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Do not take the Panthers lightly, Zips fans! https://pittsburghpanthers.com/index.aspx?path=msoc As nearly everyone predicted, Coach Jay Vidovich has turned around this once dismal program. https://pittsburghpanthers.com/staff.aspx?staff=392 While we were stinking up FES/CCF last Monday vs. NCS, Delaware 1-6 Pittsburgh. All this guy did Monday was score a hat-trick. https://pittsburghpanthers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9825 #9 Edward Kizza has been favorably compared to our #9 David Egbo. Some say Kizza if even better than Egbo. (I don't, but some do.) Regardless... These Cats can play! If Zips exit the locker room unmotivated, like we would rather be doing something else, Panthers will whip us good. Frankly, I cannot guarantee my good behavior should Zips start the season on three consecutive home matches without a win. (You may want to preemptively alert security.) It is time for our team and our coaches to perform with urgency, because the 2018 season hangs in the balance.

I’m not as concerned about LB. I think Leonard Sohn and Pol Hernandez can trade time there and one will likely emerge as the starter. I also agree that Daniel Strachan does not look comfortable at RB and should not continue there. Marco Micaletto needs to move further forward where he can get more into the attack. Looking at a discussion on another website, Abdi Mohammed played HMF some at tOSU. I like the idea of putting him there to get Micaletto moved forward.

After a shaky preseason defensively, Lenny Sohn has defended satisfactorily, earning another shot at LB. At least Sohn gets forward in the attack, sending in playable left-footed crosses. We are not seeing anyone do that from RB. But I am not convicted on this point. Pol Hernandez could also warrant another look. Different type players, but still not much daylight between the two. But I am certain that Daniel Strachan should not be RB. That I know. I am done with that experiment. Rarely have I seen a good player look so uncomfortable. We have three CB that are among the best XI on the Team. Ritaccio, Milanese, and Strachan. One out of these three must play HMF if we are to keep our 4-2-3-1. Take your pick. Or change systems.

And if you fall asleep during the game, you will still be more coherent than most Fusker fans!

Discuss your answers below. Bryan thinks Nebraska could be ripe for an upset. "The more this line grows, the more I feel comfortable leaning toward Akron. The hype surrounding Frost’s return to Nebraska is not unfounded. However, that doesn’t mean the Cornhuskers will hit the ground running. They have a lot of problems to address, and Akron is an above-average MAC team, so I don’t necessarily see Nebraska winning this game going away. With the line greater than three touchdowns, I’ll take my chances with the Zips." "Keep in mind that the Cornhuskers have a world of problems defensively. Nebraska gave up over 50 points in each of their final three games last season. That includes games against Minnesota and Iowa, two teams that aren’t exactly prolific offensively" "If this game were scheduled at the end of the season, I might feel differently. But I don’t think Nebraska is going to be that impressive early in the year. There’s not a lot making me think that the Cornhuskers can win this game by more than a touchdown or two. With a spread that’s way too big, I’ll take Akron and the points in this one."

Played H.S. ball for Jim Kunau at Orange Lutheren in Orange, CA. Kunau is now coaching my son at Temecula, CA Rancho Christian. I asked him about Fitschen and he said that the kid not only has talent, but is of high character as well.

Name:Jerry Fitschen Player Ranking: Class Rank:54 Grad Year:2016 State:CA Country:United States College:Akron Pro Team: Height:6-0 Weight:185 SAT/ACT: GPA: Student Since:2014 Last Evaluation:1-16 Player Review Jerry is an outstanding kicking prospect. The lefty has a huge leg and shows outstanding potential. He has perhaps the strongest leg in the nation. Field goals are solid off the ground. Kickoffs are near the top of his class. Also shows punting potential, this is becoming a strength. A great athlete with huge upside. A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. I see him most a a KO/P at the next level. Excellent prospect. College Interest Committed: Akron Additional Information Major Accomplishments: Member of the "TOP 12" 2014 Underclassmen Event Class of 2016 Kickoff Champion 2016 Vegas XXVII Punt Finalist Other Notes: Combo Player K/P

I'm in Skokie right now (just west of Evanston). Want me to sneak into the Northwestern practice and go "Tonya Harding" on anyone in particular?

Really interesting note: "Akron lost just one game that Connelly’s win expectancy model (which is based on what actually happens in each matchup, not projections) gave them more than a zero percent chance to win. Meanwhile, a +10 turnover margin, good for 15th in the country, helped them slip away with some lucky close wins."

100% agree. What is on the depth chart often does not match up with reality

Me as well. I don't get a good feeling when reading "kind of" and "I guess" in the article. It is subtle, but lacking in confidence. I hope I am wrong.

Both are valid points, but from what I saw in the summer, both players looked better than last year. Kato is throwing the ball with more confidence, and Van is hitting holes hard. He looked like a different back to me, maybe the o-line has something to do with that as well. Let's hope what I think I saw translates to Saturday. If coach Bowden's history with the Zips is any kind of indicator, those two will not be the only two that play at their respected positions on Saturday. Go Zips!!!

And because I know you are all clamoring for it, this is what I want to see Saturday. http://football-formation.com/lineup/69386/proposed-Akron-Zips-9-1-18 Create your own lineup at football-formation.com

On 1590 Bowden said he broke his collarbone & is done for the year ☹️

don't we normally post depth charts for game week? curious if there are any surprises or not, even though the depth chart might not mean much. Its football season fellas. Go ZIPS!

Don't underestimate the traffic going through Chicago. Northwestern is north on the far side of the city right along the lake. You might want to consider taking I-55 to the McCormick Center and then LakeShore Drive and Sheridan Road if the I-90/94 is too slow going through downtown. Or take Western Avenue north if traffic is slow at the I-90/94 Edens split (which is the best in low traffic, but takes you northwest, just to come east on Peterson or Dempster).

Leave Sat. morning, stop in Toledo for 3 quarters of Miami Hurricanes at the Glass Bowl at noon, then drive on out to Evanston for the 7:30 (6:30 local) Zips start