catdaddyp

Job, family, and distance won’t allow for season tickets but I will make one game this year. Aiming for the Northern Illinois one.

Offer out to German native Keon Rohe. Offensive tackle.

I guess it would depend on how much UK wanted out of it, assuming they do/would. You’re right, $2 mil (or more) is pushing it, but I would love to see Akron set the line. $700k-$1 mil is more likely. Financially, it probably makes sense for UK to buyout this game and replace it with a home game. UK fans will travel for sure, but its a bit demoralizing when the opponent’s fans are able to drown out the home fans. As far as it being a game day environment and less morgue like, it very well could be the highest attendance of the year depending how UK is projected for the 2024 season. That being said, I’d love to be proved wrong and see Zips fans come out in droves against any team on the schedule.

Great kid who has more home responsibilities than any kid his age should. We’d be fortunate to land him. Already has P5 offers from Kentucky and Boston College.

Cruising other MAC message boards and they sound similar. Not many fan bases happy with the schedule.

I’d rather Kentucky just pay a few million and buy that game out. I don’t want to see Kentucky fans turn InfoCision into a home game. Maybe if the Zips are rolling in 2023 like I expect, Akron fans will hang on to their tickets when that game comes around.

Agree, they aren’t on the level of Ohio State…yet. But I’d say they are ahead of Auburn (fired their coach) and Michigan State programs that took a step back. Carolina also shell shocked Tennessee and Clemson to close out the regular season. They lost to Notre Dame in the bowl game, but both teams were missing key players so it wasn’t exactly a true matchup of the teams that closed out the regular season. Where Carolina has struggled is consistently winning and not dropping games to weaker conference foes they should beat. That’s the mark of a program that’s building though. They are on the cusp of taking the next step and most national pundits will be surprised.

While I appreciate the optimism (and some here would probably call me an optimist) Akron is not going on the road and beating a South Carolina team in front of 85,000 fans (at least not while Shane Beamer is there). I’ll be at that game and I hope most Zips fans also make the trip. I can tell you from experience Williams-Brice can get to a fever pitch and cause the stands to sway. It’s one of the best venues in the SEC and they are still sinking millions of dollars into the stadium and surrounding areas. If anyone is interested, take a look at the upgraded facilities on YouTube when you have a chance. Carolina is quietly becoming a power in the SEC (similar to Illinois in the Big 10). To give an idea of their momentum, their 2024 recruiting class is ranked #8 with five 4 star prospects already committed.

Probably a lot. I’ll be surprised if that game actually happens at Akron.

Regardless of when, where, and what time these games are played, there is no reason to not go bowling this year. Morgan State should be an automatic win and good chance to win 4 straight from the NIU-Kent stretch. Win one more and that’s 6 for bowl eligibility.

I’m curious to see if he makes a leap his senior year. Long definitely has the physical attributes with a big arm and fluid throwing motion. Although, we’ve also offered instate prospect Ethan Grunkemeyer who I think is a better prospect despite not having a rating, yet. Long is just in the our backyard. I know Illinois is interested in Long, but they want to see him play in person before offering.

Interesting that we haven’t offered Jacqai Long out of Hoban. I haven’t seen him play, but I’m sure others here have. Kid looks like he can sling it on his film.

New offer to JUCO WR Shemar Kirk. Purdue came in with an offer shortly after. Kirk looks explosive on film and reminds me of Daniel George.

LB - Not a position of need, but if it were Kobe Wilson from Temple would be a solid addition.

At this point, we are limited with our options. The better high school players have already signed (minus a handful that don’t involve us) and most of the portal options aren’t great. That leaves us with JUCO and whoever enters the portal in the next window (after spring practice). The latest JUCO offers have gone out to guys that will be able to enroll in May. My guess is there were some eligibility issues before now and they will probably receive more offers since they have been cleared. We landed some high quality players in the April/May timeframe last year and I expect the same will happen this year. That being said, I still don’t like DE being so light on depth but Wartman is trying to address it.

Offer to JUCO DE Antonio Smith. 2 years of eligibility remaining. He’s not as impressive as Kabbash Richards, but would still be a solid addition. Especially considering our lack of bodies at the position.

Fresh offer out to JUCO DE Kabbash Richards. Michigan native that played at Eastern Kentucky for a few years before landing at JUCO. Richards started 9 games at EKU his sophomore year. From an athletic and potential standpoint I like this offer. Richards can play with his hand on the ground or as a standup edge. He runs really well for a guy his size.

DE - Jesus Gibbs (who we’ve already offered) is listed as the top prospect. Slim pickings from there.

Another offer out to a JUCO DT. Jaden Hamilton. 6’5” 310 and carries the weight well.

New offer out to JUCO DT Bryce Dunnuck. A little surprising seeing as we already have 7 DTs on the roster. I wonder if the staff expects a current DT to hit the portal or if we see more of a 3-4 alignment this year? Or maybe I’m reading too much into it and Wartman just wants to land one of the guys he targeted.

Victor Jones was taken with the 31st pick in the USFL draft by New Jersey Generals.

Rivals lists their picks on best players left in portal: QB - Not a need. RB - Not a need. WR - What fanbase wouldn’t want Caleb Ducking? Not only is he a productive receiver, but he does the duck waddle when he scores. OL - Even though we would lean towards taking an immediate starter, I’d like for us to land Matt Fries. I covered his recruitment out of HS and I’m surprised he has not been scooped up yet. DT - Not a need.

Hopefully DJI is just being a little dramatic…..

New DL coach Nyeem Wartman issued an offer to JUCO DE Rodney Green.

Over the next few months I’ll update our opponents. GAME 1 (AWAY) - 9/2/2023 - 2pm (ESPN+) TEMPLE = American Athletic Conference (AAC) Head Coach = Sean Drayton (2nd year, 3-9 Overall) - 3-9 Overall and 1-7 in Conference in 2022 Scoring Offense = 21.9 PPG Scoring Defense = 29.3 PPG Offense YPG = 350.5 Defense YPG = 391.2 Rushing Offense = 82.4 YPG Rushing Defense = 192.6 YPG Passing Offense = 268.1 YPG Passing Defense = 198.6 YPG Top Returners: QB - EJ Warner - Son of Hall of Famer Kurt Warner. AAC Rookie of the Year. 3,028 yards passing with a 60.5% completion rate. 18 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. RB - Edward Saydee - 639 rushing yards for 4.3 YPC and 6 touchdowns. 36 receptions for 262 yards. WR - Amad Anderson - 38 receptions for 479 yards and 4 touchdowns. TE - Jordan Smith - 25 receptions for 346 yards and 4 touchdowns. LB - Layton Jordan - All AAC 2nd Team. 53 total tackles, 9 sacks, and 2 interceptions. - Jordan Magee - 86 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. - Yvandy Rigbe - 82 total tackles and 2 sacks. CB - Jalen McMurray - 49 total tackles. 7 passes defended and 1 interception. S - Alex Odom - 75 total tackles. 2 passes defended and 2 interceptions. Key Additions: - RB EJ Wilson = Transfer from FIU - WR Dante Wright = Transfer from Colorado State - TE Landon Morris = Transfer from Utah - DT Allan Haye = Transfer from Miami - LB Diwun Black = Transfer from Florida - S Kamar Wilcoxson = Transfer from Florida Synopsis: Temple struggled to run the ball in 2022. Quarterback EJ Warner put up impressive numbers as a freshman, however, he was often throwing off-platform and made a suspect offensive line look much better than they actually were. Defensively, the Owls run an aggressive 3-4 and were able to create pressure on opponents (led the AAC in sacks). They were solid against the pass, but were tied for last in interceptions (despite the high amount of pressure created) and frequently had issues stopping the run. Outlook: The Owls should be improved in 2023 and have added plenty of athleticism to the roster, especially on defense. Temple’s offensive line should also be improved, although it’s questionable by how much. Prediction: Akron wins a close one. GAME 2 (HOME) - 9/9/2023 - 6pm (ESPN+) MORGAN STATE = Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Head Coach = Damon Wilson (13 Year, 93-52 Overall) (2nd Year at Morgan State, 4-7 Overall) - 4-7 Overall and 2-3 in Conference in 2022. Scoring Offense = 20.5 PPG Scoring Defense = 20.9 PPG Offense YPG = 270.2 Defense YPG = 336.3 Rushing Offense = 147.2 YPG Rushing Defense = 129.8 YPG Passing Offense = 123.0 YPG Passing Defense = 206.5 YPG GAME 3 (AWAY) - 9/16/2023 - 7pm (ESPNU) KENTUCKY = SEC GAME 4 (AWAY) - 9/23/2023 - TBA INDIANA = BIG 10 GAME 5 (HOME) - 9/30/2023 - TBA BUFFALO = MAC Head Coach = Maurice Linguist (3rd Year, 11-14 Overall) - 7-6 Overall and 5-3 in Conference in 2022 (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 30.9 PPG Scoring Defense = 26.6 PPG Offense YPG = 370.9 Defense YPG = 383.9 Rushing Offense = 149.1 YPG Rushing Defense = 175.4 YPG Passing Offense = 221.8 YPG Passing Defense = 208.5 YPG Top Returners: QB - Cole Snyder = 3,030 yards passing with a 58% completion rate. 18 touchdowns to 8 interceptions. RB - Ron Cook = 600 yards for 4.3 YPC and 4 touchdowns. 16 receptions for 207 yards. - Mike Washington = 625 yards for 4.2 YPC and 7 touchdowns. 23 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown. OL - Gabe Wallace = All-MAC 3rd Team. Started all 13 games at left guard in 2022. DT - Daymond Williams = 43 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and an interception. LB - Shaun Dolac = All-MAC 1st Team. 147 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. CB - Caleb Offord = 30 total tackles. 8 passes defended and an interception. S - Marcus Fuqua = All-MAC 1st Team. 65 total tackles. 5 passes defended and 7 interceptions. K - Alex McNulty = MAC Special Teams POTY and All-MAC 1st Team. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Buffalo finished 7-6 overall, including a bowl victory. Still, an argument could be made they underperformed in relation to the talent on the roster. Outlook: The Bulls could finish with a similar record to 2022. They lost their two best wide receivers who may have made Snyder look like a better quarterback than he actually is. The defense lost some key players as well. That being said, Buffalo returns a solid core on both sides of the ball and brought in a strong recruiting class that could quickly fill some holes. The Bulls also have the luxury of collecting points anytime they are in the red zone due to kicker Alex McNulty. Prediction: Akron win. The Zips probably should have walked out of Buffalo with a win in 2022. Akron will field a stronger team in 2023 and be at home for this matchup. GAME 6 (HOME) - 10/7/2023 - 3:30pm (TBA) NORTHERN ILLINOIS = MAC Head Coach = Thomas Hammock (5th Year, 17-27 Overall) - 3-9 Overall and 2-6 in Conference in 2022 (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 25.9 PPG Scoring Defense = 32.4 PPG Offense YPG = 379 Defense YPG = 380.5 Rushing Offense = 211.6 YPG Rushing Defense = 145.8 YPG Passing Offense = 167.4 YPG Passing Defense = 234.8 YPG Top Returners: QB - Rocky Lombardi = Lombardi’s season was cut short due to injury. He was All-MAC 4th Team in 2021. RB - Antario Brown = 689 rushing yards for 6.3 YPC and 7 touchdowns. WR - Trayvon Rudolph = Rudolph missed all of w022, but was an All-MAC selection in 2021. OL - Nolan Potter = All-MAC 1st Team. Started 10 out of 11 games in 2022. - Logan Zschernitz = All-MAC 3rd Team. Started 10 games in 2022. - John Champe = Started 11 out of 12 games in 2022. DT - Devonte O’Malley = All-MAC 2nd Team. 35 total tackles and 5 sacks. - James Ester = All-MAC 3rd Team. 27 total tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception. S - CJ Brown = All-MAC 2nd Team. 78 total tackles. 5 passes defended and an interception. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Northern Illinois finished 3-9, but were competitive in most of their games. Losing Lombardi early was a blow to their season and hampered what the Huskies could do offensively. NIU struggled to push the ball vertically without Lombardi and relied heavily on the run game. Defensively, they struggled to create pressure, but did force some turnovers. Outlook: Unfortunately for NIU, their leading rusher transferred out. On the flip side, it may not matter much who is in the backfield as offensive line coach Daryl Agpalsa has done a fantastic job developing offensive linemen and coaching the run game. Also, running back Antario Brown is dynamic when healthy. Wide receiver and the secondary were glaring needs going into the offseason and it remains to be seen if those positions have been addressed adequately. NIU should have an improved record in 2023 if the injury bug doesn’t bite. However, talented depth is an issue every where except running back and the offensive line. Prediction: Akron win. NIU will be looking for revenge, but their lack of overall team speed (especially in the secondary) will still be a sore spot. GAME 7 (AWAY) - 10/14/2023 (TBA) CENTRAL MICHIGAN = MAC Head Coach = Jim McElwain (11th Year, 68-48 Overall) (5th Year at CMU, 24-21 Overall) - 4-8 Overall and 3-5 in Conference in 2022 (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 21.8 PPG Scoring Defense = 26.1 PPG Offense YPG = 327.6 Defense YPG = 360.5 Rushing Offense = 166.5 YPG Rushing Defense = 169.3 YPG Passing Offense = 161.1 YPG Passing Defense = 191.3 YPG Top Returners: OL - Deiyantei Powell-Woods = All-MAC 3rd Team. DT - Jacques Bristol = 34 total tackles and a sack. - Robi Stuart = 31 total tackles and 2 sacks. - John Wesley Whiteside = 36 total tackles and half a sack. LB - Kyle Moretti = 92 total tackles and 3 sacks. - Justin Whiteside = 65 total tackles. Half a sack and an interception. CB - Donte Kent = All-MAC 1st Team. 51 total tackles and a sack. 15 passes defended. S - Trey Jones = 85 total tackles. 3 passes defended and 2 interceptions. - De’Javion Stepney = 40 total tackles and a sack. 8 passes defended. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Central Michigan’s offense was underwhelming and downright anemic when it came to passing the ball. Defensively, the Chippewas were excellent at rushing the passer, while the run defense was average. Outlook: The defense should be stout again with a number of impact players returning. However, the offense will be inexperienced and any number of new comers could see significant playing time. Central Michigan’s defense will keep them in most games. Even so, expecting many wins with a questionable offense is a tough ask. McElwain received a multi-year contract extension so he likely isn’t going anywhere regardless of how Central Michigan performs in 2023. Prediction: CMU win. Akron will probably be the more talented team, but playing away and with a roster full of players not used to consistently winning may sneak up and bite the Zips. GAME 8 (AWAY) - 10/21/2023 - (TBA) BOWLING GREEN Head Coach = Scott Loeffler (5th Year, 13-29 Overall) - 6-7 Overall and 5-3 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 20.5 PPG Scoring Defense = 27.4 PPG Offense YPG = 354.6 Defense YPG = 371 Rushing Offense = 111.4 YPG Rushing Defense = 166.6 YPG Passing Offense = 243.3 YPG Passing Defense = 204.4 YPG Top Returners: RB - Jaison Patterson = 535 rushing yards for 4.3 YPC and a touchdown. - Ta’Ron Keith = 195 rushing yards for 4.1 YPC and a touchdown. 35 receptions for 348 yards and 4 touchdowns. WR - Odieu Hiliare = All-MAC 2nd Team. 58 receptions for 747 yards and 6 touchdowns. TE - Harold Fannin = 19 receptions for 218 yards and a touchdown. DT - Anthony Hawkins = 35 total tackles and a sack. LB - Darren Anders = 77 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. 4 passes defended. - Demetrius Hardamon - 25 total tackles and 6 sacks. CB - Deshawn Jones = 42 total tackles. 4 passes defended and an interception. S - Trent Sims = 61 total tackles. 2 passes defended and 2 interceptions. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Bowling Green probably outplayed their talent level in 2022 and managed to land in a bowl game. The defense was unusually opportunistic in creating turnovers and were near the top of the league in sacks. Outlook: The Falcons had a high turnover rate this offseason through graduation and the transfer portal. They will be fine at the skill positions, but are hurting on the offensive and defensive lines. Replacing lost production along the line of scrimmage is a challenge that the 2023 Falcons will struggle to overcome. Prediction: Akron win. The Zips will field a better team while the Falcons are seemingly headed in the opposite direction. GAME 9 (HOME) - 11/1/2023 - 7pm or 7:30pm (ESPN2 or ESPNU) KENT STATE Head Coach = Kenni Burns (1st Year, 0-0 Overall) - 5-7 Overall and 4-4 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 29.1 PPG Scoring Defense = 27.6 PPG Offense YPG = 442.9 Defense YPG = 425.9 Rushing Offense = 209.5 YPG Rushing Defense = 160.8 YPG Passing Offense = 233.4 YPG Passing Defense = 265.1 YPG Top Returners: RB - Bryan Bradford = 302 rushing yards for 4.7 YPC and 2 touchdowns. OL - Jack Bailey = Started all 12 games in 2022. DT - CJ West = 26 total tackles and a sack. LB - Khali Saunders = 55 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. 2 passes defended and an interception. - CJ Harris = 35 total tackles. 5 passes defended and 2 interceptions. CB - DJ Miller = 63 total tackles and 4 passes defended. S - Alex Branch = 34 total tackles and 3 passes defended. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Kent State should have been much better than their 4-4 conference record. Instead, they fielded one of the top offenses and one of the worst defenses in MAC play. Outlook: The Golden Flashes roster was ravaged by graduation and transfers. The 2023 offense will look nothing like last season and Kent State will be hard pressed in producing similar offensive numbers. While it’s hard to fathom the defense being any worse, that is a distinct possibility. Kent State will probably field one of the worst (if not the worst) teams in the MAC this year. Prediction: Akron win. Zips fans could choose to empathize with Kent State, but nah. GAME 10 (AWAY) - 11/8/2023 - 7pm or 7:30pm (ESPN2 or ESPNU or CBSSN) MIAMI (OH) Head Coach = Chuck Martin (16th Year, 119-66 Overall) (10th Year at Miami, 45-59 Overall) - 6-7 Overall and 4-4 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 20.6 PPG Scoring Defense = 20.9 PPG Offense YPG = 317.8 Defense YPG = 380.8 Rushing Offense = 137.6 YPG Rushing Defense = 161.9 YPG Passing Offense = 180.1 YPG Passing Defense = 218.9 YPG Top Returners: QB - Aveon Smith = 1299 yards with a 49% completion rate. 11 touchdowns to 5 interceptions. 533 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. - Brett Gabbert = Only played in 4 games due to injury, but was All-MAC 3rd team in 2021. RB - Keyon Mozee = 471 rushing yards for 4.3 YPC and 2 touchdowns. OL - Reid Holskey = Started all 13 games in 2022. DE - Brian Ugwu = 43 total tackles and 5 sacks. 1 interception. - Corey Suttle = 31 total tackles and 6 sacks. 1 interception. - Caiden Woullard = 29 total tackles and 4 sacks. DT - Austin Ertl = 35 total tackles and a sack. LB - Matthew Salopek = All-MAC 3rd Team. 124 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. NB - Michael Dowell = 97 total tackles and 2 sacks. 6 passes defended. CB - Yahsyn McKee = 35 total tackles. 6 passes defended and 2 interceptions. S - Jacquez Warren = 63 total tackles and 2 interceptions. P - Dom Dzioban = All-MAC 2nd Team. 42.38 yards per punt. 27 downed inside the 20. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Miami had the top scoring defense in the MAC, but still allowed their fair share of yards and failed to create many turnovers. The offense struggled to find their footing after Brett Gabbert went down. Aveon Smith was an adequate replacement as a dual-threat quarterback and provided another dimension in the run game. However, Smith struggled with accuracy when throwing the ball. Outlook: Coach Chuck Martin claims the Red Hawks have only lost one or two players to the portal they actually wanted to keep over the years. A load of defenders return, albeit minus All-MAC cornerback John Saunders. On offense, the wide receiver corps will basically need to be rebuilt. Same for the offensive line. There is no reason to think Miami will not be competing for bowl eligibility again. Coach Martin almost always fields competitive teams. Prediction: Akron win. The last three games will be tough and could go either way. GAME 11 (AWAY) - 11/14/2023 - 7pm (ESPN2 or ESPNU or CBSSN) EASTERN MICHIGAN Head Coach = Chris Creighton (27th Year, 185-107 Overall) (10th Year at EMU, 46-61 Overall) - 9-4 Overall and 5-3 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 29.1 PPG Scoring Defense = 28.3 PPG Offense YPG = 346.5 Defense YPG = 355.6 Rushing Offense = 128.1 YPG Rushing Defense = 158.6 YPG Passing Offense = 218.4 YPG Passing Defense = 197 YPG Top Returners: QB - Austin Smith = 774 yards with a 57% completion rate. 6 touchdowns to 4 interceptions. 255 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. RB - Samson Evans = All-MAC 2nd Team. 1,166 yards for 4.7 YPC and 15 touchdowns. - Jaylon Jackson = All-MAC 1st Team Returner. 398 yards for 4.4 YPC and 2 touchdowns. WR - Tanner Knue = All-MAC 3rd Team. 45 receptions for 632 yards and 9 touchdowns. OL - Brian Dooley = Started all 13 games in 2022. DT - Peyton Price = 33 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. LB - Chase Klein = 91 total tackles and a sack. 3 passes defended. - Joe Sparacio = 89 total tackles and a sack. 1 interception. S - Quentavious Scandrett = 44 total tackles. 2 passes defended and an interception. - TJ Peavy = 46 total tackles and a sack. 3 passes defended. Synopsis: The Eastern Michigan defense was stingy when it came to yards in conference play, yet they were near last in giving up points. The offense on the other hand would not have been considered a force when moving the ball, although they were near the top of the conference in scoring. Outlook: The Eagles had their best record during coach Creighton’s tenure and will be hard pressed to replicate that success. EMU has some talented skill players returning, but will have to rebuild their offensive line. MAC Defensive Player of the Year Jose Ramirez is gone and his production will be difficult to replace. The eagles do have the middle of their defense returning in tack, which will help when integrating new faces. Prediction: EMU win. This should be a fairly even matchup, but it’s the second of back to back road game for the Zips and that situation traditionally does not end well for the traveling team. GAME 12 (HOME) - 11/24/2023 - 12pm (ESPNU or CBSSN) OHIO Head Coach = Chris Creighton (6th Year, 38-21 Overall) (3rd Year at Ohio, 13-13 Overall) - 10-4 Overall and 7-1 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 32.8 PPG Scoring Defense = 21.1 PPG Offense YPG = 427.9 Defense YPG = 392.6 Rushing Offense = 155.2 YPG Rushing Defense = 135.6 YPG Passing Offense = 272.7 YPG Passing Defense = 257 YPG Top Returners: QB - Kurtis Rourke = MAC Offensive Player of the Year and All-MAC 1st Team. 3,256 with a 69% completion rate. 25 touchdowns to 4 interceptions. 249 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns. RB - Sieh Bangura = MAC Freshman of the Year and All-MAC 3rd Team. 1,078 yards for 4.9 YPC and 13 touchdowns. WR - Sam Wiglusz = All-MAC 1st Team. 73 receptions for 877 yards and 11 touchdowns. - Keegan Wilburn = All-MAC 1st Team Returner. 734 return yards for 23.6 yards per return. - Jacoby Jones = 45 receptions for 776 yards and 6 touchdowns. - Miles Cross = 47 receptions for 560 yards and 3 touchdowns. TE - Tyler Foster = 13 receptions for 185 yards and 4 touchdowns. OL - Jay Amburgey = Started 10 games in 2022. DE - Vonnie Watkins = 46 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. DT - Rodney Matthews = 26 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. LB - Keye Thompson = All-MAC 3rd Team. 96 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. 3 passes defended and an interception. - Bryce Houston = 76 total tackles and 5.5 sacks. CB - Torrie Cox = 52 total tackles. 6 passes defended and 3 interceptions. - Justin Birchette = 36 total tackles and 8 passes defended. - Roman Parodie = 29 total tackles and 8 passes defended. Synopsis: The Bobcats were strong on both sides of the ball in 2022. They led the conference in scoring on offense and were second in giving up points on defense. The Bobcats’ biggest weakness was giving up yards through the air. Outlook: Ohio returns the majority of their playmakers and have what’s seems to be the easiest path to winning the East. Ohio’s biggest task will be replacing the interior of their offensive line. That being said, Ohio again looks to be one of the premier team in the MAC. Prediction: Akron win. This game should be a good measuring stick for the program and might be the big win that pushes this program into elite MAC status.