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In Toledo's 10 pt win at the JAR, they shot 50% from 3 (9-18) and 52% overall from the field. Akron was stone cold for the first quarter of the game, and ended up with a pedestrian 34% (from 3) and 40.9% (FG) shooting day. Toledo shot 17 more free throws while Akron "committed" 23 fouls to Toledo's 12 (the being at home helps with the refs comment from the Detroit SW Campus fan is hilarious). Any opinion that states Toledo can execute a simple game plan, slow down X/Freeman, and win because they're "vastly superior" is laughable at best. Groce in March and guess what... It's almost March.

I don't think it's too early to start playing the game of "Who's Next". So, here goes. An obvious place to look is C-Guth's last location, home of the Green Bay Phoenix -- a long time mid-major power. Their HC, Kevin Borseth is in his late 60s and has over 700 career wins in 35+ seasons. His 2nd in command is Megan Vogel, who is surely waiting out her time till she can climb into the HC box. 3rd is Sarah Bronk, who's only experience outside Green Bay is high school jobs. I'm a follower and fan of Florida Gulf Coast, who's HC Karl Smesko hails from Hudson. Karl's def not leaving the comfort of Fort Meyers, even for a SEC or ACC job. But his Associate HC is a promising young gal, Chelsea Lyles who could potentially be within reach with the right package. Sorry to see this thread and this season be taken over so prematurely by a coaching change, but I'm not the one in charge... 😒

If Coach Jackson was one of the most highly touted names in her sport, chose to take a pay cut to come to resurrect Akron, had a promising first season, and then got calls from LSU and South Carolina to come work they’re with less responsibility and more pay, our administration would be stupid to not try to sweeten the pot and extend her. That’s exactly what happened with football. If we’re going to compare what Moorhead is doing with football to the situation here, then I have no more left to say and we will get nowhere. That is insanity at its finest.

Over the next few months I’ll update our opponents. GAME 1 (AWAY) - 9/2/2023 - 2pm (ESPN+) TEMPLE = American Athletic Conference (AAC) Head Coach = Sean Drayton (2nd year, 3-9 Overall) - 3-9 Overall and 1-7 in Conference in 2022 Scoring Offense = 21.9 PPG Scoring Defense = 29.3 PPG Offense YPG = 350.5 Defense YPG = 391.2 Rushing Offense = 82.4 YPG Rushing Defense = 192.6 YPG Passing Offense = 268.1 YPG Passing Defense = 198.6 YPG Top Returners: QB - EJ Warner - Son of Hall of Famer Kurt Warner. AAC Rookie of the Year. 3,028 yards passing with a 60.5% completion rate. 18 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. RB - Edward Saydee - 639 rushing yards for 4.3 YPC and 6 touchdowns. 36 receptions for 262 yards. WR - Amad Anderson - 38 receptions for 479 yards and 4 touchdowns. TE - Jordan Smith - 25 receptions for 346 yards and 4 touchdowns. LB - Layton Jordan - All AAC 2nd Team. 53 total tackles, 9 sacks, and 2 interceptions. - Jordan Magee - 86 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. - Yvandy Rigbe - 82 total tackles and 2 sacks. CB - Jalen McMurray - 49 total tackles. 7 passes defended and 1 interception. S - Alex Odom - 75 total tackles. 2 passes defended and 2 interceptions. Key Additions: - RB EJ Wilson = Transfer from FIU - WR Dante Wright = Transfer from Colorado State - TE Landon Morris = Transfer from Utah - DT Allan Haye = Transfer from Miami - LB Diwun Black = Transfer from Florida - S Kamar Wilcoxson = Transfer from Florida Synopsis: Temple struggled to run the ball in 2022. Quarterback EJ Warner put up impressive numbers as a freshman, however, he was often throwing off-platform and made a suspect offensive line look much better than they actually were. Defensively, the Owls run an aggressive 3-4 and were able to create pressure on opponents (led the AAC in sacks). They were solid against the pass, but were tied for last in interceptions (despite the high amount of pressure created) and frequently had issues stopping the run. Outlook: The Owls should be improved in 2023 and have added plenty of athleticism to the roster, especially on defense. Temple’s offensive line should also be improved, although it’s questionable by how much. Prediction: Akron wins a close one. GAME 2 (HOME) - 9/9/2023 - 6pm (ESPN+) MORGAN STATE = Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Head Coach = Damon Wilson (13 Year, 93-52 Overall) (2nd Year at Morgan State, 4-7 Overall) - 4-7 Overall and 2-3 in Conference in 2022. Scoring Offense = 20.5 PPG Scoring Defense = 20.9 PPG Offense YPG = 270.2 Defense YPG = 336.3 Rushing Offense = 147.2 YPG Rushing Defense = 129.8 YPG Passing Offense = 123.0 YPG Passing Defense = 206.5 YPG GAME 3 (AWAY) - 9/16/2023 - 7pm (ESPNU) KENTUCKY = SEC GAME 4 (AWAY) - 9/23/2023 - TBA INDIANA = BIG 10 GAME 5 (HOME) - 9/30/2023 - TBA BUFFALO = MAC Head Coach = Maurice Linguist (3rd Year, 11-14 Overall) - 7-6 Overall and 5-3 in Conference in 2022 (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 30.9 PPG Scoring Defense = 26.6 PPG Offense YPG = 370.9 Defense YPG = 383.9 Rushing Offense = 149.1 YPG Rushing Defense = 175.4 YPG Passing Offense = 221.8 YPG Passing Defense = 208.5 YPG Top Returners: QB - Cole Snyder = 3,030 yards passing with a 58% completion rate. 18 touchdowns to 8 interceptions. RB - Ron Cook = 600 yards for 4.3 YPC and 4 touchdowns. 16 receptions for 207 yards. - Mike Washington = 625 yards for 4.2 YPC and 7 touchdowns. 23 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown. OL - Gabe Wallace = All-MAC 3rd Team. Started all 13 games at left guard in 2022. DT - Daymond Williams = 43 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and an interception. LB - Shaun Dolac = All-MAC 1st Team. 147 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. CB - Caleb Offord = 30 total tackles. 8 passes defended and an interception. S - Marcus Fuqua = All-MAC 1st Team. 65 total tackles. 5 passes defended and 7 interceptions. K - Alex McNulty = MAC Special Teams POTY and All-MAC 1st Team. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Buffalo finished 7-6 overall, including a bowl victory. Still, an argument could be made they underperformed in relation to the talent on the roster. Outlook: The Bulls could finish with a similar record to 2022. They lost their two best wide receivers who may have made Snyder look like a better quarterback than he actually is. The defense lost some key players as well. That being said, Buffalo returns a solid core on both sides of the ball and brought in a strong recruiting class that could quickly fill some holes. The Bulls also have the luxury of collecting points anytime they are in the red zone due to kicker Alex McNulty. Prediction: Akron win. The Zips probably should have walked out of Buffalo with a win in 2022. Akron will field a stronger team in 2023 and be at home for this matchup. GAME 6 (HOME) - 10/7/2023 - 3:30pm (TBA) NORTHERN ILLINOIS = MAC Head Coach = Thomas Hammock (5th Year, 17-27 Overall) - 3-9 Overall and 2-6 in Conference in 2022 (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 25.9 PPG Scoring Defense = 32.4 PPG Offense YPG = 379 Defense YPG = 380.5 Rushing Offense = 211.6 YPG Rushing Defense = 145.8 YPG Passing Offense = 167.4 YPG Passing Defense = 234.8 YPG Top Returners: QB - Rocky Lombardi = Lombardi’s season was cut short due to injury. He was All-MAC 4th Team in 2021. RB - Antario Brown = 689 rushing yards for 6.3 YPC and 7 touchdowns. WR - Trayvon Rudolph = Rudolph missed all of w022, but was an All-MAC selection in 2021. OL - Nolan Potter = All-MAC 1st Team. Started 10 out of 11 games in 2022. - Logan Zschernitz = All-MAC 3rd Team. Started 10 games in 2022. - John Champe = Started 11 out of 12 games in 2022. DT - Devonte O’Malley = All-MAC 2nd Team. 35 total tackles and 5 sacks. - James Ester = All-MAC 3rd Team. 27 total tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception. S - CJ Brown = All-MAC 2nd Team. 78 total tackles. 5 passes defended and an interception. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Northern Illinois finished 3-9, but were competitive in most of their games. Losing Lombardi early was a blow to their season and hampered what the Huskies could do offensively. NIU struggled to push the ball vertically without Lombardi and relied heavily on the run game. Defensively, they struggled to create pressure, but did force some turnovers. Outlook: Unfortunately for NIU, their leading rusher transferred out. On the flip side, it may not matter much who is in the backfield as offensive line coach Daryl Agpalsa has done a fantastic job developing offensive linemen and coaching the run game. Also, running back Antario Brown is dynamic when healthy. Wide receiver and the secondary were glaring needs going into the offseason and it remains to be seen if those positions have been addressed adequately. NIU should have an improved record in 2023 if the injury bug doesn’t bite. However, talented depth is an issue every where except running back and the offensive line. Prediction: Akron win. NIU will be looking for revenge, but their lack of overall team speed (especially in the secondary) will still be a sore spot. GAME 7 (AWAY) - 10/14/2023 (TBA) CENTRAL MICHIGAN = MAC Head Coach = Jim McElwain (11th Year, 68-48 Overall) (5th Year at CMU, 24-21 Overall) - 4-8 Overall and 3-5 in Conference in 2022 (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 21.8 PPG Scoring Defense = 26.1 PPG Offense YPG = 327.6 Defense YPG = 360.5 Rushing Offense = 166.5 YPG Rushing Defense = 169.3 YPG Passing Offense = 161.1 YPG Passing Defense = 191.3 YPG Top Returners: OL - Deiyantei Powell-Woods = All-MAC 3rd Team. DT - Jacques Bristol = 34 total tackles and a sack. - Robi Stuart = 31 total tackles and 2 sacks. - John Wesley Whiteside = 36 total tackles and half a sack. LB - Kyle Moretti = 92 total tackles and 3 sacks. - Justin Whiteside = 65 total tackles. Half a sack and an interception. CB - Donte Kent = All-MAC 1st Team. 51 total tackles and a sack. 15 passes defended. S - Trey Jones = 85 total tackles. 3 passes defended and 2 interceptions. - De’Javion Stepney = 40 total tackles and a sack. 8 passes defended. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Central Michigan’s offense was underwhelming and downright anemic when it came to passing the ball. Defensively, the Chippewas were excellent at rushing the passer, while the run defense was average. Outlook: The defense should be stout again with a number of impact players returning. However, the offense will be inexperienced and any number of new comers could see significant playing time. Central Michigan’s defense will keep them in most games. Even so, expecting many wins with a questionable offense is a tough ask. McElwain received a multi-year contract extension so he likely isn’t going anywhere regardless of how Central Michigan performs in 2023. Prediction: CMU win. Akron will probably be the more talented team, but playing away and with a roster full of players not used to consistently winning may sneak up and bite the Zips. GAME 8 (AWAY) - 10/21/2023 - (TBA) BOWLING GREEN Head Coach = Scott Loeffler (5th Year, 13-29 Overall) - 6-7 Overall and 5-3 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 20.5 PPG Scoring Defense = 27.4 PPG Offense YPG = 354.6 Defense YPG = 371 Rushing Offense = 111.4 YPG Rushing Defense = 166.6 YPG Passing Offense = 243.3 YPG Passing Defense = 204.4 YPG Top Returners: RB - Jaison Patterson = 535 rushing yards for 4.3 YPC and a touchdown. - Ta’Ron Keith = 195 rushing yards for 4.1 YPC and a touchdown. 35 receptions for 348 yards and 4 touchdowns. WR - Odieu Hiliare = All-MAC 2nd Team. 58 receptions for 747 yards and 6 touchdowns. TE - Harold Fannin = 19 receptions for 218 yards and a touchdown. DT - Anthony Hawkins = 35 total tackles and a sack. LB - Darren Anders = 77 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. 4 passes defended. - Demetrius Hardamon - 25 total tackles and 6 sacks. CB - Deshawn Jones = 42 total tackles. 4 passes defended and an interception. S - Trent Sims = 61 total tackles. 2 passes defended and 2 interceptions. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Bowling Green probably outplayed their talent level in 2022 and managed to land in a bowl game. The defense was unusually opportunistic in creating turnovers and were near the top of the league in sacks. Outlook: The Falcons had a high turnover rate this offseason through graduation and the transfer portal. They will be fine at the skill positions, but are hurting on the offensive and defensive lines. Replacing lost production along the line of scrimmage is a challenge that the 2023 Falcons will struggle to overcome. Prediction: Akron win. The Zips will field a better team while the Falcons are seemingly headed in the opposite direction. GAME 9 (HOME) - 11/1/2023 - 7pm or 7:30pm (ESPN2 or ESPNU) KENT STATE Head Coach = Kenni Burns (1st Year, 0-0 Overall) - 5-7 Overall and 4-4 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 29.1 PPG Scoring Defense = 27.6 PPG Offense YPG = 442.9 Defense YPG = 425.9 Rushing Offense = 209.5 YPG Rushing Defense = 160.8 YPG Passing Offense = 233.4 YPG Passing Defense = 265.1 YPG Top Returners: RB - Bryan Bradford = 302 rushing yards for 4.7 YPC and 2 touchdowns. OL - Jack Bailey = Started all 12 games in 2022. DT - CJ West = 26 total tackles and a sack. LB - Khali Saunders = 55 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. 2 passes defended and an interception. - CJ Harris = 35 total tackles. 5 passes defended and 2 interceptions. CB - DJ Miller = 63 total tackles and 4 passes defended. S - Alex Branch = 34 total tackles and 3 passes defended. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Kent State should have been much better than their 4-4 conference record. Instead, they fielded one of the top offenses and one of the worst defenses in MAC play. Outlook: The Golden Flashes roster was ravaged by graduation and transfers. The 2023 offense will look nothing like last season and Kent State will be hard pressed in producing similar offensive numbers. While it’s hard to fathom the defense being any worse, that is a distinct possibility. Kent State will probably field one of the worst (if not the worst) teams in the MAC this year. Prediction: Akron win. Zips fans could choose to empathize with Kent State, but nah. GAME 10 (AWAY) - 11/8/2023 - 7pm or 7:30pm (ESPN2 or ESPNU or CBSSN) MIAMI (OH) Head Coach = Chuck Martin (16th Year, 119-66 Overall) (10th Year at Miami, 45-59 Overall) - 6-7 Overall and 4-4 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 20.6 PPG Scoring Defense = 20.9 PPG Offense YPG = 317.8 Defense YPG = 380.8 Rushing Offense = 137.6 YPG Rushing Defense = 161.9 YPG Passing Offense = 180.1 YPG Passing Defense = 218.9 YPG Top Returners: QB - Aveon Smith = 1299 yards with a 49% completion rate. 11 touchdowns to 5 interceptions. 533 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. - Brett Gabbert = Only played in 4 games due to injury, but was All-MAC 3rd team in 2021. RB - Keyon Mozee = 471 rushing yards for 4.3 YPC and 2 touchdowns. OL - Reid Holskey = Started all 13 games in 2022. DE - Brian Ugwu = 43 total tackles and 5 sacks. 1 interception. - Corey Suttle = 31 total tackles and 6 sacks. 1 interception. - Caiden Woullard = 29 total tackles and 4 sacks. DT - Austin Ertl = 35 total tackles and a sack. LB - Matthew Salopek = All-MAC 3rd Team. 124 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. NB - Michael Dowell = 97 total tackles and 2 sacks. 6 passes defended. CB - Yahsyn McKee = 35 total tackles. 6 passes defended and 2 interceptions. S - Jacquez Warren = 63 total tackles and 2 interceptions. P - Dom Dzioban = All-MAC 2nd Team. 42.38 yards per punt. 27 downed inside the 20. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Miami had the top scoring defense in the MAC, but still allowed their fair share of yards and failed to create many turnovers. The offense struggled to find their footing after Brett Gabbert went down. Aveon Smith was an adequate replacement as a dual-threat quarterback and provided another dimension in the run game. However, Smith struggled with accuracy when throwing the ball. Outlook: Coach Chuck Martin claims the Red Hawks have only lost one or two players to the portal they actually wanted to keep over the years. A load of defenders return, albeit minus All-MAC cornerback John Saunders. On offense, the wide receiver corps will basically need to be rebuilt. Same for the offensive line. There is no reason to think Miami will not be competing for bowl eligibility again. Coach Martin almost always fields competitive teams. Prediction: Akron win. The last three games will be tough and could go either way. GAME 11 (AWAY) - 11/14/2023 - 7pm (ESPN2 or ESPNU or CBSSN) EASTERN MICHIGAN Head Coach = Chris Creighton (27th Year, 185-107 Overall) (10th Year at EMU, 46-61 Overall) - 9-4 Overall and 5-3 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 29.1 PPG Scoring Defense = 28.3 PPG Offense YPG = 346.5 Defense YPG = 355.6 Rushing Offense = 128.1 YPG Rushing Defense = 158.6 YPG Passing Offense = 218.4 YPG Passing Defense = 197 YPG Top Returners: QB - Austin Smith = 774 yards with a 57% completion rate. 6 touchdowns to 4 interceptions. 255 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. RB - Samson Evans = All-MAC 2nd Team. 1,166 yards for 4.7 YPC and 15 touchdowns. - Jaylon Jackson = All-MAC 1st Team Returner. 398 yards for 4.4 YPC and 2 touchdowns. WR - Tanner Knue = All-MAC 3rd Team. 45 receptions for 632 yards and 9 touchdowns. OL - Brian Dooley = Started all 13 games in 2022. DT - Peyton Price = 33 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. LB - Chase Klein = 91 total tackles and a sack. 3 passes defended. - Joe Sparacio = 89 total tackles and a sack. 1 interception. S - Quentavious Scandrett = 44 total tackles. 2 passes defended and an interception. - TJ Peavy = 46 total tackles and a sack. 3 passes defended. Synopsis: The Eastern Michigan defense was stingy when it came to yards in conference play, yet they were near last in giving up points. The offense on the other hand would not have been considered a force when moving the ball, although they were near the top of the conference in scoring. Outlook: The Eagles had their best record during coach Creighton’s tenure and will be hard pressed to replicate that success. EMU has some talented skill players returning, but will have to rebuild their offensive line. MAC Defensive Player of the Year Jose Ramirez is gone and his production will be difficult to replace. The eagles do have the middle of their defense returning in tack, which will help when integrating new faces. Prediction: EMU win. This should be a fairly even matchup, but it’s the second of back to back road game for the Zips and that situation traditionally does not end well for the traveling team. GAME 12 (HOME) - 11/24/2023 - 12pm (ESPNU or CBSSN) OHIO Head Coach = Chris Creighton (6th Year, 38-21 Overall) (3rd Year at Ohio, 13-13 Overall) - 10-4 Overall and 7-1 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 32.8 PPG Scoring Defense = 21.1 PPG Offense YPG = 427.9 Defense YPG = 392.6 Rushing Offense = 155.2 YPG Rushing Defense = 135.6 YPG Passing Offense = 272.7 YPG Passing Defense = 257 YPG Top Returners: QB - Kurtis Rourke = MAC Offensive Player of the Year and All-MAC 1st Team. 3,256 with a 69% completion rate. 25 touchdowns to 4 interceptions. 249 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns. RB - Sieh Bangura = MAC Freshman of the Year and All-MAC 3rd Team. 1,078 yards for 4.9 YPC and 13 touchdowns. WR - Sam Wiglusz = All-MAC 1st Team. 73 receptions for 877 yards and 11 touchdowns. - Keegan Wilburn = All-MAC 1st Team Returner. 734 return yards for 23.6 yards per return. - Jacoby Jones = 45 receptions for 776 yards and 6 touchdowns. - Miles Cross = 47 receptions for 560 yards and 3 touchdowns. TE - Tyler Foster = 13 receptions for 185 yards and 4 touchdowns. OL - Jay Amburgey = Started 10 games in 2022. DE - Vonnie Watkins = 46 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. DT - Rodney Matthews = 26 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. LB - Keye Thompson = All-MAC 3rd Team. 96 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. 3 passes defended and an interception. - Bryce Houston = 76 total tackles and 5.5 sacks. CB - Torrie Cox = 52 total tackles. 6 passes defended and 3 interceptions. - Justin Birchette = 36 total tackles and 8 passes defended. - Roman Parodie = 29 total tackles and 8 passes defended. Synopsis: The Bobcats were strong on both sides of the ball in 2022. They led the conference in scoring on offense and were second in giving up points on defense. The Bobcats’ biggest weakness was giving up yards through the air. Outlook: Ohio returns the majority of their playmakers and have what’s seems to be the easiest path to winning the East. Ohio’s biggest task will be replacing the interior of their offensive line. That being said, Ohio again looks to be one of the premier team in the MAC. Prediction: Akron win. This game should be a good measuring stick for the program and might be the big win that pushes this program into elite MAC status.

Fire him on the way back? Fire her in the delivery room? she knew this was likely her last year.

If we could land Matt, I also highly recommend going after any OL named Burger. I can almost hear the announcer as a Zip runs a sweep behind the pulling Burger with Fries.

So now we're known for firing a coach while on his way to his father's funeral and a coach who's so pregnant she's about to pop. 😂

Victor Jones was taken with the 31st pick in the USFL draft by New Jersey Generals.

The Zips were forced out of aggressive defense last go-round by getting called for a foul for breathing near Toledo players. We won't stand a chance if the crew calls such a tight game tonight, as that greatly favors the stronger offensive team (Toledo). Hopefully we have a game plan to get Enrique going and X comes out hot. Need Nate Johnson to continue his growth as well. I'm honestly pretty surprised at the Zips only getting 3.5, considering the previous result.

Rivals lists their picks on best players left in portal: QB - Not a need. RB - Not a need. WR - What fanbase wouldn’t want Caleb Ducking? Not only is he a productive receiver, but he does the duck waddle when he scores. OL - Even though we would lean towards taking an immediate starter, I’d like for us to land Matt Fries. I covered his recruitment out of HS and I’m surprised he has not been scooped up yet. DT - Not a need.

Thank God for Twitter. How did we all survive before cryptic tweets were invented?

Pretty sure the refs had no idea what they were doing that game. Hopefully we don't see another Block/Charge/Count the basket/No free throw tonight haha

Game Day! Go ZIPS!

New DL coach Nyeem Wartman issued an offer to JUCO DE Rodney Green.

Hopefully, this is a cautionary tale for others.

At the JAR, Toledo had the upper hand schematically and executed beautifully. Hit some big shots too. Dennis did struggle down the stretch a bit, and Hank nearly shot us to a win. If not for a joke of a reach called on X, the Zips may be in first place right now. With that said, off the top of my head, I don’t believe the Zips have won in Savage since a Wednesday night back in 2013. Zeke had about 8 blocks in the first half. That was a long time ago, and it has become a house of horrors for Akron. Going there and stealing this one wouldn’t shock me, but it would surprise me quite a bit. This team matches up well with Akron, and they’re real tough to beat there. I really like the strength of schedule at this time of year. Go Zips!

Huge! But I'm not going to be able to watch 😕 Everyone knew we were primed for a let down game (or two?) after the emotionally draining KSUcks win. So 2 weeks ago UT really caught us with our tanks quite empty at the JAR. Two weeks later, If we had UT at home tomorrow night I'd absolutely be expecting a win. But on the road is going to be tough. But it looks like our D is back from it's two-game hiatus, and defense travels, so let's bring the Z-Fence, Zips & frustrate the hell out of the Rockettes.

The latest...

He cocked that back & threw it down with bad intentions!🤯🤯🔥🔥🔥

From the Bulls Board: 2 hours ago, Tee4three said: UB needs to avoid Akron at all costs in Cleveland Think UB could beat anyone else with their best game, Akron I'm not sure Was just thinking the same thing. For some reason we play Kent tight but Akron just seems to thrive against us

I don't disagree that things could be freshened up some. However, our current facilities are not keeping us from winning. Of course, prior to The Big Dialer and fieldhouse the facilities were nothing short of horrible. We have to move past facilities being an excuse at this point. Someone is always going to have something more new and shiny as what we may have in comparison. We need to win with what we have. It's good enough and they need to get winning. Coaching is the key right now. I really believe in JoMo and those who think its now or never may in fact... be correct. Joe is the Dave Clawson (Wake Forest) of the MAC as he is the perfect fit for the program. Joe has a specific vision for the team which centers around our identity. I'm certain we have never had a coach with this clear of a vision for the program and a history of success to feel confident in his abilities. Why Dave Clawson as a comparison? The identity and vision are the two main reasons for me. Like JoMo, he has an offense he believes in and is a fit for his school. Joe understands who to recruit at Akron just like Clawson understands Wake is a very niche fit for his players. Joe had a much bigger name and history of success than Clawson did, so that alone is very encouraging. Clawson's first two years at Wake were both 3-9 seasons. They were absolutely terrible. Since then, they have had seven straight bowl seasons and one trip to the ACC Championship with some time in the Top 10 early last season before finishing the regular season 2-4. What does 7 straight bowls mean at Wake? Wake has been to 17 bowl games in their history. They first started to play football in 1888. They didn't make their first bowl game until 1945 when Coach Peahead Walker took them to the Gator Bowl. Wake is a historic bottom feeder in the ACC. Recent success has come with a stadium not as nice as The Big Dialer and facilities on par with what Akron has. I think CK used the word ineptitude to describe our football history. I would use the term Intellectually Lazy. Maybe one leads to the other. Issues such as culture and identity don't seem to have ever been considered when making a football head coaching hire. They made one with KD in MBB and it worked out great. I don't know much about Dr. Miller or our AD, but the little I do know is they seem to have a clear vision for the University and Athletic Department based upon the identity of the school itself. They brought in a coach who's opinions align with theirs. It's going to work because when this happens, it works out even for a bottom feeder like Wake. The expectation of a 5-6 win season next year is not unreasonable. Clawson took Wake from 3-9 to 6-6 in year three and a bowl win finishing the season 7-6. I would bet those with a clear vision at the University have the same expectation. Guys like Joe don't take baby steps. It's year two and the fans should be beyond baby steps as well. In fact, the idea of baby steps disguised as the "building process" has been part of the low expectations for Zips fans for too long. Getting to six wins shouldn't be nearly as difficult as we seem to make it. It's a mystery to me why we can't make it happen annually. If Wake can do it in the ACC, we can do it in the MAC.

I think Hilltopper is implying that we expect to be better than 5-7 in the MAC

1. WBB has the 3rd highest budget overall only behind football and MBB. It's even higher than MSOC. 2. WBB has a FT strenght coach. Name one team in the MAC with a dedicated Strength Coach Full time for WBB only. Not shared with other sports. 3. WBB has shelled out 10k for money games for teams to play us. 4. WBB charters on flights in league when most teams are riding the bus. These are just a few of the things that show the level of support for WBB from Athletics administration at Akron.