Akron Football: Can Zips show progress in critical 2021 season?

How will the Zips fare in 2021?

These schedule predictions are made with the assumptions that there will be no injuries to the team or anything else that would seriously affect how Akron looks on the field.

• Game 1: At Auburn (L)- This is a super tough matchup for the Zips in the opener and it will be very lopsided.
• Game 2: Temple (W)- This is the first winnable game for the Zips and this should give an indication on whether Akron can improve this season. I think they get the win at home.
• Game 3: Bryant (W)- This should be the easiest win of the season for Akron and one they need to win.
• Game 4: At Ohio State (L): Ohio State will be one of the best teams in the country this season and will win this game handily.
• Game 5: Ohio (L): Ohio is one of the best programs in the MAC and should be solid again in 2021 and will beat Akron at home.
• Game 6: At Bowling Green (W): Akron got a win over their rival last season and are in position to do so again.
• Game 7: At Miami (OH) (L): The Redhawks figure to be near the top of the MAC standings again this season and will be too much for Akron.
• Game 8: Buffalo (L): Buffalo was in the conference championship last season and are hopeful to return and they’ll have too much firepower for Akron.
• Game 9: Ball State (L): Another tough game for the Zips. I am picking Ball State to win the MAC again and I can’t see Akron getting the upset.
• Game 10: At Western Michigan (L): This is a tough game on the road against one of the most consistent programs in the conference. The Broncos have too much offense.
• Game 11: Kent State (L): This is the other winnable for the Zips, but Kent State has the best quarterback in the conference in Dustin Crum and that will be the difference.
• Game 12 At Toledo (L): The Zips will end their season on the road against Toledo in one of the most hostile environments in the MAC.

Final Record: 3-9 (1-7 MAC)

A 3-9 record may look bad on the surface, but I think it will be enough to give Arth another season on the job. With non-conference games against Auburn and Ohio State, wins will be hard to come by, especially when you have to play a tough conference schedule that features Ball State, Ohio, Buffalo and Western Michigan. Three wins, including one vs Bowling Green, should be seen as slight improvement.