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Communist.

Agreed. Part of what makes me hope Bowden finishes this year strong is that we seemingly have our best recruiting class to date and I don't want that to fall apart. Plenty of true fresh are playing and playing well this year with what they've been asked to do. I think we are starting to see some actual depth being established. I've done a lot of thinking about next year for whatever reason, and I don't really have any concerns. The Zips should be MAC East favorites imo. We return a lot/have guys with good potential. The one question mark will be QB, but I feel good about one of Kato or Ramart being able to get the job done.

UMass has a 3-1 win over St. Louis (and St. Louis has a win over Stanford and a tie with Akron) I love the zips...and UND and Michigan State are impressive huge wins...but akron has to prove that they can beat a top 20 RPI team on the road (Pitt will provide the perfect forum) Akron is being killed in the rpi by a horrible loss to an awful Utah Valley team (UVU is 3-8-2 when they don't play the zips) losing to a crappy team that is 161 in the RPI.....is the main thing preventing from being above New Hampshire in the rankings Denver is also very mediocre....6-6 when not playing the zips St. Louis is 4-7 when not playing the zips the zips have to play well on the road next week at Pitt and WVU Zips have proven that they are a final four team at home..... rooting for them to show their chops and toughness on the road

I think our defense can keep us competitive, it's our offensive side of the ball that worries me. However, here is how I think we could win: The basics - minimize penalties, no more than 1 turn-over, and special teams - do not allow any big returns. The have blocked one more kick than us and also a punt this year. Field position - we were killed by the poor field position in the 2nd half last week. We need to be able to flip the field, more frequently. Pressure on the QB - we have not really done a ton of LB blitzes - we might need to do more. We won't shut Woodside down, but we can limit his success. Toledo's rushing offense is ranked #36 in FBS, however, they are not a top 50 red zone offense team. We will also have to stop the run. We proved we can do that against WMU, but the WMU passing threat was not nearly as great. Toledo boasts a 28th ranked passing offense and Woodside is solid. Secondary - don't give up big plays. I think interceptions will be harder to come by, but we need our secondary to play their best. I think they might be up to the task. We have a slight edge on defensive touchdowns, statistically. Offensively - we need a our WRs to step up their game. We have to move the ball, better and a lot of that. We need to be successful with our run game to help the pass game. I think we can run the ball on them as well as we ran the ball on WMU in the first half. Tommy's passes were a lot better last week, but he did not throw a lot in the second half. we had too many drops. We have to make catches to win games. Coney has proven to be consistent. I am guessing that every D is focusing on Wolfe. We really need Bickley, Chapman, Smith, and Young to step it up. Booker is starting to present some nice opportunities for us. At his size, it would be nice to see him evolve into our 3rd/4th and 1 back like Cody Grice. Third Downs - we have the edge offensively and they have the edge defensively. On offensive, we are ranked #36 and they are ranked #50, On D they are #26 and we are #34. The match-ups are pretty good. Trickery - I think we can pull off one good trick play to help the cause and keep the defense honest. We have lined Tommy up in the wildcat as a receiver and I cannot recall him dropping a pass - will we see a Morgan to Woodson connection in the red zone this week? The biggest concern I have with the short week is that last weekend was distracting for them with an emotional win and the crazy weather/reschedule. It sounds like they got home between 10-11:00 PM on Sunday night and had Monday off with voluntary video review on Monday. If we stay focused and disciplined, this is going to be a competitive game, giving us a shot to go 4-0 in the MAC. I have heard both Bowden and Woodson talking about the team being hungry after last season. I really hope we se that hunger on Saturday.

Zips now #14 in RPI. As noted by TennZip, the Pitt & WVU games are crucial. If the Zips can get at least one win out of those two, and beat the teams they should beat, they will be in good shape to get a seed for the NCAAs ...

I know I am in the minority here and I know I will get ridiculed for this statement but. . . I want to see Bowden win enough games to retain his job, but if he insists on retaining Milwee, he should be fired. Milwee has to go or I am going to be a very unhappy camper. He has had 4 1/2 years to prove his incompetence. My number one problem with Bowden is Milwee.

How I'd like to see the situation play out. 8 or more wins = Bowden extension 6-7 wins = Bowden play out contract or offer 1 year extension and lets see how Zips do next year before locking him in long-term <6 = fired

I think he's talking about OU when he says "this game" but perhaps I am wrong

That's hilarious. If the Zips go 8-4, win the MAC East, and go to a bowl game, you think TB gets fired?

I'll guess it will be the state of the progrum, not one game, either way. I think the players will have more to do with the outcome of the Toledo game. If the Zips make it to Detroit for only the second time in school history, I wouldn't put too much money on anybody getting "fired." Even if we get beat being a 16 point underdog Saturday.

Logan Woodside is rated 15th in the nation, and averages 287 passing per game thus far. He's only thrown one pick, averaging 31 attempts per game. Akron defense gives up an average of 240 yards per game, and has 9 interceptions this year (12th in the nation). IMO, this will be your ? matchup of the week.

$20 Million gift from Jean Hower Taber, great granddaughter of the founder of Quaker Oats Co. This is UA's largest ever gift.

Somehow, over the past few years, we manage to hold OU to one of their worst performances, but still manage to lose by just a few points. We need to change the outcome this year and seal the deal.

I don't say this often, but I'll actually be cheering for Kent over Ohio this weekend. Not that they stand much of a chance...but it would certainly help us in running for MACE.

Iv'e watched enough football in my life to know that no matter how awesome a team's offense looks, there is always a defense to make them look pedestrian. Let's hope that's what happens to Toledo's offense Saturday. No backup, I want to beat Woodside. I want to see him go against our secondary. Talent vs talent. I'm sure the Zips secondary is pumped to face him.

I forgot how awesome that site is. Thanks.

agreed....luv to see a 8-4 reg season....as long as woodson keeps improving...like to see more of deltron sands toting the rock

FYI, the 506 sports maps has ch 43 cle televising this game along with espn college extra...ch 788 up & for directv

That was awkward. People walked by my office and asked why I was kneeling

I want the Zips to win the East as much as anybody but my first goal is to see them get bowl eligible. After last year I am not just going to assume that will happen. I'll worry about them trying to get to Detroit after that elusive win number 6 is secured.

MAC Weekly Media Teleconference Audio (Bowden) • In the first seven games, Akron has scored on its opening drive five times. Conversely, Akron's defense has kept its opponents from scoring at all, forcing four turnovers. • Day behind in preperation for Toledo because of getting home late. • Coach Bowden has more wins on Sunday than Hue Jackson this year.

Akron Zips are different team in conference play: MAC Football 2017 No. 1 in pass defense efficiency No. 1 in interceptions (6) No. 1 in fewest penalties (12 in three games) No. 1 in red zone offense (5-of-5, 5 TD) No. 1 in red zone defense (5-of-10, 2 TD, 3 FG) No. 2 in sacks (9) No. 2 in turnover margin (plus 4)

I hate Ohio. We better not lose to those pricks to blow the MAC east

Darn it. I would love to come to Akron again for the Buffalo game, but it is in the middle of a 10-day conference that is our biggest event of the year at work.