Wyoming Cowboys vs Akron Zips College Football Prediction and Betting Analysis

Matchup Overview

On August 28, 2025, the Wyoming Cowboys will travel to Ohio to face the Akron Zips at Infocision Stadium in a non-conference season opener. Both teams enter the game with fresh starts and a need to build momentum after challenging 2024 campaigns. Wyoming opens as a 7.5-point favorite over Akron, with an over/under set at 50.5 points.

Wyoming Cowboys Team Context

Wyoming is in its second year under head coach Jay Sawvel following the departure of long-term coach Craig Bohl. The Cowboys endured a difficult 3-9 season last year with notable struggles in Mountain West play. However, Wyoming showed signs of improvement late in the season, winning two of their last four games including road wins at New Mexico and Washington State. Their offense was one of the lowest scoring in the conference, averaging just 19.3 points per game, signaling ongoing rebuilding needs.

The team is projected low in the Mountain West preseason media poll, indicating moderate expectations. Historically, Wyoming has a good record against Mid-American Conference teams, winning five of their last six matchups against this conference.

Akron Zips Team Context

Akron finished 4-8 in 2024, performing better in the latter half of the season by going 3-2 over the final five games. They also posted a 3-5 record in MAC contests but face a postseason ban this year due to Academic Progress Rate penalties, which may impact team motivation. Head coach Joe Moorhead and defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar return for their fourth seasons, providing stability on the coaching front.

The team underwent considerable roster turnover, particularly on offense, welcoming several transfers including WRs Tim Grear, Brandon Hills, Cameron Monteiro, and ex-Syracuse QB Michael Johnson. Despite this influx of new talent, Akron’s offensive line returns only two of five starters, which might hamper offensive consistency early in the season.

Key Matchup & Betting Trends

• Akron has won its last four home games in non-conference matchups, while Wyoming has lost four of its last five against non-conference opponents.
• Wyoming has covered the spread in four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams but struggled to cover in most season openers, failing in four of the last five.
• The underdog side has performed well against Wyoming recently, covering the spread in seven of Wyoming’s last eight games.
• Akron has struggled to cover the spread as a home underdog, failing to do so in nine of its last 10 home openers.
• Defensively, both teams’ last several games have leaned toward the under, with five of Wyoming’s last six and each of Akron’s last four games as underdog in Ohio going under the total points line.

Analysis and Prediction

This matchup features two programs in transition, with neither squad projecting to be competitive in their respective conferences this season. Wyoming’s gradual improvement and historical success against MAC foes give them a slight edge, but Akron’s recent home non-conference wins and new offensive weapons provide upside for the Zips.

Akron’s offensive line inexperience and postseason ban complicate their outlook yet may also reduce external pressures. Wyoming’s offense remains conservative and slow to start, which could allow Akron to keep this game close early. The defensive tendencies for both teams suggest a lower scoring contest, likely hovering near or under the current total of 50.5 points.

From a betting standpoint, Wyoming’s inability to cover season openers and Akron’s strong home performances create a nuanced situation. Expect Akron to compete hard at home and potentially keep the spread within reach. The safer insight is leaning toward under on the total as both teams have been prone to low-scoring games recently.

Prediction Summary

Wyoming should enter as favorites due to historical MAC success and incremental improvements, but Akron’s home edge and fresh offensive additions make this an intriguing upset candidate. Expect a tightly contested game with minimal separation on the scoreboard.

Final Prediction: Wyoming wins by a narrow margin, 21-17, but the game likely stays UNDER 50.5 points.