Tennessee fans must be happy with the trajectory their team appears to be on this season. Two weeks into the season, the team is 2-0 and does not appear ready to slow down anytime soon. If the Akron vs. Tennessee betting odds at Tennessee Sportsbooks are any indication, Akron will struggle just to slow the Vols down.
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As of Tuesday night, Tennessee is a massive 47.5-point favorite at home against the Akron Zips on Saturday.
Akron vs. Tennessee Betting Odds
At 47.5 points, the point spread for the game is the second largest in program history. The largest came in the 2013 season opener against Austin Peay; Tennessee was a 49 or 49.5-point favorite in that game (depending on the sportsbook). The Vols opened as a 50-point favorite this week against Akron. Here are the odds at Tennessee’s top online sportsbooks.
| Sportsbook | Point Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Tennessee -47.5 (-110) Akron +47.5 (-110) | Over 67.5 (-110) Under 67.5 (-110) |
| DraftKings | Tennessee -47 (-115) Akron +47 (-105) | Over 67 (-110) Under 67 (-110) |
| FanDuel | Tennessee -47.5 (-110) Akron +47.5 (-110) | Over 66.5 (-110) Under 66.5 (-110) |
| Caesars | Tennessee -47.5 (-110) Akron +47.5 (-110) | Over 67 (-110) Under 67 (-110) |
Could the Zips really be that bad this season? To put Akron’s competitive level into perspective, the Zips needed overtime to beat a sub-par FCS team in their season opener (30-23 vs. St. Francis). If that doesn’t tell you enough, they got destroyed by Michigan State last week, 52-0.
Any team can win on any given Saturday, but there is an excellent reason why sportsbooks are not listing moneyline odds for this game. However, while a win may be a foregone conclusion, whether Tennessee can cover the spread is a good question.
Tennessee Has Not Fared Well ATS When Spreads Are 40+
Point spreads this big tend to happen in college football, but Tennessee has not seen too many of them over the years. Including the first 40+ point spread in 1998 (vs. UAB), the Vols have been favored by 40+ on six occasions, all at home. However, while they won all six games straight up, they’ve not done well ATS (1-5).
| Date | Opponent | Score | Tenn Pt Spread | ATS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 5, 2016 | Tennessee Tech | 55-0 | -42.5 | W |
| Nov. 14, 2015 | North Texas | 24-0 | -41.5 | L |
| Aug. 31, 2013 | Austin Peay | 45-0 | -49 | L |
| Sept. 8, 2012 | Georgia State | 51-13 | -45 | L |
| Sept. 28, 2002 | Rutgers | 35-14 | -40.5 | L |
| Nov. 7, 1998 | UAB | 37-13 | -41.5 | L |
Last season, the Vols were 7-6 ATS. Two games into the 2022 season, Tennessee is 2-0 ATS (-33.5 vs. Ball State; -6 vs. Pitt). But asking a team to outscore another by almost 50 points is a tall order.
However, with a high-powered offense like Josh Heupel’s, maybe it isn’t. Last season, Heupel’s first with the Vols, Tennessee scored north of 50 points in three games. The Vols have already scored 50+ points once this year. In his three seasons as the head coach at UFC, Heupel’s offense scored 50+ 10 times and 47.5+ in 15 games.
In Heupel’s offense, with the talent the Vols have on the team, the potential is certainly there for a big day, especially against a poor Akron team. So, the question bettors need to ask themselves is whether the defense can hold up its end of the bargain.
Betting Analysis
With Florida on deck in Week 4, Heupel will want to ensure his offense has all the wrinkles and kinks worked out, but he may also start pulling guys early to ensure they are healthy against the Gators. QB Hendon Hooker should decimate the Akron defense and put up some insane numbers.
As for the defense, look for it to take care of business, too.
Our Picks: Tennessee -47 points and Under 66.5 points
