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I was on the flight home yesterday with our team. Kudos to the Southwest crew ... when we landed in Cleveland, they gave a shout out ... Congratulations to Coach Jared and the Akron Zips Men's Soccer team on their win, remaining undefeated and currently ranked #14 . The passengers applauded. Well-deserved accolades and some free publicity.

QB: CB’s scrambling ability makes such a difference for this offense. Not only that, the majority of his passes were on point, and he looked more comfortable than he did last week, albeit this game was against much lesser competition. My one suggestion to him at this point would be to make the first defender miss and then slide down in the open field. He will not make it through the season taking those kinds of hits. Roggow once again came in and looked really good. Two of his passes in particular were absolute strikes, put right on the money. Regardless of who the opponent is, those throws were impressive. If something were to happen to CB, I feel good about Roggow’s ability to move the offense when needed. In my opinion, Roggow compares favorably to Finley. He may not be quite as physically gifted, but he seems to make better decisions with the ball. RB: Gant and Patrick looked healthy and explosive. The two combined for 148 rushing yards, with 90 of those yards coming after contact. They also added 85 yards through the air. Toss in CB’s rushing, and that’s 219 yards on the ground. If either Gant or Patrick had another top-end gear to hit in the open field, they’d both be playing for P4 schools right now. WR: While the receivers weren’t targeted as much this game, there were no drops. An unusual amount of passes went to the backs and tight ends. Overall, the perimeter blocking was good as well. Outside of the one fumble, this was a solid, workmanlike day for the wideouts. TE: JUCO addition Elijah Alexander played very well. He held up as a blocker and also took advantage of his opportunities in the passing game. We’ll need the tight ends to continue to develop as they are an important part of this offense. OL: For the most part, the offensive line bullied the RM defensive front, and there wasn’t much thrown at them that caused confusion. However, there are a few sticking points. I was very complementary of Hampton at RG last game, and while that holds true again in the run game, he was also the direct cause of two sacks. The first came as Asher Wilson beat him so badly off the snap, he was left standing flat-footed. The second came off a total whiff on a blitz (or maybe twist? I can’t recall for sure). The good news is those sequences can be cleaned up. The other concern I have is when Slayden comes out the game at LT. Gould has looked overwhelmed, and Shor hasn’t played up to his potential since he arrived. I’m not sure what the answer is outside of hoping Gould improves quickly. Either that or leave Slayden in for the entire game. DL: The good news is the defensive line manhandled the RM OL. Dahvon Frazier seemed to be in on everything and easily had his best game as a Zip. Perhaps the light is finally turning on and he’s ready to take the next step. We’re going to need more of that as the season progresses. Abor flashed what he can do on passing downs when matched up one-on-one as he exploded around the edge for the Zips only sack. Hull was a load for RM to handle on the interior, and I also noticed he was often one of the first ones to congratulate the offense and special teams on the sideline as they were coming off the field. Kavals and Waye had their moments again. I think Kavals is going to be really good. It’s too bad we only have Waye for a single season. Williams didn’t play as much this game, as he looked to have a cast on his hand. Now for the bad: Pass Rush. Yes, RM was focused on getting the ball out quickly, but on the times when Akron should have been reaching the quarterback, it happened far too little. This area must improve. LB: Johnson and Curtis were really good. I also noticed Nunoo flying around, though I think he slipped off a few tackles. In any case, this group is coming together nicely. DB: White is really coming along. I would not be surprised if he ends up All-MAC at this rate. Safety play was also solid. I think it was Tairan Davis who had the diving interception wiped off by what looked to be a questionable holding call on another defender. T. Thomas had a terrible day in coverage. He got beat on the long touchdown and also gave up a PI. It’s a safe bet future opponents are going to come after him until he improves his play. ST: Special teams were excellent in every area today. Final Thoughts: The Zips handled a RM squad that really doesn’t have the talent or depth to match up for four quarters. Hopefully, this win is a building block that will help with next weekend’s matchup against a far more difficult opponent. Depth Chart QB: Broughton Roggow Beals RB: Gant Patrick Williams Curry WR: Ma. Williams Davis WR: Burris Hills Myers WR: Mason Louis Hilburn TE: Cravaack Alexander Hook LT: Slayden Gould Shor LG: Smith Falkner Archer C Lyons Mobley RG: Hampton Falkner Fox RT: Jones Gould Mann DE: Abor Waye Watkins DE: Frazier Waye Ridley DT: Hull Williams Ross-Graves Brown-Demery DT: Mixon Kavals E. Davis LB: Johnson Reeves Jones LB: Nunoo Curtis Hocker NB: Aa. Branch Moss CB: White Galloway CB: Thomas Newsome S: Davis Flowers Somerville S: Hunter Jarmon Top Rated Offense (30 snap minimum): QB - Broughton RB - Gant C - Lyons TE - Alexander LT - Slayden Top Rated Defense (30 snap minimum): S - Davis CB - White LB - Johnson DE - Abor DE - Frazier

Top Drawer soccer poll Zips were #7 last week. this week, #2............. https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-national-rankings/men

When the Zips won the National Title in Santa Barbara I met Doc Nash (and sadly didn't know who he was at the time - did get a nice photo with him though). What a game to win on a night honoring him.

Marty had a blast. He was completely blown away by the press, the fans, the team, and the coaching staff. He found a few minutes between being interviewed by dozens of outfits once his headset was taken away and his post game press conference to come up and sit with Charlie and I. It was a great experience and it couldn't have happened to a better guy. He was the best man at my wedding, so I know him pretty well. However, if anyone can tell us why the Arby's was written upside down on his hat, you will win a prize!

In honor of The University of Akron’s most famous, and favorite Offensive Coordinator, we’re inviting you to “Party With Marty!” in the grass area behind the south goal post on Saturday September 26th! “I Partied With Marty!” tee shirts will be handed out to the first 1000 participants courtesy of Sully’s Tool and Party Rental. In addition, $2.00 Bud Lights will be available in a commemorative “I Partied With Marty” souvenir cup! Hey Zips fans…let’s “Fill the Hill!” Show up in the beginning of the 2nd quarter to get your cups, tee shirts, and party hearty with Marty! Let's show Las Vegas how to really party!! BEAT UNLV!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdPaQZtiKPu/?stkn=dmRsdDJlazF4bXZ3 Very cool way to close the chapter on this. I was at the game with my family. Other than the three thousand media commercials i thought it was a good atmosphere. Marty was a celebrity and it seemed like the entire Akron fan base bought into it. A view Marty chants broke out now and then and he was even walking throughout the stands and interacting with the fans. Im old and a softy now but I am so glad that Marty won this now because after all of this I am sure it meant more to this man than some celebrity that would have came in got the attention and left never to think of the Zips again.

SLU 1-2 AKR FT For the third consecutive match (not counting the WVU no-contest), Zips come from behind to equalize and then go on to score the winner in the waning minutes of the match. GK Brett Kaminski heroically saved an on-target PK with 0:40 remaining. Zips display great resiliency, but surely there is no long future to this pattern. Much better to score first in a sport where scoring is so rare. On the other hand, Akron are not flustered by being down a goal. Coach Embick and Co. should be applauded for utilizing Zips' deep bench over these previous three matches. Over Embick's now long tenure, Akron have averaged about 14 players per match. Without mining the actual data, my guess is around 16 or 17 per match this season. Last night in Saint Louis, Zips employed 19. This is a welcome change, if not one late in coming.

I blame Marty Whims for this.

While there were 167 TV breaks, not one of them went by with nothing going on. Either there was a game/contest, some other activity, the band playing, etc. The PA kept working to get the crowd involved and such. It was a proper gameday operation, IMO

I stumbled upon Keith Kennedy's thoughts on the production level. For those who don't know, he was the in-stadium host back in the early days of the new stadium.

The Zips made good use of their bench tonight. On the offensive side, I want to salute FaFa (Farrell Ngongang) and Noa Testa. FaFa hustle and great pass resulted in a fine goal by Noa Testa. Noa Testa was very active and quick and he created a lot of offense for the Zips. However, my unsung hero for the night is freshman Cole Perez. He came in at center back and really stabilized the back line. Great clutch performance by a freshman. Freshman Austin Thum also came in and played some very good minutes in place of Matt Dreas. The coaching staff deserves credit for recognizing that some key veterans were not having effective nights.....and the coaching staff wisely brought in Cole, FaFa, Noa, Braxton , Leo , Austin and others. This win would not have been possible without great contributions from freshmen and sophomores.

That's a season-defining win. Go down early, equalize right before halftime, take another shot to the nads shortly after to trail again, then equalize again quickly, weather their late storm, then find the back of the net for a sub-1 minute remaining goal. Heck of a win. Cornell monkey is off our backs.

QB: Junior Jake Lindsey has thrown for 543 yards with a 69% completion rate and no interceptions. Surprisingly, he’s only thrown for a single touchdown over a two-game span. Lindsey isn’t much of a threat to run and rarely has to when playing behind Minnesota’s massive offensive line. RB: Senior Darius Taylor hasn’t had a ton of opportunities thus far, but he’s still a bigger back that can do some damage. Taylor has 71 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns to go along with 36 receiving yards. WR: Former Miami of Ohio transfer Javon Tracy leads the team in receptions and yards, collecting 12 catches for 149 yards. He is also the punt returner and has taken two back for touchdowns. Cincinnati transfer Noah Jennings is second on the team with 10 receptions for 145 yards. TE: The Gophers don’t target their tight ends much in the passing game but senior Pierce Walsh does have four receptions. OL: The offensive line rarely allows pressure on the quarterback and has given up only two sacks this season, both against Mississippi State. LT - Nathan Roy (6’5 305) LG - Greg Johnson (6’6 325) C - Ashton Beers (6’6 320) RG - Tony Nelson (6’6 325) RT - Daniel Shipp (6’5 295) DL: The Gopher pass rush has been about as anemic as the Zips’, however, that doesn’t mean Minnesota is lacking in talent. Senior Anthony Smith plays both inside and out. Former Cal transfer TJ Bush has one of the defense’s two sacks. Against MSU, junior Jaylon Hicks started on the interior, as did senior Karter Menz on the edge. LB: Seniors Maverick Baranowski and Matt Kingsbury start at linebacker. The duo have combined for 22 total tackles. DB: Michigan State transfer Aydan West and former Iowa transfer John Nestor start at the cornerback positions. Seniors Kerry Brown and Aidan Gousby, along with sophomore Zack Harden, are the starters at safety and nickel. ST: Tom Weston is the main punter and averages 38.3 yards per punt with a long of 45. Minnesota has used two different kickers on field goals, and they have gone 3 for 3. Beckham Sunderland has put 11 of his 13 kickoffs in the endzone. Keys on Offense: Find a way to keep drives moving and take care of the football. MSU’s mobile quarterback really hurt the Minnesota defense, and it would not be a surprise if CB came out of this game as Akron’s leading rusher. I’m not sure if the Zips OL will be able to consistently get push on the Gophers defensive front, so CB’s legs may have to make up for that. Keys on Defense: Force turnovers and keep the ball in front. Stopping Minnesota’s run game should be the main priority as I’m not sure the Zips defense will be able to get much pressure on Lindsey. In essence, force the Gophers into long, multi-play drives in the hopes they goof up. Final Thoughts: I don’t like this matchup, and there aren’t many areas where the Zips will have the advantage. As a comparison, Minnesota is bigger and more physical than Wake Forest. Akron will need to play at a very high level and have some help from Minnesota to pull out a win.

I'm 100% in support of this. I know we might miss out on some money because of it, but it means a greater number of competitive games (in theory) and a better chance at a bowl game. I wish it was happening this year or next year 😆

I'm invested in the team this year. I'm an optimist always trying to find the bright side. I was excited when they got Reese and wanted to see the gunslinger with the experience, but I knew the potential that CB had. After two games of seeing CB at the helm, I'm impressed. This kid has stepped in and to me has shown that he has poise and is extremely accurate, he has gotten lucky a couple times with some missed interceptions but I'll take it, and his elusiveness his a huge asset. I wish sometimes he would learn to throw the ball away but he is playing his game and it is exciting. When CB gets comfortable I know he can drop dimes 30-40 yards he just hasn't shown it yet and the way he has been using Elijah it's only a matter of time til the deep balls start opening up. Roggow coming off the bench looks like he is the man when he walks out there. It is like he is coming on the field like he is the starter from the very first second he steps on the field. That confidence is amazing and he looks good. I think we are going to be in a good spot come conference time with these two. I KNOW we are going to be big underdogs the next two weeks but I am hoping the stars line up and maybe, just maybe we can pull off at least one upset and shock the world. I think that would be amazing. There are some exciting young players on this team that are fun to watch when they are on the field. I thought twice we were gonna score on special teams this week. Patrick looks like he is always a step or two from taking it to the house. Now I'm always waiting for Dante to lay someone out from the linebacker spot or waiting for Abor to get that highlight blindside sack to cause the fumble. Wake Forest was rough but it was the FIRST game for A LOT of very young players and like someone pointed out earlier they did not quit, ever and they got a lot of experience. As long as they continue to improve the next two weeks conference play should be fun and competitive. Minnesota and UNLV have not looked like that super teams that I thought they were going to be, albeit they have not been playing MAC teams, but like I said I am hoping we can at least one upset...

That is good for 4th in the country. Mensah (Mia) 91.1% 41 of 45 Stockton (UGA) 87.5% 28 of 32 Watson (Umass) 87.5 28 of 32 CB 83% 44 of 53

Just watched the NBC national news and they usually have a feel good story at the end of the broadcast and it was about our offensive coordinator for the day Marty. Amazing publicity for the program. Really well done. Here is the link https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news-netcast/video/nbc-nightly-news-full-episode-sept-13-269797445768

What a save! What a win!

They did a great job with in game entertainment. Helped fill the gaps during media timeouts.

Minnesota and UNLV both getting spanked today.

Looked like there were two Arby’s logos on the shirt?

Beto Ydrach called up for CONCACAF Nations League duty with Puerto Rico 🇵🇷.

Women’s soccer is now 4-3 after beating Mercyhurst 4-0

Rules only apply to programs like Akron, not programs like LSU or Michigan.

True an Akron team would never have an ineligible player working with the team this close to the season

Props to Embick and his staff on creating a tough schedule. #2 SOS so far that doesn't include WVU because of the no contest. Akron soccer is a gold standard in men's soccer - they deserve so much more support than what they get.

Which is why I will still root for Michigan vs. Ohio State - the Suckeyes fan base is a miserable one and it's hilarious to see them deal with failure.

First ever over Cornell. 👍

"Commercial free quarter brought to you by Arby's"

Which is better than the political ads...

It doesn't help. Gotta figure out a way to get around this, because these ads on ESPN+ aren't reaching people anyways.

You can't blame Marty for that one at least. Edit: they were moving the ball at least. 3 and out or pick would have been the worst outcome.

So Akron to fumble the freaking ball during our big promotion

Just saw Marty the OC on College GameDay live from Infocism talking to Herby, Sabin, McAfee and Desmond Howard - that some great pub for Akron! side note - he had an Arby’s hat on and Arby’s logo on shirt.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdK-LRvFDcd/?stkn=MTdmbndveHVneHdrNw==

I’ve added the times and networks for our opponents games.

Looks like a smaller publication interviewed Marty this week. Clay Travis reposted it, that's how I stumbled on it. https://x.com/dombonvissuto/status/2098129933805469976

I'm still bummed they stopped the radio show 2 years ago.

For real. Should be coming any day now if it is. So hard to get information on this team.

Oriol is in addition to Evan so there has to be some path for Evan to be eligible. I still am curious where Oriol's roster spot is coming from. As it currently stands, Akron has the best roster in the MAC.

Bingo. The game winner was actually going wide by the looks of it, hit the inner right calf of the defender, and viola - GOOOOAAAALLL!!! Cornell's goalie was simply unlucky. Guessed the right way on a PK that was just buried upper 90 where he couldn't get it and then it's hard to defend against deflections.

Especially considering our 2nd and 3rd goals were deflections off their defenders... you don't always need a wide open look.

I know it's too early to look at RPI but...with tonight's win, Akron moved to number 1 in the RPI (as of 10:50 pm). https://share.google/wY0vUZF5FjQvPZaME

I love the caption on instagram the moment called and Leo Morana answered the photos are good , as well https://www.instagram.com/p/DdDHT0BFpff/?img_index=1

UM should drop from the poll. Even clock controversy aside the QB play was terrible and many other teams had more impressive week 1 results. They aren't the first team to fall in the rankings despite winning. They won't be the last either. You can maybe make the argument that some won't penalize WMU for the loss, but they're certainly not getting the same treatment as if they won. This is evident by the fact voters still have them behind UM in the AP poll. UM is currently 28th while WMU is 32nd. Without that clock mishap and WMU winning WMU would surely be ahead of UM in today's AP poll (probably #20-#25 since it would be one of the most impressive wins of the young season) and UM would have few to no AP votes.

That's the statement - or at least tone - that should've been set Saturday night/Sunday morning. Steinbrecher pretty much agreeing with the Big Ten out of the gate was weak & pathetic, but changing tune now that the court of public opinion is against their initial statement makes them look wishy washy at best without getting into any of the probable smokey back room deals that Steinbrecher has made with the Big Ten. If you're going to be a corrupt suit, at least have the cajones to own said corruption. He is by far the WORST commissioner in college athletics and nobody should let him evade that title just because he's "fighting" this now.

It would have been nice to have this level of advocacy from the conference with MSOC vs. NW'ern in the NCAAT ~20 years ago, MBBALL vs. UCLA in the NCAAT, and FOOTBALL at Michigan in 2014. I think what the MAC member schools see is that WMU has a strong potential to otherwise go 13-0 and be the playoff seed for the lower level schools. If this loss stands, the MAC's best opportunity for that slot diminishes greatly, and each member school potentially loses out on hundreds of thousands of dollars of additional revenue.