NCAAF – FREE PLAY: Akron (103) vs. Bowling Green (104)

During the Falcons  four-game skid, they’re putting up barely 13 points per game, and now they’re turning to backup Hunter Najm with Drew Pyne sidelined again. Najm has flashed occasional competence (17-of-31, 207 yards, one TD, two picks), but quarterback play has been shaky all season. Even with promising young back Austyn Dendy emerging, this offense hasn’t shown enough consistency to stay ahead of the chains. The defense has carried Bowling Green, but they’re on the field way too often and can’t afford another long night. Akron, meanwhile, comes in more balanced and with actual upside. Ben Finley’s accuracy can be erratic, but 2,299 yards and 18 touchdowns give the Zips a legitimate passing threat, supported by playmakers Israel Polk, Marcel Williams, and Kyan Mason. Add in Jordan Gant, the MAC’s leading rusher with 946 yards, and Akron can challenge Bowling Green in multiple ways. The Zips’ defense has created 11 turnovers in their L4 games, and against a struggling offense, that matters.