|

Akron vs Central Michigan: 3 big keys in a tough MAC opener

Dustin Judge
Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, host of Akron vs Central Michigan

Akron vs Central Michigan is the Mid-American Conference opener for both teams on Saturday, Oct. 3. The Zips (1-3) visit the Chippewas (2-2) at 3:30 p.m. ET at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, with streaming on ESPN+. It is Central Michigan’s 100th homecoming game.

Akron vs Central Michigan: a revenge game for the Chippewas

The Akron vs Central Michigan series favors the Chippewas 19-11-1, but Akron won last October’s meeting 28-22. Coach Matt Drinkall has said no game on the schedule has weighed on him more than that loss, according to the school.

The Chippewas enter after a 52-3 loss at No. 6 Miami. They led 3-0 on a 49-yard field goal by Caden VanHuis, then gave up 28 unanswered points in the second quarter and trailed 35-3 at halftime. Central Michigan finished with 158 yards, including 21 rushing yards on 25 carries.

Quarterback questions on both sides

Angel Flores leads the MAC with 320 rushing yards, but he was pulled in the Miami game. Jadyn Glasser went 13 of 15 for 88 yards with an interception in relief, and Central Michigan used three quarterbacks in all.

Akron has its own situation. Starter Cibastian Broughton hurt his right knee in the first half at Minnesota, and Brayden Roggow made his first career start in a 38-10 loss to UNLV. Roggow completed 14 of 25 passes for 194 yards with two interceptions. It is unclear whether Broughton will return Saturday.

How the Zips can bounce back

Akron beat Robert Morris 45-10 in its home opener, with Broughton throwing four touchdown passes. It has since lost 41-7 at Minnesota and 38-10 to UNLV after a 38-16 season-opening loss at Wake Forest.

Running back Jordan Gant ran for 80 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries against UNLV, and receiver Marcel Williams caught eight passes for 83 yards. Central Michigan’s two wins, 24-10 over Wyoming and 13-10 over Colgate, came at home.

In Akron vs Central Michigan, the winner gets an early lift in the MAC race. For more on the conference, read our Bowling Green vs. Miami preview, and see how the Hurricanes are faring in our Miami vs. Clemson preview.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.