This is a game between two teams that finished poorly last season, as both struggled on offense and both did make bowl games. With the addition of RB Ali Barklay (Saquon's brother) to Akron from Temple, the team has added a weapon on offense that should keep them in this game. Temple owns a 5 game win streak against Akron, and is heading up an offense under QB E J Warner, (Kirk’s son) who is really good. These two teams have similar talent which is why this game will be a closer one. Akron could pull off the upset because they did keep games very close in score last season, and lost close games to very good teams. This team is scrappy and they will grind it out with Temple who will also get some points on their drives under QB Warner, as they have improved in the portal and with returning starters on offense. Akron should be able to score against Temple’s defense who struggled in defending the run last season. Overall, this should be a showdown between Barklay and Warner so take the points.

Akron as a road underdog of 7.5 to 14 points are 3-1 ATS in the last three seasons. Temple against MAC opponents are 7-17 ATS since 1992. Akron are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games. Temple is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against an opponent in the MAC. Temple is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games played in week 1. Akron in a road game where the total is between 49.5 and 56 is 4-2 ATS in the last three seasons.

Best bet: take the points with Akron.