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If we can snag a bowl game after this start I will be posting a Go Fund Me for the cost of the large block of marble from which I will carve the life sized statue of Moorhead for the Infocision concourse.

I imagine some marathoners might think the same thing about Zips football fans. 😉 One thing they both have in common is they need to FINISH.

You're never gonna believe this, but KD hasn't worked at Akron in nearly 7 years!

Unless you're thinking of Kermit Dafrog, I disagree.

The Zips should be 3-1 right now. This is far from a crappy team. There isn't a team left on the schedule Akron can't beat. They just need to put it together.

This week's very very very painful advanced box score: https://collegefootballdata.com/boxscore/401520256 This one will sting for a very, very long time. Obviously, the Michigan game 10 years ago would have been far more seismic, but this one felt so much different because this Akron team, in the 2nd half, finally began to show flashes of its potential. The defense could wind up being a unit that finishes in the top third of the MAC as far as overall effectiveness. They're starting to create some turnovers too. And a couple of the huge chunks of yardage they gave up on Saturday were on great deep balls by Jackson, both at Tallandier which could be something to keep an eye on. These linebackers are a joy to watch, imagine if Bubba was still here! Offensively, though N. Williams had about 35 holding calls, I feel the OL did a nice job. Indiana didn't seem like they wanted to pressure the QB as much as most teams Akron plays, so DJ was able to stay in the pocket a little longer and make some throws. This was as close to the 2022 DJ that we have seen, for better or for worse. I still don't see him as a QB that is able to be aggressive and go out and win games with his arm, but his effectiveness running the ball was outstanding. If Jackson makes that kick, you'd probably give him the game ball. But DJ willed Akron to that position. Having an offense based on generating yardage through scrambling isn't what I want to see, but having that as a threat with the playmakers on this team could be huge. When you give the ball to Lingard, good things happen. I don't know what is so hard to understand about that. Every time he has the ball, he runs hard and finds space, like he's shot out of a cannon. You can see the 5* DNA he has. Same with Anderson, for that matter. Very disappointing that Adams dropped the big TD. Great throw, would have swung momentum like crazy. Such a big coulda-woulda-shoulda. And I really feel for Jackson. He is a great kicker and punter and I was so bummed for him and the team when that kick went wide. It's just one of those funny intangible things--not knowing how to win. The second Bowden year saw quite a bit of that. Close losses to Louisiana and Michigan, close win against an FCS, and they looked awful the first few games of MAC play. The 2023 Zips are in a similar spot. They should be 2-2, funny enough with one of those losses to Morgan State. I stand by what I said about Moorhead teams having some discipline issues. That happened at Mississippi State and it seems to be happening here as well. This teams does enough to shoot themselves in the foot during plays, getting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties against Indiana proved to be costly. All in all, there were again so many self-inflicted wounds and this team still had an easy win and gave it away, on the road against a bad Big Ten team. You gotta win that game. I hope this is a better lesson in urgency than the close losses to Temple and MAC teams. It's time to start expecting to not only compete, but to WIN against teams who have similar talent. They are a favorite over an FBS team for the first time since hosting Bowling Green in 2020. Before that, in 2019 they were 10-point favorites at UMass. Akron fans haven't walked through the gates of Infocision Stadium to see their Zips be a favorite over the visitors in nearly 5 calendar years. If ever there were a time to put up or shut up, it is now. Let's go 1-0 this week. Go Zips!

Odds have this at something like 30-27 Zips. I think we run and pass with success Saturday. Defense stays strong and Zips cover -2.5 at home.

Busy weekend, so just some notes off the top of my head. - This team talks way too much to the opposing team and to opposing fans. It’s a sign of being undisciplined and it came back to bite us in crucial situations. That needs to be cleaned up. - Outside of the two interceptions, Irons was the best he’s looked this season. He moved around well in the pocket, was able to push the ball downfield, and his scrambling ability was a difference maker. - Most of the pressure came from the right side of the OL between K. Davis and N. Williams. Williams struggled mightily against the speed of Indiana’s edge rushers. - The DTs did a great job all game keeping the OL off the linebackers. McCoy, Fish, and Cooper were routinely running free to the ball. - There were several option plays Indiana ran that would have gashed us last year, but the athleticism and discipline of our DEs and LBs stood out. - Speaking of the LBs, McCoy had a standout performance with 12 total tackles and seemed to always be around the ball. - The red zone and goal line stands by the defense were incredibly impressive. DT Kyle Thomas was stout in that area again. - Good for Andrew Behm. I’ve been critical of his play and it was nice to see him snag the interception. - KJ Martin had one of his best games as a Zip. Too bad he dropped an interception that could have iced the game. - Special Teams once again created another turnover. Unfortunately, once again missed at least one field goal, which was another missed opportunity for this team. - The identity of this offense has to be to run the football first. Lingard saw his most touches with 14 attempts and produced 113 yards and a touchdown. He was close to breaking a few other runs. I’ll continue to say it, give him the ball. Between the running ability of Irons/Bullock and Lingard/Anderson, is what will keep the offense on the field and eventually open up more one on one deep ball opportunities. It will also limit turnovers. - Total Yardage: Akron = 474 Indiana = 282 - Time of Possession: Akron = 34:24 Indiana = 25:36 This team could be 3-1 or 0-4. Instead, we’re 1-3 heading into MAC play. I thought the team would have turned the corner by now, but we are still fighting some of the same issues of finishing games with 2 losses of a combined 5 points. Sooner or later this group will put it all together. Side note: Blanchard went out with what looked like a knee injury and did not return. QB - Irons (Bullock) (Undercuffler) RB - Lingard (Anderson) WR - Gathings (Walker) WR - Adams (Golden) WR - George (Norton) TE - Banks (Newell) LT - Blanchard (Chambers) LG - Frank (Kilbane) C - T. Williams RG - K. Davis (Kilbane) RT - Chambers (N. Williams) DE - R. Johnson (Adler) DT - Lavea (K. Thomas) DT - T. Jones (Robinson) DE - Nunnally (A. Smith) (L. Jackson) LB - Fish (Behm) LB - Cooper (McCoy) NB - C. Thomas (Lewis) CB - Hunter (Durant) CB - Tallandier (Golden-Nelson) S - KJ Martin (C.Thomas) S - N. Thompson (C. Thomas)

I think your details have lost some accuracy over time, but I’ll go with “Who is Charlie Frye against Wisconsin?” for $500, Alex. Lee Evans pulled in the 99 yard TD pass after Dan Basch was stopped on 4th and goal at the 1. I thought about that play when Alex Adams dropped the sure-fire 99 yard TD Saturday night.

Maybe a handful...I believe the course usually goes through campus. That said, Akron needs the marathon and any other people-drawing fun events they can muster.

I hate marathon day!!! hate it. massive inconvenience. goes right by my house. will need to get creative.

There's a big difference in the pay games this year compared to the last few years IMO. I'll take these middling/low tier P5 programs every year as opposed to power houses. We should have had 1 win, and competed well with KY for 3Qs. Shows the players they can compete and hopefully gives them some confidence.

Sure, the money is good for the university, but as a fan it takes away a lot for me personally. Like, it's an expectation as an Akron fan that I just need to expect 2 loses right out of the gate that could be potentially embarrassing and give some big school practice games essentially with easy wins that pad stats. Yeah, the university benefits from the money, but its depressing to think that the MAC is just a "whore" for lack of better terms lol. I dont know, I'm conflicted on this yearly.

In today's college football world, 5-7 is "bowl eligible" now, so it's certainly possible! Lol

Again Akron is all over the map with wild swing of where they are ranked this week. Sept 25 2023 Top Drawer Soccer Top 25 #17 Akron https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-national-rankings/men Sept 25 2023 College Soccer News Top 30 #5 Akron https://collegesoccernews.com/college-soccer-news-mens-top-30-national-poll-week-ending-september-23-2023/ Marshall still holds the top spot for both polls but SMU now in at #2.

Thanks for the noon start Zips/ESPN. I'll still have some marathoners running by my house. Early tailgaters may want to look at that street closure schedule.

I know DJI isnt the most popular Zip, but I feel so bad for him. You can tell he REALLY wanted the win for him and the team and he did everything he could. Hes had a long career at Akron without much winning, I was hoping he could have the memory of going into a Big 10 stadium and winning. Too bad his kicker sucks.

What we saw in the 2nd half against Indiana was a confident Irons who had his swagger back. If that's the Irons we get this week against Buffalo, we win going away. Our defense is the 2nd best in the MAC. 2nd Half Indiana Irons: 31-10 Akron 1st 3 Weeks Irons: 17-10 Akron

We've made it out of OOC play against an AAC opponent, B1G, and SEC opponent with only one apparent serious injury that I've seen on the field (Blanchard). Seems like relatively, we're as healthy as we could hope and offense seems to be trending in the right direction and defense holding steady. This is a huge game IMO in terms of what we can expect for the remainder of the season. Lets take it one game at a time and kick some Canadian a$$.

If there ever was a team to run the ball against, Buffalo is it. They have given up over 1,000 yards on the ground already this year.

A lot of rehashing of a lot of rehashing. The coaches and players must treat the UB game as a 'must' win. Whether they are favored or not, they can't lose this one. Being favored doesn't get a win. This could be a trap game for Akron if they have a big let down early. Coaches can't let that happen. If they put up the offense numbers they put up against Indy, and they cut the TO's and stupidity. Lets see if last week was a mirage or if this team has finally arrived.

DJI named MAC offensive player of the week.

I remember a wise coach saying "We have to learn how to win in the MAC." From what I have witnessed, I think you present a good formula for this years team.

Great review! Thank you for posting!

The "Field of 68" puts out an incredible comprehensive preview almanac. I'm probably biased since they are very high on the Zips, but it seems like, somehow, they put in the homework on all 360+ D1 teams. Best $20 I spent this year. They have Akron winning the MAC too. They have the Zips #4 in their preseason mid-major top 25. No other MAC team is in it. They have Enrique Freeman as their #4 Mid-Major player to watch. Again, no other MAC players made the cut. Some snippets from their Akron review: "The 2022 NCAA Tournament appearance is still fresh in the minds of Zip nation. Usually, it’s a stretch to draw parallels between teams two years apart. However, there are some déjà vu vibes brewing with this 2024 rendition." "As a coach, it’s not always wise to look backwards and fixate on what worked in the past. Today, competitors adapt, players change and the game itself continuously evolves. For John Groce, however, a stroll down the 2022 memory lane may illuminate a proven path back to the NCAA Tournament in 2024." "The boomerang transfer return of Ali Ali will light the way, as will the impending return of Mikal Dawson, a quasi-starter on the 2022 squad who missed last season with injury. The reunion of Ali and Dawson is a storybook backdrop to what could be a special season for the Zips. " "Don’t let Sammy Hunter get lost in the frontline shuffle, especially after his coming-out party in March." "Rookie Darrion Baker is a man-child in the middle and may be plugged in to bigger bully lineups. If he played anywhere else in the league, Baker could be a fringe starter." "In short, Akron’s combination of depth, talent and experience is second to none in this league." "In the team’s foreign tour this summer, Freeman displayed a newfound comfort zone along the perimeter, including shooting 3s off movement. That’s a scary proposition for the rest of the league, assuming he can convert at a high clip. The same goes for Dawson, who must regain his shooting stroke and shake off a year’s worth of rust." "Don’t dismiss this perimeter nucleus. There are question marks, sure, but Groce’s hit rate with freshmen and transfers deserves the benefit of the doubt. " "The bedrock of the backcourt is Greg Tribble, a defensive specialist who sets the tone for Akron’s coverage. Tribble’s offensive limitations can be frustrating, but his defensive value more than outweighs those flaws. He’ll be asked to run point in spurts this year, though his upside as a lead creator is limited by his rim-or-bust shot diet." "Another guard on deck is Ryan Prather Jr., a former three-star recruit who redshirted last season. It’s not often three-star prospects are slapped with the redshirt tag in this conference, further proof of Akron’s depth and robust internal competition. Groce said Prather was still nursing an injury over the summer, so he may not be cleared to play until fall." "The rocketship that is Hunter, coupled with the return of Dawson, gives Groce an endless supply of wings and forwards to play with." "The roster imbalance, however, portrays the perimeter as the Zips’ weakness. Whether that’s actually true or just a misnomer, comes down to Thornton, Scott, Tribble, Nate Johnson and Tavari Johnson. Collectively, this quintet runs the gamut of prototypes — but none is a bona fide scorer." "'Guys like Xavier Castaneda, and (Loren) Cristian Jackson — those guys were scorers,' Groce said. 'Our scoring this year will be carried from the frontline. We need the point guards to make open shots, but their primary job will be facilitating for others and defending.' On that note, role acceptance will also be pivotal this season."