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1,583 days ago, Greg Tribble and Ali Ali suited up for their first regular season game for Akron, against Malone. Was Freeman with the team yet? He played later that month. Anyway, Ali started and played 19 minutes, Tribble played 14 minutes and both made an impact in the box score. Today, all 3 will play at the JAR for the last time. The last home game is always bittersweet, but this one is far and away the most I’ve ever felt that before. These 3 guys have been in my life longer than some of my close friends. I’m going to enjoy every second of tonight. Hopefully a comfortable win. These guys have done so much, and still have a lot on the table. Go Zips!

I'm hearing Ben can spin it at QB and AD could be the best WR in the group!

I will admit that I had given up on Tribble ever becoming a better shooter and he sure as hell proved me wrong. Given what Groce has said about Greg over his time here concerning his basketball IQ, I hope he has some coaching in his future. I wouldn't mind seeing that at UA in some role. He could be to Groce what Dru Jr. is to KD.

Wow, tough schedule. I hope they prove me completely wrong, but I see 1 or 2 probable wins, 2 maybes, and 8 should lose. Three of the first four will all be 20-40 point losses. I know we are strapped for cash, but one or two money games are enough. This program needs some wins.

Tribble's 18-40 from three in conference play is good for #1 in the league at 45% (ranking qualifying shooters, of course).

2 winnable P5 games and a challenging conference schedule. JoeMo is gonna have to earn his money this year.

Each of these players have improved their game over their time with Akron. I remember Freeman's first game. We will never see a player improve as much from his first year to his senior year. Tribble would be a close second. Nobody on this board ever thought he would be an offensive threat. He has worked on his game and has developed his scoring in the paint and his 3 point shot. Both him and Freeman have developed into good free throw shooters Ali has also improved his senior year being deadly in the paint with a short jumper and taking advantage of smaller guards. I wish Groce could clone their work ethic.

Linky

I guess this is worthy of beginning a new thread. Spring news, observations, rumors, & Spring Game takeaways.

YEP

It’s fair to say Carolina was working out the kinks all season. If they didn’t have the worst, it was definitely one of the worst OLs in P5. They should be much improved this year (and will need to be for a new QB). Their defensive line will be a load to handle. As far as competition level goes, they are about on par with Kentucky. You’re right, too many miscues last year. The team will need to not only be much better, but also need to outplay what will likely be a raucous environment.

we winning 5 or more games this year BOOK IT

I’m not going to say those aren’t winnable games, but the likelihood is low. For all of his faults, Beamer has yet to lose to a G5 program (or lower) during his tenure at SC. Plus, he’s had a strong offseason of recruiting. Carolina should be improved in all areas except QB. They go into the season with a huge question mark at QB and we all know how that can look. For anyone who hasn’t been to a game at Williams-Brice stadium and have a chance to go, it’s worth it. Every team in the SEC has their own unique experience and Carolina is right up there. Especially for night games. I don’t know much about Rutgers except they basically won all the games they should have won and lost all the games they were expected to lose last year. Talent wise, they are also better than us. Every MAC team we play (with the exception of Bowling Green) will be breaking in a new QB. Should make for an interesting year.

Paul Lewis III will be playing Safety not corner, ya know i really could give ya'll some great insight but I'd rather see this list play out lol!

I see 2-3 total wins maybe four if we're lucky!

2 winnable P5 games??

Again with the Wagon Wheel on a Tuesday, its ridiculous. At least we get 4 Saturday home games this year

I don't think it's as much about cloning their work ethic as it is Groce continuing to build his culture here. Banks, X1.0, Cheese, LCJ, X2.0, and Duvivier were all guys that have played the game the right way while wearing the Akron Blue & Gold under Groce. We've seen the most growth in the individual games of Freeman, Tribble, and Ali because they've been here for 3+ years, but we would've seen the same growth with any of the aforementioned players if they were here for longer than a year or 2. Guys like Prather, Nate Johnson, and Dawson will be instrumental next year in cementing the foundation that has been built by Freeman, Tribble, Ali, X1 & X2, Cheese, Banks, Duvivier, and LCJ. Incoming players like Sharron Young could be extremely special if they see what Akron is under Groce and choose to stay & develop for 4 years.

2024 Football Schedule has officially been announced.

My favorite parking lot recently has been the Riverview south Lot at 351 Canal Rd. For 1-4 hours it is $6, anything over 4 hours is $10 for the day. You can walk right up to tower city and take the walkway right into the arena

Acuff didn’t play against Miami, which helps explain the 37 points Saturday. Haven’t heard if he’s out tonight too.

You can buy $10 parking passes on SeatGeek, which of course cost $16+ with fees. Seems to me a few years ago cost went from $10 to $20 even early in the week, so I'm not sure what they are now at the gate.

Coach Brookhart offered WR Kenzy West out of Mississippi. Only a matter of time before P5 offers come rolling in. HUDL FILM

$20 per session in the deck I believe. I’ve never had trouble getting a spot. I’m sure there are cheaper options around, but probably none more convenient. If you can get free parking at the casino you could try that.

My two favorites would be vexatious and irksome.

You should love this; check out MAC Bracket 2024 & MAC Tournament Predictions (@ teamrankings.com)

BASEBALL FRIDAY!!! So happy to see the Zips return home for a game, and to see how the new staff does with these young men. Won't be back from FLA until Easter, so these early 3-game series will be viewed on ESPN+ (thank you very much!) but I'll have my Baseball Sweatshirt on and an adult beverage on hand (or in hand?). Go Zips!!!

Wow Wow Wow! Zips Women win their 10th title in Swim and Dive, and it wasn't even close! We watched the finals on Friday and Saturday on the MAC live stream, which was well done. I was a little concerned looking at the performance list from the NCAA going in that Miami might give the Zips some trouble, and they do have a lot of talent, but Akron's depth (not a good swim term!) was overwhelming, as points are scored for both the Championship and the Consolation finals. By Thursday night it was obviously Akron's meet. Some great performances by Abby Daniel, who was Swimmer of the Meet, and Rachel Sabotin who was a real workhorse. Maddy Gatrall and Becca Reid were pure winners. Veronica Gorecka had an outstanding meet. One of the coolest thing was Astrid Halvorsen almost winning the 1,650 free from the third of four heats, not actually competing head-to-head with the eventual winner. I think if they had gone head-to-head Astrid would have won. The really nice story of the week was Grace Nuhfer, who is blind. She set two Paralympic event records at the meet as a Zip! And, the really really nice story is that Charles Guthrie and Jackie Walgren were both there to support the Zips on both nights. I saw video this morning of Charles jumping in the pool afterwards, holding a life preserver! This may have been the Zips most dominant Championship win of the 10.

It would be interesting to see how many of the "I gotta be out of here by the 4:00 minute left mark regardless of the score to beat the crowd" season ticket holders would stay.

I’m not going to post every offer like I have the past two years, but will update occasionally. Here are two recent QB offers made by our new QB coach. Chris Denson (FL) HUDL FILM Charlie Johnston (AL) HUDL FILM

The whole staff might open up as Neal Brown could easily get canned after this season lol.

I'm just praying for an OC who can "figure out a way" to call running plays when we've got the best running back in the conference.

There are six wins and a bowl in the overall schedule. Minimum 5 in the MAC and one OOC. No more excuses.

I like it. Do wish it said AKRON or ZIPS on it somewhere though.