Akron vs. Nebraska Picks and Prediction, Saturday, September 6, 2025
In a non-conference affair on Saturday night, Nebraska (1-0) plays host to Akron (1-0). Nebraska secured a win in their opener with a late turnover and Akron is looking for their first points of the season after getting shut out in their first game. Right here in this Akron vs. Nebraska prediction, you can get the full score info and other free NCAAF picks.
Nebraska comes into this game as a huge favorite posted at -34, with the total sitting at 47.
Not the Best Home Opener for Akron
Akron was at home in their season opener and did not give their fans much to cheer about in a 10-0 loss to Wyoming. They were outgained 426 yards to 228 yards and only averaged 3.7 yards per pass attempt and 3.2 yards per rushing attempt. Ben Finley had a poor game, going 16 for 38 with 139 yards and an INT. Marquese Williams led the way with 30 rushing yards and Sean Patrick had 26 rushing yards and led the Zips with 47 receiving yards. Akron failed to cover as a 4.5-point underdog and the total went Under.
- Last season, Akron went 4-8 and they may be in for another poor season this time around.
- They had many key players leave in the transfer portal and even more so, as the team was ruled ineligible for postseason play due to academic issues.
- Finley is one of the few returning skill players and last season passed for 2,604 yards with 16 TD and nine INT.
- Marquese Williams is a Minnesota transfer and Patrick is a freshman. These two players are key, as Nebraska played solid pass defense in their opener but they did give up over 200 rushing yards.
- Akron’s defense was pretty poor last season, so even in getting shut out in their opener they only gave up 10 points, so that is something to build on.
Sign Up for StatSalt News Alerts, Get Free Picks and Discounts
Subscribe Now
Big Time Defensive Play Seals Win for Nebraska
In their season opener, Nebraska beat Cincinnati 20-1,7 where Malcolm Hartzog Jr. picked off a Cincy pass in the end zone with 34 seconds left to seal the deal. The Huskers outgained the Bearcats 356 yards to 271 yards and forced two turnovers and did not have any. Dylan Raiola was solid going 33 for 42 for 243 yards and two TD, Emmett Johnson rushed for 108 yards, and three players had at least 47 receiving yards. The Huskers failed to cover as a 6-point favorite and the total went Under.
- Last season, Nebraska was 7-6 and played in its first bowl game in eight years.
- Raiola set a slew of team records for a freshman last season, passed for 2,819 yards with 13 TD and 11 INT, and led the nation in completion percentage for freshmen and third in yards.
- Johnson rushed for 598 yards last season and will be counted on to lead the ground attack.
- The WR corps was balanced last season and will be again with some returning players.
- The run defense was not good in the opener, but they should be better in this game, facing an Akron team that only rushed for 89 yards in their first game.
Akron vs. Nebraska Pick
Spread Pick for Akron vs. Nebraska
- Nebraska -34 (+4 Units)
Akron was shut out in their first game and while they only gave up 10 points, they gave up 466 yards. It will be a tall task for them to shut down the Nebraska offense that was not overly impressive in their last game but has the weapons to score big. The Huskers only scored 20 points in their last game, but were balanced on offense and played solid defense. Last season, in three games facing teams from major conferences, Akron lost by an average of 40.3 ppg. In terms of the Akron vs. Nebraska prediction, the Huskers will dominate both sides of the ball and even with a huge spread, the Huskers will cover it in their house.
Over 46 (+4 Units)
While the total for both teams went Under in their last games, I am leaning towards the Over in this game. Akron only gave up 10 points in losing their season opener but they were at home and still gave up 466 yards. They kept Wyoming out of the end zone for the most part last week but that will not be the case in this game. Nebraska did not score big in their first game but with their balanced offense and the weapons they have they will in this game. Last season in three games facing teams from a major conference, the Zips gave up an average of 50.3 ppg and they will get lit up again, which is why the Over is the pick for this game.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet $5 & Get $150
