UMass and Akron Clash in MACtion Showdown for First Win

Akron, Ohio – UMass looks for its first win of the season as it takes on Akron in a Mid-American Conference (MAC) battle on Tuesday night. The Minutemen enter the matchup with a dismal 0-8 record after suffering a 38-13 loss to Central Michigan, while the Zips come off a 24-16 victory against Buffalo.

The Minutemen have struggled throughout the season, being outscored 287-92 in their eight games, and remain winless on the road at 0-4. Conversely, Akron stands at 3-6 and holds a 2-3 record in MAC play. The Zips have shown some strength at home, with a balanced 2-2 record on their field.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field in Akron, streaming live on CBS Sports Network. Akron leads the all-time series against UMass, 3-2, including a commanding 30-6 win last season.

Akron is favored by 11.5 points with a projected total score of 51.5 points, up five points from the opening line. Senior quarterback DJ Finley has been key for the Zips, completing 133 of 257 passes for 1,678 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, along with a strong performance against Buffalo last week.

The Zips’ rushing attack is bolstered by junior running back who has rushed for 697 yards and three touchdowns across nine games. He has had standout moments, including a 161-yard, three-touchdown performance in an earlier game this season.

UMass relies on redshirt freshman quarterback AJ Hairston, who has thrown for 812 yards and three touchdowns. In a season filled with challenges, he aims to connect with his key offensive players to spark a much-needed victory.

Sports analysts note that UMass can cover the spread, which implies they have a 59% chance, despite their struggles. Akron, on the other hand, is projected to have a win probability of 79%. These predictions stem from simulations that provide insights into the teams’ performances based on their track records.

As both teams prepare to clash, fans eagerly await the outcome of this MACtion showdown.