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New edge rusher commit from central michigan Keshawn Hayden 6'3 250 according to PFF ranked 539 which was higher than Durham on 261 snaps though to be fair Durham had 699. He was third in Centrals rotation.

There were some objectively terrible Akron teams prior to Dambrot coming to Akron. That was before my time though. I would imagine the defense was worse on some of those single digit win teams. I do think it's lazy to just look at points allowed as the sole measure of a defense. Like your mentioned pace can inflate the numbers. I still think outside of Groce's 1st season this is probably his worst defensive team. Like you, I don't necessarily think it's all effort. They just often try to trap and then are slow in rotating. Not having a rim protector certainly plays a part, but I feel that would be something we could overcome if we boxed out better and defended the 3-point line better.

Great way to keep the ball on that pass, and nice cross to a nice header. Malik will always be one of my favorite zips

If my math is correct, as well as all the players who should have graduated or hit the portal is also correct, we are currently sitting at 69 scholarships and still have some spots to fill. I’ve listed below what that could look like from here. QB = 1 (maybe) WR = 1 TE = 1-2 OL = 2-3 DL = 4-6 LB = 1 (maybe) DB = 4-6 ST = 2 (probably walk-ons)

Anyone remember David Coit from NIU? Hasnt lost his scoring touch. Just put up 43 for Maryland tonight.

no offense by any means, but that would be a long shot by Texas considering Boz didn't do a whole lot at a group five school. I wish him well not gonna bash him at all but you have to admit it is a very surprising move today the very least...

I’m a fan of this pickup. I tracked the Hayden brothers recruitment out of high school during my time at Rivals. He has more upside than he’s shown. Perhaps our DL coach will get it out of him.

Could just be a walk on, but giving up scholarship + exposure at Akron vs likely being buried on depth chart aand paying your own way at Texas feels like a head scratching move.

I would agree the defense has improved since after the Murray State game. There were some breakdowns defensively against Ball State, but for the most part they were hitting contested shots. Many of those being mid-rangers or 3s with a hand in their face.

I wouldn't put too much stock in yesterday's game. The Zips have had much worse defensive games this season. Much, not all of yesterday's success yesterday was the result of guys making tough shots over well- positioned defenders. Sometimes teams just get hot. Some of Dambrot's teams were sketchy on defense. However, during the 4 years with Zeke it all got cleaned up on the back end. Groce's first team here was 8th in the MAC in average points surrendered and 9th in opponent field goal percentage. They were regularly just "out-athleted." This year's squad is 7th in average points surrendered and 2nd in opponent FG%. The current team is not the worst. The fast pace of the offense gives both teams more possessions. They've had lapses which have hurt and can be cleaned up but they're never going to be at the top of the MAC on defense. Barre can help a little if he returns but he'll at best play 12-15 minutes a game and the biggest problem has been on perimeter traps and switches and recovering on help defense when the ball swings, and that's not him on the perimeter.

Markus Boswell committed to University of Texas. Dad graduated from there is an olympic high jumper. wish him luck. Didn't see that one coming ...

Here's the deal ... considering Akron and Miami are the top 2 seeds and in opposite brackets, on a neutral court, I think Bowling Green, Buffalo and Kent are the most dangerous opponents regardless of where they are seeded. The good thing is those three teams - using Buffalo as an example - would likely have to play BG then Kent/Miami, then Akron in three straight days to get to the MAC Tournament title game, much less win it. That's brutal. While I doubt it will be an issue, that 1-2 seed will be imperative to avoid a potential first-round upset knockout, considering how deep/strong the MAC is this season.

Correct

Lebron paid homage to UA and the city with his new shoes which included the UA logo- https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/nba/2026/01/18/lebron-james-nike-23-shoes-pay-tribute-to-akron-zips/88243766007/

Maybe a call for stepping on the line when defending an inbound