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Good for him. He wasn't what we needed at Akron for our beloved Zips, but he seems like a good guy so I wish him well.

Thanks, NW. The family is now fully vaccinated and we had a mild wave of omicron go through the house 3 weeks ago, so logic states right now is as safe as any time to get back to 'normal.' This will be my youngest son's first rivalry game (he's 6) and he's definitely looking forward to this game and to the tournament in Cleveland. Go Zips, beat Kent!

I am a little disappointed that this is not the last game of the season.

Zips clock in at #10. We signed one HS 1st-Team D-1 All-Ohio kicker, and one FCS All-American punter. (IIRC)

Anyone else notice Wynn get the ol' head rub by Groce after that defensive play? There's a reason this team plays hard for Groce. He loves these guys. Glad to see Wynn finally start to get it in recent games. Keep it up. Friday is a biggee.

Freeman is going to be a Top 10 all time Zip. He’s awesome every night. Wonder if he can develop a jumper in the off-season?

Pass Game Specialist for the Chargers, whatever that is.

Great post, @bigjim. Like you, I think I'd give JoMoe & Co.'s recruiting class an A-, considering the late start and only having about a month to pull it together. I'm very excited about our defensive backfield with the additions of KJ Martin and Cam Threatt. If they don't start -v- St. Francis I'll be surprised. They immediately give us a competitive defensive backfield. If Bubba plays next year we're going to be pretty good at linebacker as well with the addition of Tim Terry as well as Boateng and Andrew Behm, whom I was very impressed with as a true freshman. What else I'd like to see: Another transfer OL, obviously. A guy who can come in, along with Max Banes (hope he pans out 🤞) and contribute immediately in Week One -v- St. Francis. I'm psyched about the three HS studs we signed, but more than likely they'll be redshirted next year. I would also like to see another transfer interior DL. I think Syracuse transfer Curtis Harper will be a starter from day one. But Miss. State transfer Devon Robinson is a little bit lighter than I was expecting (260) so I think he'll have some trouble competing on the interior of the DL. His height is outstanding, but given his weight he sounds like he may be a bit of a tweeter - either a very heavy DE or a relatively light DT. I'm expecting HS signee Kiawan Murphy to redshirt as I don't believe I've ever seen a high schooler come right in and contribute meaningfully on the interior of the DL. I'll bet conditioning may be an issue with him as well & wouldn't be surprised to actually see him lose weight during his redshirt season. Kato graduated and Gibson transferred, so I'd also like to see an experienced transfer QB added to the roster before Spring Ball begins. I like DJ Irons, but if he were to go down, none of our backups have had any game PT whatsoever. I think the RB's we signed are good-not-great. I know Kellom really looks like a stud on film and he was D-1 1st Team All-Ohio, but the fact that we were his only D-1 FBS offer has to temper my expectations a bit. And Cam Wiley, while being 6-2 is outstanding, the fact he only weight 185 has me a bit concerned about how durable he'd be. If he were 5-8 & 185 I wouldn't be as concerned but 6-2 at that weight & I'm hoping he doesn't get broken in half (he'd better not be a straight up runner - get down & behind those pads, Wiley!). So, thought our stable of RB's is presently pretty solid and very deep with Jonzell Norrils, Ant Williams, Blake Hester, Cam Wiley, and Charles Kellom, I still wouldn't mind seeing us add one more transfer RB. We lost M&M but we're going to be stacked at WR w/ the tremendous additions of Alex Adams and Jacques-Louis. If they aren't two of the best WR's in the MAC next season I'll be surprised.

This is a complete lapse in basketball IQ. RUN THE DAMN BASELINE TO INBOUND THE BALL AFTER A SCORE!

Really nice game from Tribble tonight. Hasn't missed a shot

Garvin is starting to come into his own a little bit

Unfortunately I will be stuck in the Bahamas and unable to make it to the game Friday night. If someone wants my seats in the lower level, row 2 accross from the Zips bench send me a DM. They are free for the taking. 😁

Ohio and Toledo would be bubble teams for an NIT at-large. Neither are or will be remotely in the discussion for an at-large to the big dance.

There is a new OT in the portal as of 2/7 from Pitt. Michael Statham 6'6" 300 lbs. Seems to fit the mold of what we have been bringing in this year.

Nice win, can’t complain about that at the end of the day Wynn got hosed on the replay, what a huge play and effort by him, he’s coming along nicely. Another double figure game for Tribble, I’m willing to extend him a Riak-type leash on threes. He must be wide open and only gets one a game unless he makes the first. Solid game all around, save for Trimble. Just another off night for him. Fortunately, Clarke and Dawson brought it again as did Wynn. I’ve never seen so many blown leads like that, with multiple possessions to extend the lead to around 10. It’s like at Toledo when it got down to a 4-point game and UA turned it over three times in a row. This group commits some bad turnovers, this game should’ve been at least a 15-point win, but again beggars can’t be choosers. I’ve come to realize this team just lacks a killer instinct. They don’t have an LCJ that can run up full speed and take a transition three or drive it inside and get a layup or a foul in a moment that they have momentum. That’s the downside to being so half-court. Anyway, a nice win, and a BIG BIG game coming up on Friday. I don’t know about you, but my heart needs every second of rest it can get leading up to it. These guys are tough, and I’m proud of them. Go Zips!

Loves those Zips getting on the floor! I am thinking the light has gone on for Wynn.

X

A nice start? Good to see

Coach JoeMo and his staff got a late start on recruiting with the coaching change. But I still think he and his staff did a great job. In part, because of the Transfer Portal and no penalty for transfers to sit out a year for changing schools. Also, 90% of the high school signees sign in December, so I think that the job that Coach JoeMo and his staff did with the high school seniors was fantastic since we signed 10 very good high school players and some respectable PWO's. I am expecting a minimum record of 7-5 in 2022 even if we start out 1-3 with the brutal OOC schedule. Overall Grade A- High School Signees Grade A What Else is needed DL - I think we are set for 2022 with the 3 transfers. But with the transfers, only 1 will be around for 2023. I would like to see 1 more DL transfer who has at least 2 years of eligibility remaining and will be here for 2023. That will give time for the coaching staff to build a solid defensive line. Fann, Hawkins, Proffitt, Sy, Wade, and Wilson can get into the DL rotation. And freshman Murphy gets some experience. LB - If Bubba returns, I think we are set for 22. Same as DL. One more transfer who has at least 2 years of eligibility to bridge the gap to the future. DB - I think we are in good shape, even with Watts leaving. Adding Martin and Threatt should put Akron in a great position. OL - I think that we have 6-7 decent, but young linemen on the roster who have played the last couple of years. Add on the recruits, and we will be good for seasons ahead. Banes was a good pick up to transition, but I would like to see one more transfer since it is rare that offensive linemen are ready to play as freshmen. So, by 2023, this line will be fantastic. TE - I thought we were good with Brank and Ognenovic. But, youth and experience has been added with Banks and Darnell. I hope that Coach JoeMo runs a lot of 12 or 13 personnel packages. There is a lot of talent at this position. Also, need to shed some players from this position if they have scholarships. WR - Losing M&M and Qualls was tough, but I think the additions of Jacquez-Louis, Adams, Golden and Bone is a positive. RB - As I have stated, I like Norrils and Williams. But adding Kellom and Wiley brings youth and experience. I am also looking for the details of Stallworth joining this room. QB - I thought that losing Gibson was a big negative. I am not a fan of Irons or Marousek. I am a fan of Jankowski. Also, recruit Jennings had a sub 500 record in his senior year. I have said it multiple times and was hoping for a transfer QB who could lead the Zips for 1-2 years as the pipeline fills up. This lack of transfer is my reason for the A- rating. QB is the most important position in sports, and I think we are weak at this position without a transfer. In Joe We Trust!!!!

Good for him. He's a good guy. I have no animosity towards him.

What in the wide wide world of sports is that type of PCCC logic? I think this team pulls this one out on Friday. No way do the stats from the last matchup occur again (minus maybe the turnover differential). FG: AKR 35.2 - KSUcks 46.3 3PT: AKR 16.7 - KSUcks 40.9 REB: AKR 29 - KSUcks 40 Does KSUcks bring their band of degenerates to stand in one of the upper bleacher sections? Or do they spare us their presence and further show that traditional college basketball atmosphere is endangered?

UH oh ... . I'm hearing March 1st we move to rainbows and unicorns all better. Let's wait and see.

Or they don't want to be compelled to wear a dirty & uncomfortable facemask for hours.

Does this save the U (or boosters) $$ on his buyout?

That's really cool, Rowdy. For a long time...maybe 18 months...I told people the last time I was in a crowd was the 2020 Akron/Kent game. I don't think this game will have the same atmosphere as that one. There are still some COVID gun shy people which is understandable. I like the game this year because there isn't a conference championship on the line, etc. This is just pure hatred and pride. Mr. Pinky can't squeal after the game...that he didn't really care because his team already had their place locked up.

I think the bigger problem for them is that Toledo has 0 quad-1 wins and 1 quad-2 win. Ohio not much different with 0 quad-1 wins and 2 quad-2 wins. 14 of Ohio's wins are quad-4. Those type of numbers are going to make it tough to get an invite.

Tickets have been spoken for.

**** Kent

I hope some Zip steps up and gets in Carry’s grill the entire game.

I guess I’ve got to accept the fact this team is simply not pretty to watch. Each and every night is a grind, but at the end of the day we’re 16-6. The proof is in the pudding.

We do have trouble inbounding at times though. Edit: Groce said in post-game interview that Freeman doesn't ever inbound the ball. Freeman took ownership for the mistake, let alone the turn-over. Offering to run suicides as a self-imposed punishment. Ha!! He's just too good to be real.

I don't think that's a bad idea. He could be a Vinny Johnson instant offense kind of guy. My worry, however, would be that it damages his psyche and his play as a result.

I've seen and heard enough of the Post Malone commercial tonight.

Other teams have watched him enough now to know his moves and he's not adjusting. They are beating him to his spot and getting set on his pounding the ball backing in move and they're not biting on that little shimmy (travel) on the perimeter.

It appears Trimble was pulled after a defensive break down.

The announcers wondering of X will come back in and he's already been back in for 2 possessions. LOL.

I confess, I wore Chuck Taylor Converse All-Stars.

Put that guy together with Reghi? Fuhgeddaboudit ...

Keep it up!

Zips are playing well, but NIU is hanging around.

NIU w/ a couple TOUGH 3’s

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

and Trimble's first attempt is an air ball..had a solid look too.

Second in the league in scoring on the 1st place team. He's as good as anyone I have seen in the MAC this year. He gets my vote for now.

An early start at NIU will cut the crowd by 25%, taking it down to double digits.

Hey, that's Mr. Group Of Five Bottom Feeder to you, pal.

Still have 2 left.

Called and renewed my season tickets today! LETS GOOO!!!!!!

That's what I didn't like. Might there be an ever-so-occassional scheduling conflict? Yes. Maaaaaybe. But that would be a good thing - it would mean there are multiple events to enhance the Akron-area's quality of life & draw people/students downtown. Anyway, the U would get first priority. The benefits to both downtown as well as the men's basketball program far outweigh any 20-minutes of additional paperwork/phone calls which may be required for the occasional scheduling inconvenience. Does either the DNC or GOP want to hold their National Convention in Akron on a date which conflicts with a Zips basketball game? Does U2 want to play their farewell concert in Akron on a date which conflicts with a Zips basketball game? Okay, the Zips can play in the JAR on those rare occasions. NOT A BIG DEAL. If arenas can schedule cooperative dates around an NBA schedule, there's no reason an arena (perhaps University-run arena) couldn't schedule around a much shorter and more sparse college basketball schedule. Not only does the JAR suck - and the JAR does suck - but it's not easy to get to - you really have to go out of your way to get to the Zips' games. You drive to the Carroll Street parking deck, walk to the game, walk back to the parking deck & drive home. No auxiliary economic benefit to downtown. The JAR makes it awfully tempting to just stay home & watch games on ESPN+. I want Zips games to be an event - go out to eat before the game, walk to the game, grab desert or a drink after the game. Not that you absolutely cannot do that with the JAR, but the JAR does nothing to facilitate the night out, let alone enhance the experience of the evening. I want the U to be the cultural center of the city. Cleveland knew what they were doing when they finagled getting the Richfield Coliseum shuttered and built Gateway for the Cavs. We in Akron need to be at least as savvy as Cleveland - even more so, frankly. There is more parking on Main Street. There are bars & restaurants for before and after games within walking distance on Main Street (maybe even get a Metro bus to taxi ppl north & south on Main Street on the nights of games?). Canal Park draws a lot of ppl downtown in the summer months, but boy is it quiet down there from November-thru-April. Zips basketball could certainly give the downtown establishments a boost during those slow months. Along with concerts, etc. etc. With all the new housing going in downtown, we could get a lot of ppl who decide on a whim to go to a Zips game. You don't get that at the JAR. A new arena would certainly have to be a collaborative effort between the U, the city, and Summit County as well as local businesses. But it's strange that a city the size of Akron doesn't already have a downtown arena to begin with. Eh, I'm rambling. I just get going when the city & U don't seem to work together when it's an absolutely vital symbiotic relationship. I'll just end with reiterating that Cleveland knew what they were doing when they (cough, screwed Summit County) and finagled to have the perfectly fine Richfield Coliseum shuttered in order to bring the Cavs to their downtown.