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miss me yet?

ZipNation members understand the accomplishments of coach Bowden. There is little need to continually fill current threads with the history of Coach Bowden. If you would like to post about a former coach, there is an appropriate titled thread, please use it.

Lucas Zelarayán is worth every penny!! And here's the correct banner:

I guess I was surprised that another QB showed up in the last game of the season. Arth has seen enough of Gibson already to know if he will improve to the point where he can be even competent in the MAC. Otherwise, Arth better start now to figure out his next QB. Guess under the circumstances, short season, eligibility changes I might have worked in other QB's during the season to get a better idea of which direction to go next season.

Most who follow close were realistically hoping for 1 win this season, and thankfully we got that. Realistic goal for next season will be 4-5 wins and winning seasons the majority of the time thereafter if this is going to be deemed a success. We have games vs Auburn and OSU, so will need to win approximately 50% of games outside of that. Luckily, we also have a FCS opponent for the first time in Arth's tenure. I feel good about Bryant and BG. Hopefully we draw NIU and/or EMU in the west. Will need to upset somebody somewhere as well. Temple has dropped off big and their long-time starting QB is transferring out. The good news is this year didn't count against eligibility for any players. It also didn't count against the eligibility of other teams, but I think we have a leg up in this regard being that we were very young, were able to get all 6 games in, and won't have to worry about players foregoing eligibility to go to the NFL, unlike other teams (Jaret Patterson, Dustin Crum, etc). I count 9 scholarship seniors on the roster, 5 of which contributed on offense or defense regularly. Some will undoubtedly move on, but the fact is we don't have much to lose as long as we can limit attrition from freshman-juniors. In all likelihood, we'll end up with something like +20-25 scholarship players next year than we had this year. 25 signing class + potential of some of Hooks/Sampson/Williams/Uran/Corne being back (it has been mentioned some opted out of season and others were ineligible) - seniors moving on - transfers. Huge for potentially adding not only depth, but talent that can play now. Regarding depth - too many walk-ons getting time in all 3 phases this year. A walk-on CB started the last couple games, we started a walk-on on the OL the whole season, and played the majority of the game with 2 walk-ons at WR yesterday. Not a slight to anyone (and some may be deserving of scholarships), but walk-ons just do not get this time at other programs. We should not have to rely on them that much, though I understand why it happened this year. Regarding immediate help - need to bring in immediate competition on all 3 levels of D. I'd also bring in a OL with at least a few years of experience. Of course, I'm definitely for more competition at QB and I think there will be plenty of that for next season. Hopefully someone will rise to at least an average MAC QB. I'm all for giving time as long as I can see a vision and progress is being made. I understand what the staff is trying to do and there was progress, albeit minimal this season. Keep it going. Early signing day starts Wednesday. Go Zips!

I would like to congratulate those of you who were able to watch more than 2 hours of the season. They averaged 16 points per game. Not exactly entertainment. As a reward, espn will be sending you a set of Chris Berman salt and pepper shakers from their 1998 collectors series.

The Crew was flawless tonight. Total and convincing victory. Congrats to Caleb and players.

Caleb does it again!!!! On the 10th anniversary of his National Championship with the Zips, and with his second team in the MLS!!!

The loser is the one who fails to recognize the program's achievements under him. Let's recall a few of the highlights: 1. Most wins as a D1 team. 2. First bowl win 3. Two P5 wins (Pitt and NW) 4. Wagon wheel wins (forget how many) 5. Numerous players to make it to an NFL roster They may not have been what you expected, but there continue to be people on this board out of touch with the realities facing G5 schools. At the end of Bowden's second season, the team pulled off a signature upset against Toledo. The Zips show no signs of being able to do that. The win against BGSU was like eating a high school team.

UA is never going to pay more than one football head coach at a time ever again so settle in and hope for the best. If you think Arth will continue to be a failure mark the end of his contract on your calendar now because that's the earliest chance you'll have to get rid of him. I'm so happy basketball season is here and football season is over so that I don't have to read the same arguments on here every week.

My source (LOL) in the JAR liked what they saw in the second half today. First half was a lot of early shot clock 3s, granted a lot were falling. The team is big. I hear Currie didn't get in until late, I'm going to assume that will change moving forward, perhaps he was unable to practice for a couple of weeks if you know what I mean. Not accusing him of anything, just assuming. And I'm admittedly probably wrong in doing that. Once UA started running that zone trap that has worked so well in the past, Cedarville didn't have a prayer. Marshall began slashing more in the second half, he's got the body to do that and I think we'll need him to considering no more X and Cheese. As good as nearly the whole roster is at shooting, we need reliable buckets. Guys who can finish and make free throws. Like X and Cheese. I was expecting more from Tribble but he'll come along. I'm pretty happy with what I heard, but again it's Cedarville. I wouldn't get too discouraged if the season doesn't start off well. Bonnie is returning 5 starters, @ Kent is @ Kent, which is literally never easy, and Ohio is damn impressive. Considering the circumstance, I'm going to put my expectations as they will have it rolling by February and be in full throttle come March. March March March. Also, heard Aziz (7' kid from across the pond) who is supposed to be electric just got into the states within the last few days. Could make for another Dawson situation. Damn. Anyway, can't wait for Tuesday!!!!!!

Future QB Earlier in this train, there was discussion regarding Gibson and who should qb next year. There were some comments that the JUCO , DJ Irons, should be the man. I went back and watched HUDL tapes of Irons, Gibson, Marousek, and Jankowski. I know the tapes are set up with only the best plays, but based on what I saw, Marousek looked the best on the tape. Let's see what happens between now and next fall. I am not including DeShields in the mix.

And I, for one, am sick of it.

Nowhere have I defended him. In face, I routinely call him out. I'm not happy with 4-8 like some people.

Agree 100%. I would have rotated a couple other QB’s in as well during the blowouts. I do, however, think Gibson was on the sideline during the 4th quarter yesterday because he hurt his shoulder while getting sacked? However, I really don’t think Gibson is the answer at QB. I’m crossing my fingers the JUCO we’re bringing in has an immediate impact.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/12/13/mls-cup-player-ratings-perfect-night-lucas-zelarayan-caleb-porter-greg-seltzer These 3 stood out to me: ... Aidan Morris (7) — I won't lie. I figured Columbus would not be able to cover for the loss of Darlington Nagbe. Morris proved me wrong by doing many of the things Nagbe does. He scooped up loose balls, worked out of trouble and made the simple pass to get the team away. Nothing fancy, just good work. Kudos to the youngest player to ever start an MLS Cup. Lucas Zelarayan (10) — I'm just going to say it: This performance has to be on a very short list for the greatest individual whistle-to-whistle display in MLS Cup history. Zelarayan kept possession alive with some insane touches, he won a small bushel of free kicks and he even checked back to offer defensive help to Morris. And when it came to to make the big plays, Zelarayan did it with style, as if the game was moving much slower for him than it was for everyone else. Each of his finishes was a proper peach, and his assist was just as good. Take a bow, champion. ... Coach Caleb Porter (10) — I was thinking, hey man, don't be so generous with the perfect grades. But really, what could I ding Porter for? He played this game like chess, starting with the lineup calls to replace Nagbe and Pedro Santos. He pushed his lines of confrontation so high in the first half that Seattle couldn't build with their usual precision until they were down two goals. And just when it looked like the Sounders might gain rally momentum, he urged the team to get on the ball, which led to the coffin nail of the third goal. Sounds flawless to me. ...

Terry was 5-2 vs Kent State

Agreed. I understand that the AD doesn't make the big decisions about the overall direction of the football program. If the administration decides that the financial situation is really dire, its decision will go far beyond whether coaching changes need to be made. I am sure it is hoping some 'sacrifice' games get played next year so some big paydays come in. If not what happens?

FYI - You’re asking this question to a guy who’s team mascot wore a pink tutu at a Halloween football game a couple years ago.

Curious to see the rotations Tuesday against a good opponent. Groce usually has a number of less competitive games to test rotations and combinations. Here, there's no such luxury. Very interested to see or hear what's up with Currie. 4 garbage minutes against Cedarville. Recovering from sickness? Attitude adjustment by the coaches? Not yet up to speed? Hopefully, Tuesday will bring some answers.

Comprehensive victory!

The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl never looked so good.

I have watched all 18 games that Coach Arth and Co have administrated. Very little improvement, still being out coached every game, and I don’t think they know how to rebuild.. They are consistent victims of poor game planning and will continue to get bullied by MAC opponents in 2021. Stop with the talent excuse.. talent is decent but it starts with game plan, play calling, and mid-game adjustments. They are the coaches they pick the talent they recruit and the talent they play. It’s nobody’s fault besides theirs if they felt the need to rush the Bowden recruits out of here.. yes you set a standard but you don’t move Bowden recruits down the depth chart to play your freshman. You blend your guys with your current roster. Offensive play call is terrible...local high schools OCs do a better job. QB is still clueless against the blitz and does not check down. How many RB screens have we called this season? If a team is blitzing the house call screens! Get creative. Also, pass game has consistently regressed throughout the 18 games. Our line is consistently out played by defensive schemes. They have showed showed flashes of improvement. Kent couldn’t stop the run against anyone this year and BGSU was terrible.. worse than Akron terrible. The other games we saw backup players in the second half.. including OU they were rotating there second/ third team in all game on defense. They have ran several experienced guys out of Akron and more are on their way out. This team would struggle against D-1AA teams. I can’t imagine Akron playing on the same field as OSU and Auburn next year. The Tom Arth experiment needs to be over right now. .... and yes I do miss Terry Bowden- we played competitively in MAC play and with established programs like Michigan, Marshall, Iowa State, & Northwestern. Stop acting like you guys don’t.

I was hoping the defense had actually progressed to the point where it could help control a game against a decent team. Obviously BGSU was even worse than we thought. Only thing the O-line can do even close to competently is run block. But Akron only ran the ball 24 times other than the QB's.!! Only threw 18 passes.!!!!!! The defense is absolutely no help to this team. Buffalo only had to throw the ball 10 times because Akron's defense can't control a decent run game. Somebody said Akron should make Vantrease beat 'em. He didn't have to. Arth is going to have to take a real hard look at the coaches on the defensive side of the ball. He is also going to have to take a hard look at the upper classmen who are playing on the defensive side next season. They are not getting it done against good teams. Looks like Gibson may be on the way out. Problem,, break in another new QB next season. I am very disappointed in the lack of improvement even over 6 games. Thought it might be a little better. But right now Arth doesn't have enough players capable of playing at the MAC level. With Bowden apparently coming off the books early next year, the athletic department is going to have to make some more hard decisions next year.

Our O line is not giving the QBs any protection whatsoever. Our QB is very inaccurate and throws a very strange ball ( sidearm)and most of the time its an overthrow. Our WRs are very good but it doesn't matter with bad O line play.Again our D line is not talented enough and our DBs lack coverage skills.