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Who is QB1? I don’t think there’s much doubt Finley is the leading candidate. Finley makes quick decisions and throws a catchable ball. He also has enough mobility to be effective in the run game and when scrambling. Finley has played at a high level in the past, so there shouldn’t be many overwhelming moments for him at the G5 level. Bullock has not developed as much as I hoped. My take is that he is mentally processing too slowly because his physical tools are not lacking. He is still an asset to the offense due to his bruising running style and should be utilized in short yardage/goal line situations. Will Akron have much of a run game? Purely speaking about the running backs, the answer is yes. There is not a RB on the roster with the makeup of Lingard, however, all of the backs are made for RPO type offenses. What I mean by that is they have a rapid burst once the ball is in their hands and catch the ball well out of the backfield. They can make the first defender miss and have enough speed to create explosive plays. Who will replace All-MAC receivers George and Gathings? The first choice would be Norton. The true sophomore has the make-up to be an all-conference player in just his second season. If Adams is healthy, he will return to his role in the slot, leaving the typical third receiver position up for competition. It’s possible that player is not currently on the roster. Multiple offers have gone out during the spring. How about the OL? It’s still a work in progress, but the starters will likely resemble most of the first combination displayed in the Spring Game. They were facing a defensive front that is reasonably one of the better defensive fronts in the MAC, so it’s hard to say how much improvement has been made. What was clear was the increased athleticism as the offensive line (especially the tackles) were able to climb to the second level of the defense and give the run game room on the speed options and perimeter plays. Inside runs were harder to come by in the Spring Game. Is there a better defensive front in the MAC? Maybe, but not by much. Miami has one all-conference defensive lineman and two all-conference linebackers returning (Zips have Nunnally and McCoy), so they can lay claim to this title in the pre-season. Zips have impressive depth at defensive tackle and linebacker. The only question is at the backup defensive end spot. The 2023 JUCOs could step up or perhaps one of the redshirt/true freshmen will see significant time. How’s the secondary looking? Long, athletic, and physical. Coach Renna and former CBs coach Bell have done an excellent job recruiting and developing talent. The downside? There is a void of actual game experience outside of Golden-Nelson, D. Lewis, and a few of the transfers. There may be some growing pains early in the season, but this is a talented group that should be assisted by the excellent defensive front. What’s the status of the Special Teams? Jackson returns at punter and was solid in that role in 2023. Wiley was strong down the stretch on FGs and PATs. Zips received a commitment from an FCS Freshman All-American kicker in March. New long snappers will also be arriving soon. Is the roster complete? No. By my count there are currently about 5 open scholarships. Most of the recent offers have gone out to wide receivers and offensive linemen. The roster is in the best place it’s been since Moorhead’s arrival and this year’s spring portal options are much deeper than last year’s. There is a good chance a difference maker or two will be signed. Who are the new coaches? QB - Michael Shuster (Duke Grad Asst.) WR - JD Brookhart CB - Kresean Reed (Northern Arizona CBs) ST - Ryan Matviko (Offensive Analyst) Which MAC team has been hit the hardest by the portal? Ohio. The Bobcats have also brought in some players who should be quality replacements, but they will be heavily tested this year. A substantial drop off in wins from the previous two seasons would not be a surprise.

@catdaddyp, have to think the staff will look to bring in another QB with Wasel transferring out, right? Finley appears adequate. Behind him you'd have Bullock who in my mind is a gadget QB, and then a true freshman in Raggow. With our meat grinder schedule to start the season, have to have some insurance there.

Just throwing this out there. We need QB depth, we've been "ass" for several years, and General Booty is available. Perfect fit if you ask me.

I think the heat would be turned up if this team went 2-10 again, although I don’t see that happening. Last year, there were 7 games decided by one score or less and only 2 of those went our way. The year before, 5 games were decided by one score or less and only 1 went our way. Moorhead has this program on the cusp and is close to breaking though. I thought that breakthrough would happen last year and it didn’t (I won’t rehash the multitude of reasons behind that). Unfortunately, this year’s non-conference schedule is brutal, so that doesn’t help. I think 4-5 wins should be the minimum expectation with the possibility of more if things go our way. The reason I say that is no team in the conference is ahead of us talent wise anymore (except maybe Toledo). Taking a look at the MAC teams we play: Ohio - Blistered by the portal. Still have talent, but how will it all fit? Bowling Green - Holes to fill in a number of areas outside of QB. If injuries hit, it will be an issue. WMU - Questions at QB and depth is still an issue in a number of areas. EMU - There is plenty of young talent, but almost a complete rebuild on the OL, DL, and at LB. Not to mention a new QB. Buffalo - New staff. Questions almost everywhere except RB. NIU - Concerns at QB. Kent State - Almost like another rebuild in year two. Toledo - Lost several All-MAC players, including at QB. Plenty of talent, but low on experience. I’m not saying the conference schedule will be easy, but wanted to point out almost every team we play is beatable due to their own issues they are attempting to figure out.

Numbers aren't exactly Rollins' strength.

Simply excellent stuff, @catdaddyp. Thank you!

As long as he doesn't take Sharron Young

The JAR is not too small as it only sells out for the Can't game. Most games it is half full. My suggestion is to make it more intimate and comfortable for the spectators. Sacrifice some seating capacity to make it an even better environment. The bleachers are bad. Remove them and put chairs in and upgrade the seating in the lower stands to make them better. Put the students behind the baskets with several hundred at each end. They will go nuts.

For DL being a strength of the team, we sure are offering a lot of DL's..

My point was that a new arena will never happen. So fans need to create an atmosphere that transcends an outdated, small facility. That's the only way to improve the gameday experience for players and want them to be part of the Zips basketball program.

As is the case for nearly all walk ons.

You're a legend, @catdaddyp. Thank you for this rundown.

Thank you for this spring assesment. I'm hoping for the best as I don't think Moorhead survives another 2-10 year. Do you think this team can win 5-6 games? Is that enough to keep Moorhead?

Fulford to Marshall Mike Allen to slide in as his replacement. Would be a great get by JG if this occurs!

All I can say is I hope someone got a coaching job out of this move. Western Illinois, good grief.

https://twitter.com/GFRFlashReport/status/1785853807290642608?t=jCFDkyj1g06b9LwnBEUAVA&s=19

(facebook) The University of Akron's ChemE Jeopardy team clinched the top spot once again at the AIChE North Central Regional Conference. Competing against top universities, our team showed their skills and teamwork, clinching another impressive win. Next stop: National AIChE Conference in San Diego! Learn more: https://bit.ly/4bickUa

That’s shocking! I guess you never know. He’s been one of my favorites since he’s been here and I was sad to see him go. Great with the young kids and lots of enthusiasm. Wish him the best as well as the others.

Wonder if it was God’s plan? Seriously though, hate to see him go. D1 football has become such a cruel business, nodody has time to develop. If you fall to a certain level on the depth chart it’s chop time and bring on the next.

He could have just said 'Portal.' It would have been understood.

He’s leaving a very stable, secure position. I hope the pay bump he’s sure to get is enough to make it worth it

Blake seems like a good locker room presence. I know he was put in scholarship at one point, but no idea if that was just for one season or carried over. Neither him or Wasel appear to be big losses for this season, but I’m much more comfortable with Hester transferring considering he’s 3rd or 4th on the depth chart in his 4th or 5th year of college. Whereas Wasel is just going into his redshirt freshman season. Still had a lot of time to develop.

Say it ain’t so.

The only one that has end up at YSU so far from those in the portal is Lewandowski. Bass might end up at Purdue.

Mike Allen, remember it!

Fulford to Marshall

Happy for Fulford. Full circle for him.