FACTS & STATS: Site: Rubber Bowl (35,202) -- Akron, Ohio. Television: ESPN2. Home Record: Ohio 3-2, Akron 1-1. Away Record: Ohio 2-3, Akron 1-5. Neutral Record: Ohio 0-0, Akron 1-0. Conference Record: Ohio 3-3, Akron 2-3. Series Record: Series is tied, 11-11-1.

GAME NOTES: The red-hot Ohio Bobcats will try to continue their recent run as they travel to Akron to take on the Zips this Wednesday evening in a Mid- American tussle at the Rubber Bowl. Since dropping four straight matchups, the Bobcats have won three of their last four contests, including two in a row. The last time Ohio was on the field the team posted a convincing, 23-7 victory over Temple. The Bobcats will enjoy a 17-day break before closing out their season at home against Miami-Ohio. As for the Zips, they have been terrible this year and head into this matchup with a three-game losing skid. The most recent setback came this past Friday as the team was hammered by Bowling Green, 44-20. Over the past two seasons the Zips have struggled in league play, posting just a 5-8 ledger. Since the 1999 season, the Zips have won six of the last eight matchups against Ohio, but one of those losses came this past season, as the Bobcats tallied a 17-7 win over Akron. The victory was the first for Ohio against Akron since 2002 and it also evened the series at 11-11-1.

The Bobcats used their outstanding running game this past weekend to slip by Temple, 23-7. Ohio churned out 219 yards on 49 carries in the win with the majority of the yards coming from tailback Kalvin McRae who rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown on 28 totes. The ground game has been the main source of production for this squad all season, as Ohio is averaging an impressive 160.9 ypg. The reason for the team's success on the ground is due to the play of McRae, who has been one of the most effective backs in the MAC, rushing for 1,213 yards and 17 scores in 10 games. Unfortunately, the passing attack has not had similar success, as the team is throwing for just 220.7 ypg. The main reason for the struggles is due to the two quarterback system the team has employed. Both Brad Bower and Theo Scott have saw time under center, but neither have been effective. Bower has completed 57.3 percent of his throws, but has just 1,450 yards and seven scores against 10 interceptions. As for Scott, he has just 702 yards on the season, and has just four TDs against three INTs. This Wednesday, Bower might see the majority of snaps since Scott is dealing with a groin injury.

In the same win over Temple the Bobcats put forth possibly their best defensive effort of the season, holding the Owls to just 209 total yards. Ohio was especially tough against the run, limiting Temple to just 48 yards on 31 carries (1.5 ypc). This was the most shocking aspect of the victory, especially when considering stopping the run has been the biggest problem for the Bobcats. Throughout 10 games, teams are producing a whopping 192.8 ypg via the run and overall teams have averaged 409.2 total ypg, which has led to 28.2 ppg. Another reason for the solid outing was due to the fact that the defense forced two turnovers and also grabbed four sacks in the win. The team has excelled in both areas all year, forcing 21 turnovers, while grabbing 24 sacks. The team has also done well on third downs, holding the opposition to a mere 38 percent conversion rating.

There is little that has gone right for the Zips offensively, as the team is currently producing a pathetic 309.1 total ypg, which has led to just 19.3 ppg. The ground game nor the passing attack has been effective this season, as the team is churning out a mere 127.1 ypg, while throwing for an equally terrible 182.0 ypg. This past weekend against BGSU the Zips did rack up 435 total yards, but the team finished with just 20 points and fell by a 24-point margin. Surprisingly the team put forth a solid effort on the ground, rushing for 243 yards on 46 attempts. Quarterback Carlton Jackson led the way with 133 yards, while Bryan Williams added 41 yards on eight carries. Unfortunately Jackson did not have the same success under center, as the signal caller completed just 14-of-31 passes. Jackson finished with 192 yards and one touchdown, but also tossed two interceptions and was sacked once. Jackson was filling in for Chris Jacquemain who was out with an undisclosed injury. Neither QB has played well during the year, as Jackson has completed less than 50 percent of his throws for only 538 yards and four scores against four INTs. As for Jacquemain, he has thrown for just 1,100 yards in eight games and has eight scores against six interceptions.

Unfortunately the Zips has struggled defensively as well, as the squad is being abused by the opposition for 398.4 total ypg, which has led to 30.1 ppg. The main problem for this unit has come against the run, as the team is yielding 188.6 ypg on the ground. The defense continued to struggled against Bowling Green, as the Zips were dismantled for 517 total yards, including 216 yards on 38 carries (5.7 ypc). The defense did not force one turnover in the loss and recorded just one sack. Both areas have been a sore spot for Akron, as the team has forced just 17 turnovers, while collecting only 17 sacks. The defense has also struggled inside its own 20-yard line, as teams are currently converting 88 percent of their red zone chances.

The Zips have been terrible on both sides of the football, but the biggest concern is on defense, as the Zips must find a way to stop Ohio's McRae from running all over the field.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Ohio 31, Akron 14

Wednesday, November 7th, 7:30 p.m. (et)