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Penn State vs. Akron Prediction Roundtable

By Barry Leonard Jr.

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Last week could not have started much better for the Penn State Nittany Lions. As the staff here at VBR all predicted last week, the game was very close, although Penn State dominated for the first half. On paper, this week’s opponent doesn’t present the same challenge that UCF did. Akron comes to Beaver Stadium for the fourth time in history, having lost the three previous matchups.

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Below, check out the next edition of the 2014 prediction roundtable for the Nittany Lions’ home battle against the Zips.

Lead Editor Barry Leonard Jr.

Call me overconfident, but I’m not expecting this one to be near as close as last week’s game. Penn State absolutely dominated in the first half, and only a change at quarterback by UCF slowed Penn State’s momentum. This week, I expect the Penn State offense, specifically the passing game, to put up big numbers against Akron. Christian Hackenberg will continue to show off his arm strength and put the Nittany Lions in front in this one.

On defense, I see the Nittany Lions locking down and preventing the Zips from doing much damage. Sure, Akron put up 41 points last week, but let’s not fool ourselves- it was against Howard.

The current lines all have Penn State as a double-digit favorite. I’m thinking somewhere in the ballpark of 35-14, with the Nittany Lions moving to 2-0 under James Franklin.

Staff Writer Corey Hunter

The biggest improvements by a team are usually made between week 1 and 2 former head coach Joe Paterno used to quip. I think you’ll see a vastly improved and crisper squad this weekend when the Lions host the Akron Zips in their home opener.


For starters, I look for the offensive line to be more cohesive in their assignment blocking and to be better adept at opening holes for the running backs. As for the running backs, look for Penn State to try and establish a more balanced run-to-pass ratio compared to last weekend. The ability to get the experienced Penn State running game going will be important as they head into Big Ten action.


In all, Penn State must remain focused to avoid the trap game that Zips head coach Terry Bowden can present. That said, I look for Penn State to make improvements from last week and move to 2-0 on the season with a 41-17 victory.

Staff Writer Eric Sion

Penn State opens up its 2014 home slate against an Akron team that demolished Howard last week to the tune of 41-0. That’s still impressive even though it’s Howard. But unlike last week, I think I’ll pick Penn State to win this time. Hack throws for two scores, Zwinak and Belton each get into the end zone and Sam Ficken will make it 5-for-5 on the season. Akron will get some points with their passing game, but it won’t be enough.

Nittany Lions beat the Zips by a score of 31-14.

Staff Writer Jeff Jezewski

Penn State will be entering an interesting game environment on Saturday after traveling back from Ireland and readjusting to the USA. Many pundits have pegged this as a sort of “trap” game, but I don’t see that as the case. James Franklin and the coaching staff will have the Nittany Lions focused on the task at hand and will add another win to the resume to start the 2014 season. While I don’t believe the game will be a blowout, I think Penn State will have the opportunity to try some new things offensively and hopefully have more success running the ball. Hackenberg should have a lot of success throwing the ball, once again, as the Zips secondary shouldn’t be a huge deterrence. The thing Penn State will really look to do will be to develop a run game. The offensive line will get more much-needed experience and continue to gel as a group. Defensively, the Nittany Lion front seven should give Kyle Pohl and the Akron offense fits. Pohl is a solid quarterback and might find some openings in the defense, but Penn State should mostly hold them in check.

Penn State 31 Akron 10

Staff Writer Ryan Lance

After squeaking out a last second victory last week versus UCF, the Nittany Lions return home for their 2014 home opener versus the Akron Zips. There were a number of bright spots last weekend and a few areas of concern, which will hopefully get better as the team gels. Despite some early issues from the offensive line, Christian Hackenberg is coming off a game in which he became the first player in Penn State history to throw for 400 yards in a game.The defense once again proved to be a strong point minus a few breakdowns in the secondary later in the game.

This is a game in which Hackenberg should again have the opportunity to throw the ball all over the field. One area where I’d like to see the Nittany Lions get going is in the running game, as they only recorded 57 yards rushing on 28 attempts versus UCF. I’d also like to see the offense be able to finish a few more drives as they left a handful of points on the field last week in Ireland. Our secondary unit will have the opportunity to step up this weekend as they will face a potent passing unit, as the Zips threw for 400 yards last weekend in their victory over the Howard Bison.

I think the Lions will start out slow but with the help of the home field crowd and a solid defensive performance, I believe the Nittany Lions will pull away in the second half and win easily 34-17.

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