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Beyond the merits of Ali's case, he announced his transfer on May 4th. 202 and two days have elapsed since then. That's a ridiculous delay. The NCAA is becoming more of a joke every day. All the while they look the other way and accept half assed compromise settlements and self imposed penalties for blatant cheaters like Bill Self.

I predict the Zips pull a shocker and take it into overtime, losing by only 1 score.

You answered your own question. History and traditions matter in college football. Toledo has a long tradition of winning in the MAC. They have a great rivalry with a good program 20 miles away. They are very close to MAC West teams so travel is inexpensive and fans can attend games. Their program benefits the players students alumni fans and general community around Toledo, and all of these groups know it and appreciate the program. That's what a state university should do. It's what Akron should be doing, but can't get out of it's own way.

Can we just lawyer up like UC did for Bandaogo?

Rice has two spots open next year. Houston has a spot open Duke has a spot open. Kennesaw State has an opening. There will be more buyouts in the coming weeks.

Following the Kent State mold. Yeah, nothing wrong with that.

True road game to a solid opponent after that tournament. Need a good showing in this one

Kentucky was never going to come here to play. We are getting a hefty payout from them and another one from OSU. That money will be invested in improvements at Infocision Stadium.

They need to put more money into that Infocision sounds system. It not takes a quarter and a half for me to have ringing ears and a headache from the unnecessarily loud music. With the right equipment, they could get that done as I am walking through the gate. I guess Founders Day and high school football games deserve improvements. Here's hoping the money goes to something that actually helps the program as well as the other SUCCESSFUL sports.

Is there a game this week?

I suspect it's like any other transfer where he can come in mid-season if eligible. To become eligible as a grad transfer: 1) You must graduate from your current college/university. 2) Have at least one year of eligibility on your five-year clock. 3) You must be going to a graduate school that has your sport. He better have already been approved for UA grad school!

And a local High School Public Address announcer that is sooooo bad

YAY! Finally someone else said it!!

See everyone in Lot 9.

Good idea. Tie in basketball as well. The MAC should be measuring it's against conferences like SB. Nothing like actually playing games to test how your conference is doing.

Toledo is exactly where it should be.

So is he eligible after finals week? Or does he wait until fall 2024?

I have always wondered why a team like Toledo hasn't moved to a better conference. That program is consistently the best football program in the MAC. They could compete in a higher level conference once they got established. Personally, I hate the 'sacrifice' games for all the reasons people have already stated. Playing on TV against an Ohio State only reaffirms what people think about the Akron program. Its not any good. Thats bad pub. If the Akron athletic department can't field a football program that can consistently be competetive even in the MAC on and off the field then its time to get out of the business. I am tired of watching Akron start 1-3 or 0-4 every damn season. They can't win enough games in the MAC to even become bowl eligible much less win the MAC. Gonna be interesting to see what happens in the off season with player movement and coaching changes.

On a positive note, I discovered the new Akron Zips Football Booster Club. Might be a good way for some of Zips Nation to have a bigger voice. Sounds like they are attempting to improve the tailgating, help with NIL's and other important issues. https://www.zipsfootballboosters.com/?fbclid=IwAR247ICw81iCZrtZvc5Ng8GhWh1kTWD8iFa-pX70rjl0qWtNzS2e_wGsuac What is the Akron Zips Football Booster Club (the “Club”)? Formed on July 1, 2023, the Club is a non-profit, §501(c)(7) social club that endeavors to enhance academics and athletics of the football program at The University of Akron (the “Program”) and provide for networking opportunities for our members. Your membership fee and your participation in the sponsored events allow us to support the Program at the discretion of the Director of Athletics.

Also I’ll add this- people are free to spend their money however they’d like as well as be annoyed by the move like i am, but pulling support for the program is going to hurt the coach who has to best chance to make it respectable. I’d have to imagine this is a pure Guthrie move, so even though he hasn’t been perfect, my support for Joe Mo isn’t going to change while he’s there as pulling it only increases chances of this not working out, and if this doesn’t work out….

I believe going to a 9 game MAC season would be good for Akron and the conference. Maybe I'm was wrong. Maybe all that would result in is 9 MAC games and 3 P5 loses. I don't think Akron or MAC schools could duplicate the sanity of the Sun Belt.

Somehow missing this game for my night driving around looking for a range to save Thanksgiving and arranging delivery tomorrow doesn’t seem so bad now.

I think this is a bit of a flawed roster and it has some odd construction. Of the 8 players in the current rotation, 5 are guards (Tribble, T. Johnson, N. Johnson, Scott, Thornton), one is a true wing (Dawson), one is a stretch big who is allergic to the paint (Hunter), and one is our star big (Freeman). Of the remaining scholarship players, one is in transfer limbo (Ali), one isn't trusted to be out there right now (Lyles), one has apparently had an assortment of injuries (Prather), and two are redshirting (Baker, MMK). I would've added another big instead of getting both Thornton and Scott, but it is what it is now. I still think that, with Ali, this team could be really good. I just don't think they'll come without flaws that I'm not sure can be corrected easily.

Bandaogo was the Zips next big man up and he opted to transfer. I suspect he didn't want to be a backup to the best big man in the MAC. Baker is the next one up and could really be a good one but apparently he was not ready and decided to red shirt. I have to trust Groce on that one. The Zips are fortunate to have the best big man in the MAC, a league that has trouble attracting quality big men.

Is it the chicken or the egg? Nobody shows up so why not go get some tv money and/or power 5 paydays.

Naw...louder sound system.

Since 2018, the Zips have only played 6 home games in 2019 and 2021. The administration has determined the local fans do not matter, as the MAC has suggested with the midweek games. If you ever wonder why MAC fanbases are drying, this is a huge contributing factor. We get 2-3 Saturdays a year to tailgate and enjoy the true college football experience.

If winning a MAC championship is overachieving, that's good enough for me

Why is everyone so negative? Sure, they will lose, but it’s not like Akron is the only MAC team to load up with tough out of conference games. No doubt that big paydays can help a program struggling for cash. The biggest negative in my mind is that it seriously hurts their chance to gain bowl eligibility.

Of all the things wrong with these last two days, you fail to make a single point that has any relevance. Overachieved? What does that mean?

Who has more points? Hilltopper or Dawson?

To be clear, that prediction comes more from not thinking it’s going to work out and he wants to get out while he still can. Or he doesn’t like how the administration does things (he wouldn’t be alone), this decision included. He was very vocal about his displeasure with the 2022 schedule. Doesn’t do anything to set you up for success.

Video board?

I’d rather it go to staff and recruiting budget.

What a joke.

I guess this means we are replacing our home game with Kentucky for an ass kicking by OSU. Thats 3 P5's next year (Rutgers and SC as well) and one home OOC game AGAIN...yay. Selling our soul (and chances to turn our program around by getting wins) for money.

I think it's time to cancel my football tickets.

Last time Zips won an NCAA Tournament match, Micaletto was playing for Akron.