Akron at Syracuse

The Zips came into the Dome last year and put a pasting on the 'Cuse in a 42-28 victory. They put on an offensive clinic in that one, piling up 29 first downs and 478 total yards. That was an Akron team that started the season 5-4, but since it has been all downhill as Akron has proceeded to go just 1-8 since. The lone win was to a non-FBS team against Morgan State. The Zips are struggling for offense and are down to Patrick Nicely at QB, a 3rd-stringer, as the top two Akron QBs are out with a knee injury and suspension. Syracuse is a much-improved team, but it isn't seen in their 2-4 record as they have lost to some powerhouses in Penn State, Minnesota, South Florida and West Virginia. Those four opponents combine for a 20-6 record. Last year the Syracuse offense never topped the 30-point mark, and this season they have already done it twice. Their three ATS wins vs. Big-10 teams leaves them still under the radar, and will handily beat a shorthanded Akron team. I'll go with Syracuse in this one.