DraftKings · as of July 8, 2026
Akron defeated Buffalo 24–16 in a one-score game. Akron covered by 18.0; Game went Under by 8.5. The market closed at Buffalo -10.0 and the Blue Chip model made it Buffalo -9.6. The two were within a point of each other, so there was no meaningful edge in this line. Blue Chip Analytics had rated Buffalo 7.3 points stronger on a neutral field.
Ben Finley threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns, and added a 38-yard rushing touchdown, leading a second-half comeback from a 10-3 deficit. This balanced offensive performance suggests the Zips can rely on Finley's dual-threat capability in future games.
Akron forced five turnovers, including a game-sealing interception by Gage Summers, and sacked the opposing quarterback four times. This defensive aggression, the most turnovers forced since 2021, indicates a disruptive unit that can create scoring opportunities and control game tempo.
The win ended a seven-game losing streak against Buffalo, providing a significant confidence boost. This momentum could be crucial for upcoming games, as the team has demonstrated the ability to execute under pressure and finish strong.
Akron trailed at halftime but outscored Buffalo 21-6 in the second half, showcasing effective halftime adjustments. This ability to adapt and improve after the break is a positive indicator for future contests, especially against evenly matched opponents.
Buffalo committed five turnovers, including four interceptions by quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson, which directly led to Akron's scoring opportunities and sealed the loss.
Despite leading 10-3 at halftime, Buffalo's offense stalled in the second half, scoring only 6 points while allowing Akron to rally with 21 unanswered points.
Akron's quarterback Ben Finley rushed for a 38-yard touchdown, highlighting Buffalo's inability to contain mobile quarterbacks and prevent big plays on the ground.
Roberson was sacked four times, contributing to the high turnover count and disrupting the offensive rhythm, which will need to be addressed to protect the quarterback in future games.
The loss dropped Buffalo to 3-1 in MAC play, ending their perfect conference record and potentially impacting their bowl eligibility and standings.
At kickoff, conditions at UB Stadium were Cloudy, 49°F, wind chill 48°F with winds of 4 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. Historical weather data for this game is preserved in the panel alongside. Weather data is sourced from WeatherAPI.com.
Cloudy
49°F
| Measure | AkronAway | BuffaloHome |
|---|---|---|
| This week | 193 miles | 0 miles |
| Last week | 428 miles | 641 miles |
| Season total | 3,636 miles | 2,471 miles |
| Body clock | 13:00 | 13:00 |
| Rest | 7 days | 7 days |
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