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Sure would be nice if literally anyone else in the MAC would beat Toledo.

Any idea if any of the four road games will get national TV coverage? I know telecommunications infrastructure in the greater Shalersville region is subpar, but I think Toledo is joining the modern world...rockets and all that stuff.

This game is going to be a real test for the Zips. It would sure be nice to put another L on Toledo's slate and remind them of where the MAC title presently resides. A win at Toledo is going to be a tall order. The Zips primary advantages are defense and depth. Toledo really plays only 7 players. Hopefully, the Zips depth and ability to always shuttle in fresh players will wear them down. Do that and lock them down on defense and maybe the Zips are at the top of the MAC Tuesday night.

Freeman got 8 boards in 16 minutes. No foul trouble, no idea why he sat so much.

Another rough one for Maishe, we need a big bounce back from him Tuesday. There's not a ton to say other than that was a John Groce Akron Basketball culture game through and through. Defense led to offense, energy won out, and the guys playing like NBA All-Stars in their roles came through. That bench mob is crucial in the upcoming games. As the opponents get worn down, and the starters get rest, Dawson, Wynn, Reece, Clarke, and even Marshall have a huge opportunity to make a difference. I'm sure most people are, but check out the Akron bench when these guys perform well, it brings the entire energy to an entire new level. Those guys are just as important as the starting 5 when it comes to punching a ticket to the dance. On to Toledo! Go Zips!

Clarke looks like he can penetrate & get to the basket almost any time he wants.

No one knows what Akron has among three of its young QBs. Two just arrived and one was never in the mix last year due to shortened season (no summer and fall camp preparation) and injury. Who knows how good Kipp may be. I think one of the keys to evaluating talent, particularly in HS, is gaging who a kid played against and more important, who he played with. If you look back over the last 15 years or so, Mentor has been a consistent power, with record setting QBs. Was the team good due to QB play or did the QBs excel due to the talent around him? Bart Tanski was Mr. Football in Ohio in 2007, had to walk on at BG. Never really played, ended up on baseball I believe. Next big name was Trubisky, offered by everyone including Alabama (with the exception of genius Urban) , 1st round NFL. Krizancic followed for one year at QB, although he was committed to Minnesota at WR. IIRC the team went just as far in the playoffs with him at QB as Trubisky and he became All-State and recommitted to OU to play QB. Unfortunately he retired from football due to concussion. I would argue the hype around his 1season at QB was due more to the team he played on than his QB skills (not athletic skills as he was a multi sport skilled athlete). Next came Tadas Tatarunas. Big kid, 6-5 225, started three years and went to playoffs all three years. No D1 offers, not even FCS. is currently at Walsh where he has yet to play. Now Kipp. I would say the college coaches (in most instances) seem to be able to determine wether the hype is based on individual talent or team support. Very few kids are recruited D1 based on Sr year. Sophomore and Junior year is make or break time. In Kipp's case, KSU offered him three years ago, sophomore year. They've been to his games, seen his film and had him in camp. The problem with being offered that early is that it really isn't a "commitable" offer until Sr year. That is what his sophomore offer was from Kent. He gambled on bigger offers that never came, including holding out past the early signing period and it allowed Kent to change their evaluation and deal offered.

Wynn looked very comfortable out there. ? As did Dawson. ? Tribble took a few 3's, even hitting one! ??

"Build it and they will come..."

Depth.

B & G, you do a great job tracking recruits. Why not start a new thread with the late signing period. I enjoy the accuracy that you bring to the Zips nation board.

Hey now. Lol Of course Idk, but I am excited to see our JUCO All-American QB DJ Irons. I’m not asking for the moon. I just want a QB who can make reads to 2 different receivers and, if nothing is there, run for 4-5 yards.

Any predictions for today? I'm feeling another nice outing for Michael Wynn. He played more minutes against EMU (17) than he'd played in the 4 prior games combined. I sense he's finally shaking off the rust and th staff is seeing what he can do. Hopefully, Maishe's solid game is a sign of things to come. Zips-- 74, Ball Stare- 64.

That's right. You live nearbouts the Shalersville Region.