Akron at Ball State

Akron is better defensively than the stats suggest, having to tussle with Wisconsin in Week 2 and unbeaten Western Michigan last week. The Zips are still 2-1 in the MAC, first place in the East and well coached under Terry Bowden. On offense, their two quarterbacks have combined for 18 TDs to eight picks. Starting quarterback Thomas Woodson (13 TDs, four INTs) has been sidelined for the past two games, but returns for this game with Ball State. It's a balanced Akron attack with RBs Manny Morgan and Van Edwards averaging over 5.2 yards per carry. The Zips are 9-4 ATS after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Akron is also 24-10 UNDER the total in MAC games, plus 19-9 UNDER after a spread loss. Ball State returns home after playing five of seven on the road. QB Riley Neal (six TDs, eight picks) hasn't been sharp, with the passing game #81 in the nation, while the defense ranks #89 in yards allowed. Ball State is on a 4-11 spread run at home, as well as a 10-3 run UNDER the total overall. Grab the first-place visitors in a defensive battle. Take Akron and the UNDER.