MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — The Central Michigan Chippewas will welcome the Akron Zips to Kelly/Shorts Stadium Saturday for an NCAA Football Bowl Division matchup.

Central Michigan enters at 2-2 after a 52-3 loss at Miami (FL) Saturday. The Chippewas opened the season with a loss at New Mexico before posting home wins over Colgate and Wyoming. Quarterback Jadyn Glasser is a player to watch. In the loss to Miami (FL), Glasser completed 13 of 15 passes for 88 yards. Marcus Beamon added 29 passing yards, and Angel Flores contributed 20 passing yards and eight rushing yards as Central Michigan searched for offensive rhythm.

Akron arrives at 1-3. The Zips lost to UNLV 38-10 Saturday after falling at Minnesota. Akron also dropped its opener at Wake Forest before defeating Robert Morris at home. Quarterback Brayden Roggow leads the Akron offense and is a player to watch. Against UNLV, Roggow completed 14 of 25 passes for 194 yards. He completed 12 of 25 passes for 131 yards at Minnesota. Running back Jordan Gant was productive against UNLV, carrying 19 times for 80 yards and a touchdown while adding one reception for six yards. Sean Patrick added 48 rushing yards on eight attempts, two receptions for eight yards and a punt return for five yards.

Central Michigan’s most recent home results have been stronger. The Chippewas beat Wyoming 24-10 after a 13-10 win over Colgate. The defense will look to contain Roggow and an Akron ground game that showed flashes against UNLV. The Zips will need to limit turnovers and sustain drives against a Central Michigan team playing at home.

Akron’s schedule ahead includes Eastern Michigan at home, trips to Miami (Ohio) and Kent State, and home games against Ohio and Western Michigan. Central Michigan will visit Ohio, host Western Michigan and Miami (Ohio), and later travel to Eastern Michigan and Buffalo. Both teams are in the early portion of their conference and nonconference schedules, and the matchup could provide momentum before the next stretch.

The Zips and Chippewas have both dealt with inconsistent offensive production this season. Akron has scored 45 points in its lone win but has been held to 16, seven and 10 points in its losses. Central Michigan has scored 13 and 24 points in its wins while managing only three points against Miami (FL) and seven at New Mexico. Special teams and field position could matter at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Central Michigan 35, Akron 24. Akron has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of +6.5. The over/under is 46.5.