Kent State vs. Akron prediction: MACtion odds, picks, best bet

Kent State vs. Akron Prediction: MACtion Odds, Picks, Best Bet

Kent State enters Tuesday night's game as a 6.5-point underdog against Akron in a key matchup during the special “MACtion” broadcast. The stakes are high for both teams.

Season Context

Akron currently holds a 4-6 record but is ineligible for a bowl game due to academic sanctions. Despite this, they are one win away from securing their best season since 2017, when they finished 7-7 under coach Terry Bowden. Kent State, with a 3-6 record, still hopes to qualify for a bowl game but must win all remaining games to do so.

The Wagon Wheel Trophy

This game also features the coveted Wagon Wheel Trophy, which has been awarded annually since 1946 to the winner of this rivalry between these two Northeast Ohio institutions.

Teams’ Performance Overview

Akron is favored by 6.5 points at home.
Both teams rank among the lower tier of FBS programs but have exceeded expectations this season.
In recent years, Akron’s wins per season have been 0, 1, 2, 2, 2, and 4 respectively.
They have suffered at least 10 losses in four of the last five seasons, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
For Akron, a 4-6 record is significant progress considering their ongoing academic violations prevented postseason play.

“A 4-6 record may not seem noteworthy to most programs, but it is to the Zips, who had every excuse to just bail on 2025 entirely with no prospect of postseason play due to the academic violations.”

With much on the line, this game represents a critical moment for both teams as they compete for pride, postseason hopes, and the historic Wagon Wheel Trophy.

Author’s summary: Kent State and Akron face off in a pivotal MACtion game with the Wagon Wheel trophy and bowl aspirations on the line amidst contrasting eligibility and season progress.

New York Post — 2025-11-11