In Week 2 of the 2026 regular season, the Robert Morris Colonials will travel to InfoCision Stadium to take on the Akron Zips. Both teams are looking to secure their first win of the season after starting with a loss. This Saturday afternoon game will be broadcast on ESPN+, adding to the anticipation of the matchup.
The Robert Morris Colonials are coming off a tough loss against West Virginia, where they struggled offensively, managing only 70 passing yards and 53 rushing yards. With a record of 0-1 from their previous season game, they aim to rebound and strengthen their performance on the road. As an independent team, every game holds significant weight for the Colonials.
On the other side, the Akron Zips also enter this game with a 0-1 record, having been defeated by Wake Forest. Playing in the Mid-American Conference, Akron hopes to capitalize on their home-field advantage at InfoCision Stadium. Their balanced offense in their previous outing, with 156 passing yards and 151 rushing yards, indicates potential for a more productive game.
Akron vs Robert Morris At a Glance
- Game Date & Time: Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 3:30 PM
- Venue: InfoCision Stadium in Akron, OH
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+
- Akron Zips Record: 0-1 this season
- Robert Morris Colonials Record: 0-1 last season
- Game Odds: Akron favored with a moneyline of -5666
Akron Zips: Seeking Redemption at Home
Offensive Overview
The Akron Zips are looking to improve on their offensive performance, currently ranked 106th in passing yards with an average of 156 per game. Their rushing game is a bit more promising, with 151 yards per game, ranking them 72nd. First downs have been a strong point, with the team securing 20, placing them 24th overall.
Cibastian Broughton, the starting quarterback, had 111 passing yards in the season opener but is yet to throw a touchdown. Meanwhile, Brayden Roggow showed some promise with 45 passing yards and two touchdowns. The Zips will need more consistency from their quarterbacks to boost their offensive output.
Running Back Contributions
Sean Patrick is leading the charge in the running game with 33 yards in the first game. Other contributors like Jordan Gant and Marquese Williams are also in the mix with 15 and 16 yards, respectively. The Zips will look to improve their ground game to support their quarterbacks.
In the receiving department, Titus Myers and Marcel Williams are expected to be significant contributors. Myers has a touchdown to his name, while Williams led the team with 38 receiving yards. Getting the ball to these playmakers more frequently could be key for Akron's success.
Defensive Challenges
Defensively, the Zips have struggled, allowing 38 points in their opening game. They have yet to record a sack, interception, or fumble recovery this season, ranking them near the bottom in these categories. Improving their defensive pressure will be critical in their upcoming games.
Key players on defense will need to step up to create turnovers and limit scoring opportunities for their opponents. With a focus on shoring up the defense, Akron can look to turn their season around.
Injury Concerns
The Zips have a couple of players listed as questionable, including quarterback Reese Poffenbarger and defensive lineman Cyrus Durham. Poffenbarger is dealing with a personal matter, while Durham has an undisclosed injury. Their availability could impact the team's performance against upcoming opponents.
Team Betting Trends
- O/U - As Favorite: Last 7 Games → 7-0 (100.0%)
- ATS - Totals ≥ 50: Last 6 Games → 6-0 (100.0%)
- O/U - Totals ≥ 50: Last 4 Games → 4-0 (100.0%)
- ATS - As Underdog: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS - Away Games: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
Robert Morris Colonials Aim for Redemption on the Road
Quarterback Situation
The Robert Morris Colonials' offensive performance hinges heavily on the play of their starting quarterback, Zach Tanner. In their last outing, Tanner completed 21 passing attempts for 70 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions recorded. Backup QB Ameer Dudley also saw limited action, attempting just one pass.
Rushing Attack
The Colonials' ground game struggled in their last regular season appearance, with Donta Whack leading the team with only 17 rushing yards. Xavier Goulbourne contributed 14 yards, while Owen McGraw added just 2 yards. The rushing unit will need to step up significantly to improve their offensive output.
Receiving Corps
Robert Morris' receiving unit was led by Thomas Lee, who caught two passes for 22 yards in their last game. Other receivers such as Kai Holloway and Chaz Middleton had limited contributions with 18 and 17 yards respectively. The team will need more production from their wide receivers to complement their passing game.
Defensive Overview
Defensively, the Colonials allowed 45 points in their last game, a stat that ranks them 12th in points against. They managed only one sack and did not record any interceptions. However, their ability to recover fumbles was evident, with three recoveries in their last game.
Special Teams Performance
On special teams, kicker Jayson Jenkins was able to convert one field goal attempt, though he did not attempt any extra points. Jenkins' consistency could prove pivotal in close game scenarios moving forward. The special teams unit will look to capitalize on any scoring opportunities they get.
Betting Trends
- ATS - All Games: Last 5 Games (2022–2025) → 4-1 (80.0%)
- ATS - As Underdog: Last 5 Games (2022–2025) → 4-1 (80.0%)
- ATS - Away Games: Last 5 Games (2022–2025) → 4-1 (80.0%)
- ATS - After Loss: Last 5 Games (2022–2025) → 4-1 (80.0%)
- ATS - Totals ≥ 50: Last 5 Games (2022–2025) → 4-1 (80.0%)
- SU - All Games: Last 3 Games (2023–2025) → 0-3 (0.0%)
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Robert Morris is scheduled to play the Akron Zips and Buffalo Bulls in the coming weeks. Both games will be on the road, presenting a challenge for the Colonials as they aim to secure their first win of the season. Improving their offensive and defensive performance will be crucial in these matchups.
Akron vs Robert Morris Prediction: Under 43.5
As the Akron Zips host the Robert Morris Colonials, the betting line suggests a total of 43.5 points. Given Akron's recent 16-38 loss to Wake Forest, their offense showed a modest output that aligns with their 16-point average so far this season.
The Robert Morris Colonials struggled offensively last season, managing only 3 points in their opener against West Virginia. Their defensive performance also allowed 45 points, which might suggest a challenge, but Akron's tendency to play lower scoring games as shown in their recent trends suggests a more conservative outcome.
Akron's betting trends as a favorite with a record of 7-0 on the under in similar scenarios further solidifies the likelihood of a lower-scoring game. Furthermore, the Colonials' record in the over/under department also supports a bet on the under.
Taking all factors into account, a projected final score of Akron 28 - Robert Morris 7 seems reasonable, keeping the total under 43.5 points.
- Akron vs Robert Morris Prediction: Under 43.5
- Akron vs Robert Morris Score: Akron 28 - Robert Morris 7
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