Recruits

Surprised there were no comments about recruiting. Scout had the Zips around 106 in the country with Toledo the top MAC team if I read correctly. Rivals had them lower with BGSU and Central at the top of the MAC. Hollis,the DT out of Iowa looks interesting. Hopefully Jerome Lane will pan out at LB.

The MAC caught up to our offense

It didn't take too long for the MAC to catch up w/TB's offense. We are seeing against the better MAC teams like BGSU,OU and NIU that Akron is just not going to be able to outscore anyone. Those teams are basically controlling the line with their front 4 and making Akron try to run more. When Williams is throwing he is seeing little separation by his receivers because they are running into 6-7 man secondaries. Thats not Williams' fault. Pohl wouldn't make any difference unless he is willing to run more than Williams. TB was trying to stack the backfield more to get the run going. But,this is a passing offense that needs a QB who can also be a running threat.

Some things I noticed at the game: Chisholm played little. Why TB suddenly decided Chisholm was a kick returner 8 games in is puzzling. The O line was pretty much over matched by the NIU D line. That was especially true of the right side of the Akron line. Williams was forcing more passes out of frustration. Whoever the DB was who got run over by the NIU QB when he was heading into the end zone should check for cleat marks on his chest. Too many NIU receivers running way to free. Zips can't handle a running QB...again. NIU is a VERY good MAC team and has been consistently for a number of years now. Why? Akron has 'run out of gas'. They need a week off but don't have one. Attendance has taken another hit for at least one more season unless they win early at home next year. Akron is still at least 2 years away from being consistently competetive w/the best teams in the MAC.

Make Info. a Pit

Yesterday was one of the few,maybe the only time I can remember a football crowd in Akron becoming somewhat and only somewhat intimidating. If there were any games at the Bowl I can't really remember. Certainly none at Info.

I think the officials will remember what happened on Saturday. Even though the crowd wasn't big it got involved in the game. They will remember that there was actually a reason for them to be escorted off the field by the PD.

Thats the kind of 'home field advantage' we need to develop here. When tthe opponents and officials start thinking about how the crowd might get involved it can give the Zips an edge. Not talking about throwing things on the field. But when the officials and opponents realize they can't come in here screw up and ignore the crowd it changes their game.

Even 12,000 people can get in your head if they make the right kind of noise.

Could the Zips Surprise?

Not that I have high expectations,but... I'm looking at the roster and the number of players who have actual game experience,the players who have been 'brought' in and the staff. IF this team gets some decent QB play and Coach Chuck can raise the level of play on the D side,this team might surprise some folks. Not saying that is what is going to happen. But, 3-4 games into the season if these guys start to figure it out,they may sneak up on some MAC teams.
Not expecting too much in the first month. They better beat Morgan State. But, if they can cut down the TO's from the QB position and control a game a little on the defensive side,they might have a shot at some upsets.
They might get into some 'shootouts' but what the hell.

Indicting the athletic department

I can't fathom that there hasn't been some reaction to the editorial by Mr. Robert Kraus concerning the current state of football at UofA. Maybe its because it is on the editorial page! It is available on Ohio.com. It is dated 7-25-12. Apparently this gentleman doesn't think too highly of what has happened in the 'front office' since 1986.