FACTS & STATS: Site: The Rubber Bowl (31,000) -- Akron, Ohio. Television: FSN- Ohio. Home Record: Cincinnati 2-0, Akron 0-1. Away Record: Cincinnati 0-1, Akron 2-1. Neutral Record: Cincinnati 0-0, Akron 0-0. Conference Record: Cincinnati 0-0, Akron 0-1. Series Record: Series is tied, 2-2.

GAME NOTES: The Cincinnati Bearcats will try to remain in the win column when they step out of conference action to take on the Akron Zips this weekend at the Rubber Bowl. The Bearcats have opened this season with wins in two of their first three games, including a convincing, 45-20 victory over Miami-Ohio this past weekend. Cincinnati is 45-42-5 against Mid-American foes, and has won four consecutive matchups against teams from that conference. After this game the Bearcats will have one more non-conference battle against Marshall before opening their Big East slate. As for the Zips, they are coming off a solid 22-3 victory over the Army Black Knights. This will be just the second home game of the season for the Zips, who lost to Ball State two weeks ago at the Rubber Bowl. Since 2004, the Zips have been mediocre at home, posting a 12-7 ledger on their own field. In regard to the all-time series between the two schools, both teams have won two games apiece. The last time these two teams collided was in 2006, and the Bearcats grabbed a 20-14 decision.

Cincinnati had no trouble offensively this past weekend, as the team pounded the Miami-Ohio RedHawks by a 25-point margin. The Bearcats churned out 152 yards on the ground, and added another 241 yards through the air. John Goebel led the ground game with 63 yards and two touchdowns, while Jacob Ramsey tallied 57 yards on 12 totes. Tony Pike was just as important to the victory, as the quarterback threw for 241 yards and three scores on an outstanding 20- of-24 passing. Pike, who stepped in for the injured Dustin Grutza, has been sensational, completing 66.7 percent of his passes, while tossing four TDs against one interception. At this point in the season, the Bearcats have proven they can beat an opponent on the ground or through the air and head into this contest averaging 425.3 total ypg, which has led to 37.0 ppg.

While the Bearcats' success offensively has been their passing game, the weakness for the defensive unit has come from the opposition's aerial assaults, as teams are currently producing 259.0 ypg with the pass. Overall the Bearcats are allowing 362.7 total ypg and that has led to 26.3 ppg. Cincy has been unable to make the big play thus far, as the team has just five takeaways and three sacks on the year. Fortunately the Bearcats put forth a strong effort this past weekend against Miami-OH, as the defense limited the RedHawks to just 301 total yards, including just 66 rushing yards on 2.2 ypc. Ryan Manalac was the top performer, as the linebacker posted 10 tackles in the victory.

Akron's 2-2 record on the year does not do justice to the performance of the team's offensive unit, which is producing 387.5 total ypg and 26.2 ppg. Dennis Kennedy has been the main option in the backfield, as the running back has rushed for 227 yards and two touchdowns. However, Andrew Johnson has also contributed to the ground attack, posting 156 yards and one score. The Zips have also found success through the air, as Chris Jacquemain has thrown for 960 yards and seven TDs. However, Jacquemain has been inconsistent at times as well, and has tossed five interceptions, while completing 58.8 percent of his passes. The Zips were not overly impressive in their recent win over Army, but the offense did just enough. Kennedy paced the ground game with 73 yards and one touchdown, while Johnson chipped in with 55 yards on 10 totes. As for Jacquemain, he only completed 14-of-25 passes, but finished the contest with 204 yards and one TD.

The Zips have not been as consistent defensively, and have dealt with plenty of issues up front. After four games, the stop unit has been exposed, as opponents are rushing for a whopping 243.2 ypg. Overall the Zips are surrendering 386.5 total ypg, and that has led to 27.5 ppg. On a bright note, the Zips have done a tremendous job in forcing takeaways, as the defense has collected 12 turnovers on the year. Five of those takeaways came in the victory over Army this past weekend, as the Zips also limited the Black Knights to just 223 total yards, including 160 rushing yards on just 3.3 ypc. Kevin Grant paced the defense with 10 tackles in the win, while Shawn Lemon added nine stops to go along with one TFL.

Usually when these two schools collide the contest turns into a grueling, low- scoring battle, and there is no reason for that to change this year. Expect Akron to put up a tough fight, but look for Cincy to post a narrow victory by the final whistle.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Cincinnati 24, Akron 17

Saturday, September 27th, 3:30 p.m. (et)