The Akron Zips football team is hosting the Ohio Bobcats as part of the time-honored tradition of MACtion, otherwise known as midweek Mid-American Conference games on national TV.

Akron (1-7, 0-4 in the MAC) is facing Ohio (6-2, 4-0) in a showdown televised by ESPN2 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at InfoCision Stadium.

Kickoff for Akron versus Ohio occurred at 7:05 p.m. Updates will be here throughout the night:

Akron kicker Aidan Stire misses field goal on game's opening possession

Akron received the opening kickoff and produced a nine-play drive to begin the game.

However, the Zips stalled in the red zone with quarterback Cibastian Broughton's backward pass on third-and-7 at the 16-yard line resulting in a fumble recovered by UA.

Akron summoned Aidan Stire to attempt a 40-yard field goal, but he missed the kick wide right with 9:48 remaining in the first quarter.

Cibastian Broughton is Akron's starting quarterback vs. Ohio

As expected, Cibastian Broughton is officially back as Akron's starting quarterback.

Against Ohio, Broughton will make his first start since Sept. 19, when he suffered a leg injury in a loss at Minnesota. Broughton has missed the past five games, and Brayden Roggow started in his place.

Akron quarterback Cibastian Broughton sprints downfield against Robert Morris on Sept. 12, 2026, in Akron.

Below is some pregame information.

Will Akron football have another change at starting quarterback vs. Ohio?

Akron coach Joe Moorhead expressed optimism about being able to restore Cibastian Broughton as Akron's starting quarterback against Ohio.

"We're hoping that we're able to get him back for Ohio," Moorhead told the Beacon Journal after Akron fell to Kent State 35-20 on Oct. 24.

MAC football column: Kent State and Akron's contrasting QB situations are glaring in rivalry game | Opinion

Broughton dressed in uniform and participated in pregame warm-ups before Akron played Kent State. Moorhead said Broughton would have been able to face KSU in the event fellow QB Brayden Roggow suffered an injury.

Roggow has started the past five games in place of Broughton, who suffered a leg injury on Sept. 19 against Minnesota.

The Zips intended for Broughton to serve as their backup to transfer Reese Poffenbarger this season, but Poffenbarger never played for UA because of NCAA eligibility issues, and he has been removed from the roster.

Sep 19, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Akron Zips quarterback Cibastian Broughton (11) makes a pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

Akron Zips football availability report vs. Ohio

On Akron's availability report, the Zips ruled out the following players:

  • S Daymon David
  • QB Semaj Beals
  • DB Iesa Jarmon
  • WR Cameron Monteiro
  • WR Paul Davis
  • DB Catrell White
  • RB Chris Gee
  • LB Gavin James
  • DE Omari Abor
  • DL Logan Hindmarch
  • WR Luke Sivon
  • TE Elijah Alexander
  • DL Malakai Ross-Graves

Ohio University football availability report vs. Akron

On Ohio's availability report, the Bobcats ruled out the following players:

  • WR Ian Ver Steeg
  • WR Zach Hackleman
  • WR Marcus Cain
  • S Ryan Miller
  • K Will Hryszko

The following Ohio players are out for the season:

  • S Tony Mathis
  • S Eli Thompson
  • WR Rashad Perry
  • S Andrew Vera
  • OL Will Odenthal
  • LB Cody Raymond
  • WR Kaden Page

More Zips sports coverage: Akron football remembers coach Jim Dennison and the bonds he helped create

Akron running back Jordan Gant (1) tries to avoid Eastern Michigan defensive lineman Hector Gonzalez on Oct. 10, 2026, in Akron.

Where to watch MAC football game between Akron and Ohio

Akron versus Ohio will be televised by ESPN2.

How can I listen to Akron Zips vs. Ohio Bobcats football game?

Akron's game against Ohio can be heard locally on the radio via WHLO (640-AM).

Akron strength and conditioning coach Orie Sahlfeld celebrates by giving wide receiver Marcel Williams a tire necklace after Williams scored a touchdown against Eastern Michigan on Oct. 10, 2026, in Akron.

Akron football 2026 schedule and results

  • Sept. 3: Wake Forest 38, Akron 16
  • Sept. 12: Akron 45, Robert Morris 10
  • Sept. 19: Minnesota 41, Akron 7
  • Sept. 26: UNLV 38, Akron 10
  • Oct. 3: Central Michigan 41, Akron 17
  • Oct. 10: Eastern Michigan 25, Akron 23
  • Oct. 17: Miami RedHawks 34, Akron 14
  • Oct. 24: Kent State 35, Akron 20
  • 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, vs. Ohio, ESPN2
  • 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, vs. Western Michigan, CBS Sports Network
  • 7 or 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at UMass, ESPNU or CBS Sports Network
  • noon Friday, Nov. 27, vs. Buffalo, ESPNU or CBS Sports Network

The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be emailed at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron football score, live updates vs. Ohio. Zips on ESPN2 for MACtion

Source: Yahoo Sports