Football grandma

Almost a Christmas miracle! Penalties, fumbles, and IMHO going for a 2 pt. conversion with so much time left in the game. Achy-breaky hearts for fans again.

I sent a message weeks ago that the page buttons don't work properly. Got no response.

Cute. Did you find all these on the internet all by yourself? My point was the lack of execution of position play consistently is a big problem for the Zips. Irons holds the ball too long. Dropped passes, missed blocks, ... Each player must know his position thoroughly and his specific role in the execution of each play. I don't think some of the players fully comprehend those. Not that talent isn't important, but knowledge and confidence can lead to consistency and compensate somewhat for less talent. Women think differently than men so I don't expect some of you here to understand my point. Being a teacher for more than 3 decades would help, too.

New coach everyone was gaga over; new "more talented" recruits; portal hot shots supposedly; no-talent veteran bums left standing on the sidelines so Joe's picks can play...even on special teams. Hmmm Different day, same results. Another L. Lots of excuses concerning the coach and the team: need more time, need more experience, need more talent... A great coach finds ways to make the best of what he/she has with which to work. A talented player that doesn't execute consistently isn't much of an asset IMHO. “Our emphasis is on execution, not winning.” – Pat Summitt

I know I'll be corrected if I'm wrong, but didn't the Zips post the second highest points scored in a game in the last 3 years? Maybe longer. Shout out optimists.

BG smart play...NO Play! Don't risk a turnover. Hence, not running up the score on the Zips which I think they could have done. Still an L, but at least the score isn't embarrassing. So, how was Homecoming? Students show up? I couldn't get the game live.

All great ideas and thoughts in this thread...well, except for the cheerleader suggestion. 😂 I think the U should have student input on how to improve attendance. Student reps. should be part of the U's marketing team, too. The U's existence is for them not us oldsters. Give them a voice, a horse in the race. Who would know better than them on how to light a fire under the student body?

Many people talk about the small crowds that attend the home games. Let's get some of the reasons out in the open! Why don't the students attend? Why do alumni that live nearby not attend? What are some ideas to increase the spectator numbers? Don't just oh hum the situation. Offer some suggestions. Maybe someone with clout at the university will read them and act. YOU may have a great idea so speak up!

Ok, friend, I'll meet you halfway. Yes injuries are are risked in every game, but more so in one where the players are out-matched in a " meaningless" game, which is my point. I agree that competing with others who are more mentally or physically better than us makes us step up our play some. However, it also slowly gnaws away our self confidence. Akron needs to take an honest, in-depth look at WHY football isn't a big crowd interest. Too few winning seasons, flash in the pan success some years? So poll the students and alumni! It would be enlightening I'm sure. Why can't the MAC draw talent? I'd like to read your opinion on that.

So...Akron sacrifices young men on the OOC games' altar for the money. The players risk injuries, the fans lose interest, the students don't attend games because the scores are embarrassing, the parents pray that their boys won't get significant injuries, and the school's football team reputation suffers so the best players enroll elsewhere. Sounds like a great plan to deep six football at UA.

The best thing about watching this game is the Shock Top Twister Pretzel beer I'm drinking. My eyes are hurting. 🤪

GOZips86 by the time this team begins MAC play, it will be pretty beaten up!

Ever the optimist! I like that.

I also noticed this letter wasn't proofread very well for subject-verb agreement. Unacceptable mistake for a university publication.

A $25 ticket is actually $31. Why not just say the price is $31? We felt like we were being scammed. I guess the AD realized how much money concert ticket sellers make by tacking on as many fees as they can. I would expect buying online would have extra fees, but buying at the gate? We'll watch from home now.

The MVP of the game was the punter so I was only mildly impressed with the team play. I agree with most of the comments made in this thread tonight. I don't like O/D starters used on special teams. It's not necessary when you have Sideliners that can do the job and have the experience. I guess the coaches went with speed, but one speedster was usually the first one to get knocked down. But, you all know I like to see more guys get a chance to play.

I tried the AD promoted site gozips.com/tickets on my phone, tablet, and computer. The site requires registration to buy the tickets. I filled out the form 8 times over 2 days. Same result every time; press "save" and nothing happens. I taught computer applications for 20+ years so I believe I did everything correctly. After the fiasco, I bought tickets at the gate!

Has anyone been successful in using this service? I've tried 4 times to establish a new account to no avail. I hit the save button and nothing happens...spinning, spinning... If the school is paying for this service it's being ripped off.

Exactly my point! Probably even the most ardent Zip fan couldn't name 3 players of which I write.

I have tremendous respect for the players that choose to stay with the team and don't receive a dime for their work or dedication. Kick off and punting team players, low on the depth chart players who rarely get in the game, permanent fixtures on a practice squad; guts but no glory. Obviously, they bust their butts for the love of the game, the satisfaction of being a Zip, and the selflessness of helping to make their team and mates better. Hats off to the unsung!

Ahh... you've missed me! I haven't had a chance to study the OL as I need to before commenting. I'll pop into chat after I've done my in-depth analysis. Basically, I'm more concerned about the DL which contributed to the lopsided scores of last season. Hopefully, the returnees will be bigger, stronger, and better coached. Defense is the key to a winning season, I think. Can't let a team outscore you by 20-30 points by halftime and expect to win. Keep the score close to give your offense a reason to bust their butts to win. Even blind squirrels find acorns when they're highly motivated.

A few thoughts here: many coaches don't much value a TE or use them effectively. A physical TE is another blocker, another receiver, another passer; another threat for the defense to consider. Think Heath Miller for the Steelers!; Cutting TEs won't free up scholarship money because not all of them got any; I like 2TE sets to make the defense edgy; Rotation of three or more TE players has the defense thinking...trick play? Some play we haven't seen? Rather than Oh, hum, same 2 guys. We got this; TEs force the defense to cover the mid yardage bubble, creating less pressure elsewhere; TEs can line up in several positions making them versatile/flexible for more creative play construction. A TE that's a physical blocker, can run, catch, and throw (yep, I said throw) would be a dangerous weapon. Tight ends don’t receive as much credit as the quarterback, running back, or wide-receivers, but they arguably do more work than all of them when used effectively.

I pushed the button to quote a reply then changed my mind. The quoted reply keeps returning. How do I cancel a quote?

IMHO... I don't really care much about the primary logo debate, but AU has a new coach and staff, new players coming, and a new season to prove itself. From a psychological view, it needs a new "brand" to signify the beginning of a new era. The players and the fans will appreciate another gesture that the program is changing and there is optimism for next year. Products and services rebrand themselves periodically the create new interest and enthusiasm. Isn't that want we want? Change the helmet design, maybe some simple uniform changes, a new motto...little things in the grand scheme that can subtly lift spirits, moral (players), and show that AU football is back and will be a different competitor!

That's the way I read the waiver. So the guy that expects 70 new faces is going to be disappointed. 7(with scholarships) out, 32 in = 25 net possible new scholarship added to the max of 85 (which we've been told AU hasn't had for Arth's term) means that the team could have a max of 117 scholarship players for 2022-23 only? Or, does that mean those 25 new scholarships must be counted toward the 85 limit, meaning some current teammates may lose their scholarships? Thank you for answering my questions, unlike some in this forum who make derogatory remarks. I admit I don't know a lot about recruiting rules, unlike some forum members who believe they know everything about anything.