Akron at Northwestern 9/15/18 - College Football Picks & Predictions

Akron will get its shot at a Big-10 opponent this weekend when it plays at Northwestern. Their game at Nebraska was canceled due to the weather. The Zips opened their season last week by beating Morgan State 41-7. Northwestern lost at home to Duke 21-7, which is not a good sign for the Wildcats with the meat of the Big 10 schedule left to play. Hosting Akron will give them another chance to get ready for ranked opposition.

Northwestern got off to a slow start last year but ended up with 10 wins. The loss to Duke was a disappointment, and the Wildcats may face a fight with a scrappy Akron team. Akron has a strong defense with a lot of starters back. Their easy win over Morgan State may have given the offense, loaded with newcomers, some needed confidence. Northwestern's senior quarterback Clayton Thorson has thrown for 370 yards and has one interception. TJ Green has passed for 147 yards and also has an interception. Northwestern has not scored with passing in two games. Jeremy Larkin is a bright spot offensively, with 370 yards and three touchdowns. He is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and is the workhorse. He has 50 of the team's 74 rushes through two games. Northwestern averages 3.6 yards rushing.

Kato Nelson leads Akron with 232 yards passing, three touchdowns and one interception. Van Edwards Jr, leads the rushing attack with 109 yards and two touchdowns. He is averaging 6.4 yards per carry, and the team is averaging 5.1.