An OutKick betting columnist previews the Week 1 college football clash between Akron and Wake Forest, recommending a bet on the total points going under 48.5. The pick reflects a season where both teams are debuting new starting quarterbacks and have overhauled parts of their rosters through the transfer portal, factors the columnist believes will slow early-season offensive output.

Akron, projected for around five wins this season, replaces departed quarterback Ben Finley with Reese Poffenbarger, while running back Jordan Gant returns after averaging 4.8 yards per carry last year. Wake Forest, expected to manage roughly six wins, hands the reins to new quarterback Gio Lopez, who threw for 1,747 yards and 10 touchdowns last season at North Carolina but also threw five interceptions. With both sides fielding several transfers on offence and defence, the columnist expects a slower, lower-scoring start, backing the under 48.5 for the fixture.