The game total under has cash in 10 of Kentucky’s last 11 games.

It’s entirely possible Kentucky could cover the -25.5-points spread (-105 at BetMGM) and still cash the under because the defense can blank this Akron offense. If you believe in the continued dominance of this Wildcat defense and small improvements on offense, make a bet on our Akron vs. Kentucky prediction after clicking here to be redirected to BetMGM.

If you have never before signed up with BetMGM, are 21+ and physically present in an eligible state, you can follow or fade our Akron vs. Kentucky prediction and pair it with a $1,500 first-bet offer at BetMGM. To do so, follow these easy steps:

Create a BetMGM account here – no BetMGM promo code is needed with us
Deposit $10+ and browse the NCAAF betting markets, including Akron vs. Kentucky, 6:30 PM ET on Saturday
Wager up to $1,500 on Under 49.5 (-110) in the Akron vs. Kentucky game, or any other market for that matter
Receive bonus bets back of equal value should you lose

If you win, you will receive a payout like normal based on the size of your bet and the odds. If you lose, first-bet insurance kicks in, and you receive either a single bonus bet back (< $50 first bet) or five bonus bets back (> $50 first bet), covering your losses entirely. Our experts are confident in our pick for this game. If you are too, join BetMGM here and now.

Latest Akron vs. Kentucky Betting Lines, Odds & Spread for 9/16 Brought to You by BetMGM

You may know the odds on our Akron vs. Kentucky prediction by now, but for an overview of BetMGM Sportsbook’s main markets concerning this game, we have provided money line, point spread and game total (over/under) odds and lines below:

Money Line:

Akron +1200
Kentucky -3000

Point Spread:

Akron +25.5 (-115)
Kentucky (-105)

Game Total (Over/Under):

Over 49.5 (-110)
Under 49.5 (-110)

If interested in supporting our Akron vs. Kentucky prediction, a $110 bet is required to win $100 at -110 odds. For the under to cash, the two teams must combine for 49 points or less. We believe Kentucky will win this game 38-10, so back us now after becoming a NEW member at BetMGM.

Eastern KY vs. Kentucky Score Last Week

Kentucky failed to cover a massive 35-point spread at home against Eastern Kentucky last weekend, but they still managed to overcome their struggles and win the game.

Kentucky 28 vs. Eastern Kentucky 17

Although they struggled in their game last week, the Wildcats should bounce back this week, so make sure you join BetMGM Sportsbook today.

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