In the first weekday bowl game of the season, there is a contest between two explosive teams. These teams are the Akron Zips and the Florida Atlantic Owls. Both teams started the season with very minimal expectations and both teams have exceeded those expectations in order to qualify for a bowl game. Both teams managed to win at least seven games and will look to add a bowl game victory to their successful seasons.
Akron’s success is due to its impressive quarterback play. This season, Thomas Woodson was the original starter and threw for 14 touchdowns along with over 1,700 yards, However, Woodson missed three games towards the end of the year before returning against Toledo in the conference title game. Replacing Woodson was Kato Nelson who threw for eight touchdowns and only one interceptions in the four games that he started. Due to Woodson’s abysmal performance against Toledo, I have to assume that Nelson will be named the starter for the bowl game. If Akron plans on winning this bowl game, Nelson will need to use his mobility to elongate plays and to generate a lot of scoring drives
Florida Atlantic’s success is primarily due star running back Devin Singletary. Singletary might arguably be the most underrated player in all of college football. In 13 games, Singletary ran for 1,796 yards and had an absurd 30 total touchdowns. Singletary enters this bowl game with at least 100 rushing yards in 11 straight games. Singletary’s gaudy statistics are due to the playcalling of coach Lane Kiffin. After departing from Alabama last season, Kiffin decided to go to Florida Atlantic and to potentially rebuild its program. After starting 0-2, Kiffin made Singletary the focal point of the offense and the team has gone 10-1 since. Expect Singletary to put up another monster statline against this below average Akron defense.
As for my prediction, I have to side with Florida Atlantic. I personally believe that Singletary is just too much for Akron to handle. Akron got annihilated by a fast-paced Toledo offense in the conference championship game and now has to face an even faster offense in Florida Atlantic. I expect Florida Atlantic to score at least 40 points as the Owls coast to a double digit victory.
Akron vs. Florida Atlantic: Game Time, TV Channel & Viewing Details
Event: Akron vs. Florida Atlantic
Date: Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Start Time: 7:00 P.M. EST
Location: FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, FL
Broadcast: ESPN
How to Watch Akron vs. Florida Atlantic On Your Tablet Or Mobile Device
You can live stream the game on the WatchESPN app.
You can download the WatchESPN app on Google Play, Amazon, iTunes, and the Windows Store. The Fox Sports Go app is also available on the following devices: Apple TV, Roku, Android TV and Fire TV.
How To Live Stream Akron vs. Florida Atlantic Online Without Cable Subscription
You can also live stream the game through Sling TV free trial. Just click on the Sling website and click “Watch Now 7 Days Free” for the free trial. Choose the Sling Orange package, which costs $20 per month and comes with Fox Sports 1, along with many other sports channels.
