Akron Zips at Buffalo Bulls Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 25, 2025

By: Patty Reyes Published 10/23/2025, 05:48 PM ET
Use Code SSWC

The Akron Zips (2-6, 1-3 MAC) visit the Buffalo Bulls (4-3, 3-0 MAC) in Saturday’s conference matchup at UB Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Akron looks to rebound from a tough road loss to Ball State, while Buffalo enters with momentum after three straight MAC victories. The Bulls are listed as 9.5-point favorites, with the total set at 47.5 points. Find the edge fast with NCAAF picks for the Akron Zips at Buffalo Bulls.

Akron Searching for Consistency on Both Sides

The Akron offense continues to rely heavily on quarterback Ben Finley, who has thrown for 1,448 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season. Finley’s connection with receiver Kyan Mason and tight end Israel Polk has provided the Zips with a reliable passing game, but the offense has struggled of late on the ground. Running back Jordan Gant leads the rushing attack with 605 yards and three touchdowns on 116 carries, though Akron’s ground game has often stalled due to a banged-up offensive line.

Defensively, the Zips have performed well at times but remain inconsistent against both the run and pass. Linebacker Shammond Cooper leads the team with 53 tackles, while Bruno Dall leads the pass rush with four sacks. Akron has been aggressive in creating pressure, yet coverage problems have hurt them. The defense has allowed 30 or more points in five of eight games, struggling most against physical rushing teams like Ball State and Toledo.

Akron’s most recent outing was a 42-28 road loss to Ball State. Finley threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Polk, but was intercepted twice. Gant ran for 94 yards, and the Zips stayed within one score until a late kickoff return by Ball State sealed the game. Akron put up solid offensive numbers but failed to contain the Cardinals on the ground, allowing three rushing scores. The defeat dropped the Zips to 1-3 in MAC play and was the fifth loss in six games.

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The injury list is extensive for Akron, with 15 players questionable, including starters on the offensive and defensive lines. Check the injury status of players prior to the opening kickoff.

Buffalo Building Momentum in MAC Play

Buffalo’s offense has had success behind quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson, who has produced 1,337 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. The Bulls’ balance between the run and pass has been key to their success, as running back Al-Jay Henderson has totaled 477 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while receiver Victor Snow leads the passing game with 522 yards and seven scores on 37 receptions. Buffalo’s ability to mix play-action has made them one of the MAC’s most consistent attacks.

On defense, the Bulls continue to perform well. They have limited opponents to just over 21 points per game during the three-game win streak and forced turnovers to close out wins. Defensive end Kobe Stewart has been a standout, recording four sacks and 10 tackles in the win over UMass. The Bulls’ front seven has improved each week, holding opponents under 310 total yards in two of the last three games.

Buffalo’s latest result was a 28-21 road victory over UMass, where the offense racked up 475 total yards and dominated possession for more than 34 minutes. Roberson threw for 403 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Snow for a 23-yard score. Henderson added 59 rushing yards on 20 carries. The Bulls trailed early but controlled the second half with long, efficient drives and a key fourth-quarter interception from Jeremiah McGill to seal the win.

Injuries remain a concern for Buffalo, though the list is shorter than Akron’s. Eight players are questionable. The Bulls will be without TE Ryan Daly, who remains out indefinitely.

Akron Zips at Buffalo Bulls Pick

Spread Pick for Akron Zips at Buffalo Bulls

  •  Buffalo -9.5 (4 Units)

Buffalo’s steady offense and strong defensive play make them the pick at home on Saturday. Roberson’s command of the passing game and the Bulls’ ability to control time of possession give them a clear advantage against an Akron defense that has struggled to contain the run and struggled on offense. With Akron’s lengthy injury list and inconsistent pass protection, Buffalo has the talent to pull away in the second half and cover the spread comfortably.

Over/Under Pick for Akron Zips at Buffalo Bulls

  • Under 47.5 (4 Units)

Both teams prefer extended drives over quick scoring, and Buffalo’s defense has tightened up against the run in recent weeks. Akron’s injuries to players on the offense and a tendency for turnovers could stall or end drives, while the Bulls’ run-heavy approach will keep the clock moving. Expect Buffalo to dictate tempo and win in a controlled, lower-scoring contest that stays below the total.

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