Akron vs UMass: Why This Tuesday Night Game Still Matters

Akron vs UMass kicks off at 7:00 PM ET on CBSSN. Akron (3–6) is bowl-ineligible due to an APR penalty but brings the MAC’s top red-zone defense, while UMass (0–8) sits last in FBS scoring at 11.5 points per game. Below are the key matchups, how to watch, the latest odds, and our pick—plus a quick gear tip for fans flying their colors with FlagOh.

Akron vs UMass Team Stats and Breakdown

To truly understand the stakes in this Akron vs UMass game, we have to look past the win-loss records and dive into the numbers that will define the game. Whether you’re flying your FlagOh flag from the tailgate or the couch, here is the detailed statistical breakdown you need to know. This is the “meat” of the article, where we dive into the data to see who has the edge.

Zips Play for Pride After Bowl Ban

Akron Zips (3-6) enter this game with improved morale. They just secured a vital 24-16 win against their MAC rival, Buffalo, snapping a two-game losing streak. With a bowl ban in place, Joe Moorhead’s group is focused on momentum for 2026 and building momentum for next season.

The Zips’ offense features a few explosive playmakers. Veteran QB Ben Finley has passed for 1,678 yards and 13 touchdowns, connecting well with WRs Kyan Mason (380 yards) and Israel Polk (360 yards, 5 TDs). Their primary weapon is RB Jordan Gant (697 rushing yards), who won the Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week award on October 7th.

A surprising strength is Akron’s red-zone stout defense (allowing scores on ~72% of trips) that trades yards for stops. Despite allowing 29.0 points per game (ranking 98th), they are leading the MAC in Red Zone Defense (allowing scores on just 71.9% of trips) and have forced 14 turnovers.

Minutemen Chasing Their First Win

On the other side, the UMass Minutemen (0-8) are in a forgettable season. Their core problem is the offense. UMass has an FBS-low 11.5 ppg (136th), averaging a stunningly low 11.5 points per game and scoring only 10 total touchdowns in 8 games.

However, it would be a mistake to write them off completely. The UMass defense, despite allowing a porous 35.9 ppg (ranked 128th), has individuals who create disruption. Most notable is DL Marques White, a true game-wrecker with 10.0 tackles for loss (TFLs) and 5.0 sacks. The linebacker corps is also active, led by Timmy Hinspeter (69 tackles) and Tyler Martin (65 tackles).

How to Watch Akron vs UMass on Tuesday Night

Before we dive into who will win, it’s important to make sure you know how to watch the University of Akron Zips vs the University of Massachusetts Amherst Minutemen. Here are all the details on how to watch “MACtion” this Tuesday night.

• Matchup: Akron Zips (3-6) vs. UMass Minutemen (0-8)
• Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM ET (Eastern Time)
• Location: InfoCision Stadium–Summa Health Field (Akron, Ohio)
• TV Channel: CBS Sports Network (CBSSN)
  • Play-by-Play: Jordan Kent
  • Analyst: Logan Ryan
• Live Stream: CBS Sports App, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV
• Radio (Akron): Akron Sports Network (WHLO 640 AM)
• Weather at Kickoff: Expected to be cool, around 57°F, and clear, with a light wind. 

If you’re wondering why this game is on a Tuesday night, welcome to “MACtion.” This is the Mid-American Conference’s signature brand of football, played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in November. The strategy is brilliant: instead of getting buried on a crowded Saturday, these games get exclusive, national television windows on channels like CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) and ESPN. It gives teams like the Zips and Minutemen a standalone spotlight when no one else is playing—making it a must-watch for dedicated college football fans.

If you’re away from a TV and can’t stream the game, your best bet is to follow the live play-by-play. Both schools offer free official live stats at GoZips.com (Akron) and UMassAthletics.com (UMass). For the fastest real-time highlights and analysis, your best resources are the official team accounts on X (formerly Twitter): @ZipsFB and @UMassFootball. 

Key Matchups That Will Decide the Game

The final score of the Akron vs UMass game will come down to a few critical one-on-one battles. While the records show a 3-6 team versus a 0-8 team—a true test of loyalty for those fans still flying their FlagOh flags—the real deciding factors will be found in the trenches, on the ground, and inside the red zone. Here are the three matchups that will determine the outcome, based on each team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Akron OL vs DL Marques White (UMass): This starts up front. If White consistently affects Ben Finley, Akron’s passing efficiency drops.

Rushing Efficiency: Jordan Gant vs UMass’s two-back rotation (Brandon Hood, Rocko Griffin). The side that stays on schedule controls tempo and clock.

UMass Offense vs Akron Red Zone: FBS-low scoring meets a defense that tightens near the goal line and generates takeaways—high-leverage snaps here will swing the result.

Odds, Totals, and Who’s Playing

The Akron vs UMass betting line reflects significant injuries to the UMass front seven. Akron is a -9.5 favorite with a total of 46.5, as UMass linebacker Timmy Hinspeter is listed as questionable.

Current Odds:

• Spread: Akron -9 to -9.5
• Total: 46–47
• Moneyline: Akron -360 to -455 | UMass +280 to +330

UMass Injuries: LB Timmy Hinspeter questionable; DL Dean Shaffer out for the season; multiple two-deep injuries.

Akron Injuries: A few skill players are questionable; K Adam Samaha appeared on the October injury reports.

Line Impact:

• Weakened UMass front seven → spread stays around Akron -9 to -10, Total mid-40s.
• If UMass gets key defenders back → slight move toward UMass and/or a small Total dip.

Betting Tips:

• Backing Akron? Shop for -9 (avoid -9.5).
• Backing UMass? Wait for +10.

Spotlight on the Playmakers

Despite the overall poor form of both teams, this match still features some incredibly talented individuals who could decide the game. These are the “X-factor” players to keep a close eye on Tuesday night.

Akron Zips:

• RB Jordan Gant: The “workhorse” for Akron. As a former Doak Walker National RB of the Week, he is expected to have a huge game against UMass’s weak run defense.
• DL Melvin Spriggs: The “wrecking ball” of the defense. He just won MAC Defensive Player of the Week after a monster performance (14 tackles, 2.5 sacks) in the win over Buffalo.
• DB Malcom DeWalt IV: A turnover machine with 40 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a “pick-six” (interception returned for a touchdown).

UMass Minutemen:

• DL Marques White: The “disruptor.” With 10.0 TFLs and 5.0 sacks, he is the one player Akron must block.
• LB Timmy Hinspeter: The “tackling machine.” With 69 total tackles, he will be around the ball on every play.
• WR Jacquon Gibson: The number one target (358 yards) and the only true “big-play” threat that the Akron defense needs to account for.

Who will win Akron vs UMass?

Here’s where we make our final pick. Historically, this matchup is tight: Akron leads the all-time series 3-2. However, it’s worth noting that UMass won the last meeting back in 2019.

But that was then, and the reality of 2025 tells a much different story. The nation’s worst offense (UMass, ranked 136th) is a disastrous match against a defense that plays opportunistically. Akron’s defense not only leads the MAC in Red Zone efficiency but also features the reigning conference Defensive Player of the Week. UMass doesn’t just struggle to score—they’re facing a defense that excels at creating turnovers.

For these reasons, our prediction is clear: Akron wins and covers the spread.

We project a final score of Akron 27–10 UMass. It’s likely the Minutemen’s only touchdown will come late in garbage time or via a defensive or special-teams play.

This game is a true test of character for both programs. While Akron’s bowl ban stings, they have the clear advantage at home against a struggling UMass offense. This game is for the true fans who support their team regardless of the 3-6 or 0-8 record.

Akron vs UMass November Game Day Pride

Any fan can show up for a Top-25 run. Real character is flying your colors when the record is 3–6, or when you’re UMass, still hunting that first win. That loyalty is the soul of midweek MACtion, and it’s what connects college football across the NCAA—from the MAC under the lights to Division III’s NACC on crisp Saturday afternoons.

Why Your Flag Material Matters:

Cheering at a November MACtion game in Ohio means facing wind, rain, or even snow. Flags made from durable 2-ply polyester or weather-resistant nylon are specifically engineered for these conditions. This means your Zips Blue & Gold or Minutemen Maroon & White won’t fray or fade after one cold tailgate.

Show Unwavering Pride with FlagOh:

This is where the benefit becomes personal. A high-quality, durable flag is more than just merchandise; it’s a statement.

It sends a clear message to every player walking into the stadium and every other fan in the parking lot: “We are still here. We are proud.” When the team is down, a crisp, bright flag becomes a rallying point. It shows you’re part of the core community that supports the school through thick and thin, not just when it’s convenient.

It’s about showing up when it really counts, and that’s a feeling of pride the scoreboard can never take away. What are your predictions for this Akron vs UMass MACtion battle? Leave your score in the comments below, and show your allegiance by checking out the official Akron Zips and UMass Minutemen flag collection at FlagOh!