Buffalo at Akron - 2026 Matchup Preview
Buffalo logo

Buffalo Bulls at Akron Zips

Akron logo
Friday, November 27th 2026 (12:00 PM EST)
Summa Field at InfoCision Stadium - Akron, OH  (Mid-American)

 
Bulls (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Pete Lembo (14 - 11)
Avg Score : 24 - 24 (23 - 23 on Road)
Record Prediction: 6.5 - 5.5 (#65)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 1) (Good: 0) (Avg: 1) (Bad: 8)
AKR is playing their 4th straight game
BUFF is playing their 4th straight game
Our Line: Buffalo -1.5  (SP+ BUFF -6.5)

Projected Score: BUFF: 24 - AKR: 23 (47)
BUFF Win prob: 50% | Cover: 47%
BUFF Travel: 193 miles
Zips (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Joe Moorhead (13 - 35)
Avg Score : 22 - 27 (28 - 19 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 5 - 7 (#89)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 0) (Good: 1) (Avg: 2) (Bad: 8)
 
Buffalo's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Thu 9/3Buffalo vs UAlbany-14.5
Sat 9/12Buffalo at Florida International+4.5
Sat 9/19Buffalo at Penn State+25
Sat 9/26Buffalo vs Robert Morris-14.5
Sat 10/3Buffalo vs Western Michigan+3.5
Sat 10/10Buffalo at Toledo+15.5
Sat 10/17Buffalo vs Massachusetts-25.5
Sat 10/24Buffalo vs Bowling Green-4.5
— Bye Week —
Tue 11/3Buffalo at Miami (OH)+10.5
Wed 11/11Buffalo at Ball State-10.5
Wed 11/18Buffalo vs Central Michigan-0
Fri 11/27Buffalo at Akron-1.5

Total: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg 1, Bad 4, Poor 4
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg 1, Bad 4, Poor 4
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Buffalo's Schedule
Akron's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Thu 9/3Akron at Wake Forest+20.5
Sat 9/12Akron vs Robert Morris-10.5
Sat 9/19Akron at Minnesota+19.5
Sat 9/26Akron vs UNLV+13.5
Sat 10/3Akron at Central Michigan+8.5
Sat 10/10Akron vs Eastern Michigan-1
Sat 10/17Akron at Miami (OH)+14
Sat 10/24Akron at Kent State-2.5
— Bye Week —
Tue 11/3Akron vs Ohio+3.5
Tue 11/10Akron vs Western Michigan+7
Wed 11/18Akron at Massachusetts-16.5
Fri 11/27Akron vs Buffalo+1.5

Total: Elite: 0, Good: 1, Avg 2, Bad 4, Poor 4
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 0, Good: 1, Avg 2, Bad 4, Poor 4
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Akron's Schedule
Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
BUFF#116 (.07)39% (109)2439% (108)2.68 (115)13339% (104)2293.5 (91)#49 (.12)39% (35)23.539% (27)40% (47)3.07 (21)45.71.81.3
AKR#117 (.07)38% (113)22.340% (98)2.8 (98)13637% (113)2193.25 (112)#46 (.11)39% (38)27.441% (60)38% (31)3.68 (70)45.81.41.7
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
BUFF0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
AKR0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
BUFF Offense122423.238.8%3.51.8193621332293.945%53%39%39%16%.07
AKR Defense1227.418.539.2%3.681.7 - - - - - 51%48%41%38%17%.11
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
BUFF Defense1223.522.639.1%3.071.3 - - - - - 55%43%39%40%15%.12
AKR Offense1222.327.538.4%3.251.4203551362193.845%52%40%37%18%.07

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Buffalo1228:0319.436%40%5.445.71.81.36.12.8129.5
Akron1229:5220.131%48%5.845.81.41.75.82.1129.4
Run Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
BUFF Offense1245% (105)39% (108)34.4133.23.915 (70)-.03 (128)2.68 (115)69% (93)9% (65)0.88 (108)
AKR Defense1251% (76)41% (60) - - - - .03 (27)2.75 (45)58% (7)11% (28)0.92 (49)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
BUFF Defense1255% (124)39% (27) - - - - .05 (38)2.96 (79)66% (30)10% (52)0.89 (34)
AKR Offense1245% (102)40% (98)35.8136.43.89 (132) (123)2.8 (98)72% (70)10% (98)0.82 (123)

Pass Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
BUFF Offense1253% (31)39% (104)19.634.32296.711.719 (75)14 (34).19 (103)1.5 (101)34% (112)27% (108).28 (76)7% (104)2 (76)
AKR Defense1248% (70)38% (31) - - - - - - 12 (38).23 (60)1.7 (121)30% (93)25% (15).22 (36)6% (52)2.2 (118)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
BUFF Defense1243% (11)40% (47) - - - - - - 7 (123).23 (61)1.6 (98)32% (51)28% (36).17 (18)5% (95)1.7 (4)
AKR Offense1252% (40)37% (113)17.433.72196.512.620 (50)9 (88).18 (107)1.6 (34)35% (124)28% (97).19 (115)8% (123)2.1 (58)

Buffalo's Power Ratings
Buffalo's Power Rating: -10.78  #117
Buffalo's Offense Rating: 7.55  #124
Buffalo's Defense Rating: 18.34  #104
2026 Talent Rating: 495.00  #100
Blue Chip Ratio: 0%  #103
Buffalo's 2026 Expected Record: 6.5 - 5.5
Buffalo's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -7.5  #97
Buffalo's Offense SP+ Rating: 18.2  #118
Buffalo's Defense SP+ Rating: 27.4  #70

Average Talent
Average Mid-American Talent Rating is 468.77
Average Power Five Talent: 871.03
Average FBS Talent: 676.7

Power Ratings Matchup
Buffalo: -10.78   Akron: -10.5

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Buffalo: -7.5   Akron: -13.9




Akron's Power Ratings
Akron's Power Rating: -10.5  #119
Akron's Offense Rating: 9.78  #112
Akron's Defense Rating: 21.88  #122
2026 Talent Rating: 365.00  #127
Blue Chip Ratio: 125  #81
Akron's 2026 Expected Record: 5.0 - 7.0
Akron's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -13.9  #118
Akron's Offense SP+ Rating: 17.2  #123
Akron's Defense SP+ Rating: 29.3  #87

Average Talent
Average Mid-American Talent Rating is 468.77
Average Power Five Talent: 871.03
Average FBS Talent: 676.7


Buffalo Scoring
Offense: 24 PPG
Offense on Road: 23.2
Defense: 23.5 PPG
Defense on Road: 22.6

Buffalo's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Buffalo 24
Akron 23


Projected Total Points: 47
Akron Scoring
Offense: 22.3 PPG
Offense at Home: 27.5
Defense: 27.4 PPG
Defense at Home: 18.5

Akron's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202510/25Buffalo16Akron24Buffalo -10Akron48.5Under
202411/02Akron30Buffalo41Akron -1Buffalo49.0Over
202309/30Akron10Buffalo13Akron -3Buffalo53.0Under
202212/02Buffalo23Akron22Buffalo -12.0Akron55.0Under
202110/23Akron10Buffalo45Buffalo -13.5Buffalo58.5Under
202012/12Buffalo56Akron7Buffalo -33.5Buffalo58.5Over
201910/19Akron0Buffalo21Buffalo -17.5Buffalo48.0Under
201810/13Buffalo24Akron6Buffalo -12Buffalo55.0Under
201710/28Akron21Buffalo20Buffalo -3Akron49.5Under
201610/27Buffalo41Akron20Akron -14.5Buffalo63.0Under
201511/21Akron42Buffalo21Akron -2.5Akron45.0Over
201411/11Buffalo55Akron24Akron -2.5Buffalo0
201111/19Buffalo51Akron10
201011/26Akron22Buffalo14
200910/17Buffalo21Akron17
200811/13Akron40Buffalo43
200710/27Buffalo26Akron10
200611/09Akron31Buffalo16
200510/08Buffalo7Akron13
200410/09Akron44Buffalo21
200309/27Buffalo21Akron38
200111/17Buffalo14Akron41
200011/10Akron49Buffalo14
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Akron1043 Overs
Buffalo1388 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams14 - 96 - 63 - 43 - 2
Road Teams9 - 146 - 62 - 34 - 3

(#117) BUFF at (#119) AKR
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatBUFFAKR
Game ControlGC #101 #106
Momentum ControlMC #55 #128
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #117 #119
SP+SP+ #97 #118
Perf GradeGradeNRNR
OffenseOffNRNR
DefenseDefNRNR
Spec TeamsSTNRNR
TalentTal #100 #127
Blue ChipsBC% #103 #81
Buffalo Notes
(3/4) Vibes: Lembo won 9 in '24, but regressed LY
(3/4) QB Holmes (D II) 3K yds, 24 TD, 240 rushing
(3/4) RB Shelton (#2 LY) some exp, Enlow (Fr) ready?
(3/4) WR Gathings (#2 LY) good, some exp, big guys
(3/4) OL is ?, 2 starters, 1 PT and 4 portal adds
(3/4) F7 lost most from good Def LY, only 6 portals
(3/4) DL is light on exp, size, talent. LB a little better
(3/4) CB looks really strong, Greer a good S. Good unit
Buffalo Injury Report
Akron Notes
(3/4) Vibes: Hopeful, this team could bowl, better Off
(3/4) Moorehead wins from 2 in '23, 4 in '24, 5 last year
(3/4) QB Poffenbarger (UNT) was good FCS @ Albany
(3/4) RB Jordan Gant best in MAC? 1K LY, have depth
(3/4) WR trio of Williams, Mason + Burris (Char) good
(3/4) OL has 3 decent starters, 3 portals, 3 exp'd depth
(3/4) DT added 2 big, exp'd FCS, DE Durham is good
(3/4) DBs have lots of exp but sub prod. Could be worse
Akron Injury Report
Buffalo on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 53%, Run: 45%
CategoryCat
BUFF OffAKR Def
Game ControlGC #106 #92
Momentum ControlMC #98 #125
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #109 #38
ExplosiveExp #104 #90
PPAPPA #116 #46
PowerPwr #124 #122
SP+SP+ #118 #87
Pts POPPO #91 #70
HavocHav #87 #33
Buffalo Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 53%, Run: 45%
CategoryCat
BUFF OffAKR Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #108 #60
Run ExplRExp #108 #49
PPAExp #128 #27
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #115 #45
Stuff RateStuff #68 #20
TackleTak - NR
Buffalo Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 53%, Run: 45%
CategoryCat
BUFF OffAKR Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #104 #31
Pass ExplPExl #101 #121
PPAExp #103 #60
Pass Rush/BlockP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #65 #28
DB HavocDB #104 #52
Akron on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 52%, Run: 45%
CategoryCatAKR OffBUFF Def
Game ControlGC #121 #91
Momentum ControlMC #128 #23
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #113 #35
ExplosiveExp #61 #56
PPAPPA #117 #49
PowerPwr #112 #104
SP+SP+ #123 #70
Pts POPPO #112 #21
HavocHav #113 #75
Akron Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 52%, Run: 45%
CategoryCat
AKR OffBUFF Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #98 #27
Run ExplRExp #123 #34
PPAExp #123 #38
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #98 #79
Stuff RateStuff #103 #94
TackleTak - NR
Akron Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 52%, Run: 45%
CategoryCatAKR OffBUFF Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #113 #47
Pass ExplPExl #34 #98
PPAExp #107 #61
Pass Block/RushP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #98 #52
DB HavocDB #123 #95
Program Comparison
AKR 5 Year Profile: Consistent Poor G5
'26 Profile: Down to Below Avg G5

BUFF 5 Year Profile: Consistent Average G5
'26 Profile: Remains Average G5

Weather Forecast
Playing in Summa Field at InfoCision Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
Previous Matchups
Akron beat Buffalo last year (24-16)
Buffalo beat Akron in 2024 (41-30)
Buffalo beat Akron in 2023 (13-10)

  
BUFF's OC Tony Tokarz (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Terrance Shelton Jr.5724414.320
James McNeil Jr.126725.626
Jason Wright144503.29
Messiah Burch114103.714
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Jasaiah Gathings36410311.439
Trevor Wilson (Tr)2219318.830
Chance Morrow8129216.126
Patrick Clacks III127125.911

View Buffalo's Full Roster

BUFF's DC Joe Bowen (been DC for 3 years)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Miles Greer743313
Saveon Brown527224
Keontez Bradley280004
Kobi Blackwell200007
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Miles Greer743313
Saveon Brown527224
Cornell Evans142111
Messiah Burch10000
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Kobi Blackwell200007
Keontez Bradley280004
Saveon Brown527224

AKR's OC Joe Moorhead (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Brayden Roggow111765%91005.4
Reese Poffenbarger (Tr)5771%36005.1
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Jordan Gant213103264.836
Sean Patrick6927414.025
Marquese Williams218604.114
Taven Curry95406.015
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Marcel Williams45641214.246
Kyan Mason33481514.662
Connor Cravaack1814728.227
Sean Patrick11136012.422

View Akron's Full Roster

AKR's DC Tim Tibesar (been DC for 3 years)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Mehki Flowers421001
Alex Branch333022
Cyrus Durham329470
Rodrick Hunter282102
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Cyrus Durham329470
Ronald Hull203320
Rodrick Hunter282102
Jamari Somerville152101
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Terence Thomas180002
Rodrick Hunter282102
Alex Branch333022