Big Zip

Where do you point the finger for this? Who is responsible for helping these kids stay eligible? When does JD take responsibility for recruiting all of these kids who are not eligible to play -- some ever? It's been talked about plenty of times here -- his recruiting classes are great, but when it comes to seeing the field does his recruiting class still stack up? It's beginning to look a lot like they don't. How do the big schools keep these kids eligible. How do we make this happen? I've heard before we've got a horrible tutoring program that we should be ashamed of -- is this still the case?

I think if you closely at the link first posted here about the stadium. It was the link that took you to a multiple page proposal for the stadium stated their was money available for the stadium from a local direct marketing company and I believe also said something about a smaller amount of money pledged by a local energy company. Look for something along the lines of Infocision Stadium and maybe they'll be the First Energy luxury suites.

If we're judging him on the two previous coaches -- it's not tough to look like Lombardi. How about we compare him to other MAC Coaches who took over struggling programs and succeeded -- how about Urban Meyer's stay at BG?

Have you all ever been to Cleveland -- is this your first time? The pit located between West 3rd and West 6th (also known as the Fagans lot) will be empty. Also, the parking lot opposit it north of the tracks will be empty too. I'll be behind the court house (which will also be empty) with a nice view of the air show and a walk down the steps and aross the bridge to the game (past the goal posts). The muny lot will be busy -- so don't park there. I know that is all they show on TV before a game, but haven't parked there since the 80s. Get ther early set up your Zips flag and start your barbecue. It's going to be a grand day. If possible get yourself some Club seats on the 50 and have access to a bar during the game. Not to mention more comfortable seats.

The negotiation could actually include the ability for the ABJ to print programs for the University or the Buchtellite (they may already do this for all I know) with circulation of print newspapers decreasing annually any way they can make extra money is needed. They now print a weekly advertising mailer that gets delivered through your mailbox. Anything to utilize the presses. I can say I hope the ABJ finds someone to replace Rasor when he leaves -- his blog has been the best thing they've done for Akron sports. I need to give Rasor and the ABJ props for that.

I agree with the request by the fans, but at some point we're actually going to need a marketing department to do something at this University. At this point I think you can fire them all and start over or if you are okay with the work they are doing -- fire them and don't replace them. They aren't doing anything anyhow. I know peopl on this board don't like freebies, but let me toss something out there for everyone to think about. A few years ago a marketing professional went to the Chicago White Sox and told them he could help them fill the empty seats. He explained his plan called for a nominal fee for the tickets and the White Sox would benefit from additional concession sales. The idea was people weren't coming to the game anyhow and a reduced price seat was better than an empty one. It worked. This year I have purchased one of these cards for the Cleveland Indians. I received 10 tickets for specific games they know won't sell out (Yankees and Red Sox aren't included) for $37. Additionally, I've purchased a $40 ticket for Glen Eagle golf course that provides me with two rounds of 18 holes (no cart included) and like 10 other rounds by one get one free. The golf has some specific hours attached to it and I've got to by the cart. They bring in money and get people on their courses eating concessions. The Zips have tried similar programs with basketball and football, but never very well. Get creative think up a plan and execute or get the hell out. Finally Tom -- I get it get involved be part of the solution not the problem, but the problem is you're preaching to the choir. Take your message to Mack!

18 games isn't a year and half -- the NFL plays 16 game schedules -- not sure if you are aware SGM, but they changed that awhile ago. You'd be right there if it was still a 12 game schedule though.

I'm still waiting for you SGM and GP1 to respond to the facts I presented in the previous discussion about Charlie.A rookie QB (essentially) on a team that has never had any offense in the time it has been back and you share his numbers as if he took over the super bowl team. The two of you should go away. SGM you might be the most disliked guy on this board. GP1 you've been here forever and have always offered negative comments on the Browns when a conversation comes up so your not credible on this issue either. I actually like to read GP1's takes when they aren't about the NFL and is opportunity as a Steelers fan to bash the Browns.

I've mentioned it before and I'll throw it out again, I don't understand long term contracts for Mid Major coaches. Long term contracts can only hurt you they can hardly help you. I know we all want to believe KD won't leave to go coach another bigger school should they come calling, but I'm not totally sure. With this in mind, if he fails at all you can't fire him or risk having to pay him for the remainder of the contract (see Hipsher and Owens). On the flip side every Mid Major in the world when asked if a big school can talk to their coach says -- "Ummm yeah sure take him we don't need him anyway." It's like signing a non-compete and your company waiving it when the competition comes from the number one company in your market and your company just decides to waive the non compete.

Rifle -- Why won't the Browns line be better this year. If the QB is getting the brains beat in this year it's because he holds the ball too long.

I know folks love to come on this board and spout their opinion, but here are the facts (SGM and GP1).1st year statsTerry Bradshaw 13 games (for you GP1)83 for 218 1,410 yards 6 TD 24 INT QB Rating 30.35Peyton Manning 16 games (for you SGM) 326 for 575 3,739 yards 26 TD 28 INT QB Rating 71.2Charlie Frye 18 games 350/557 3,456 yards 14 TD 22 INT QB Rating 72.2I'm guessing Ben Rothleisberger wouldn't have looked much better if he had played with Cleveland -- instead he was able to hand the ball off an awful lot and fell back to reality last year with a 75.4 QB rating (his third year).Is this the new definition for failure? Interesting to note the Browns have mortgaged the future for today. What does Savage care though if this team doesn't get better the first round pick next year won't be his to make anyhow. There were more pressing needs on this team. I think Charlie deserved a chance next year with a line boasting Steinbach and Thomas guarding his blind side. Fun fact of the day -- the next QB off the board was at 36 (The Browns original pick.) Maybe Savage's haste to move up was a stupid move.

C'mon guys you can't be serious. Tom Hagen was the roled Robert Duval played in the Godfather.This is just another poster signing on to the board. Could it be someone from the administration that is going to try to use this board to try to get the true Zips fan's pulse on things?I'm happy to offer one thought -- I don't believe Mack Rhoades has brought too much to the institution. Everyone on this board has been summarily disappointed with the marketing efforts -- to say there are marketing efforts is a stretch. Additionally, my understanding was his speciality was rallying the community and getting the local corporate world involved -- haven't seen much of that either. Unfortunately the biggest opportunity this University missed was years ago when the Browns were gone and the Cavs were terrible. People needed something to root for -- they never reached out to the Cleveland community. They need to see NE Ohio as their market not just Akron. Oh yeah, If you build it they will come.

Heard an interesting conversation about the draft value board and how it's not really accurate anymore for the top picks given how much money teams have to pay those picks. Teams are now more relucant to move up because it costs them so much money for an unproven player. Quite frankly I think this is one place where the NFL Union and Owners need to get together. There are so many good players that don't make one a bad rookie makes because of draft position. If they could come to some agreement on salary slotting for rookies it would make the league better.The real question for Quinn (if the Raiders are truly negotiating with him Russell and Johnson) is how confident are you the Browns will draft you. Are you confident enough to accept a low ball offer that isn't as much as you would make if you got drafted third? With that in mind do you accept a low ball offer that would pay you more than you would receive if you were drafted third. The pundits believe if he isn't draft third he'll fall to seventh and no further than ten. So Brady -- you've got to ask yoursel -- Do you feel lucky?

Don't Draft Brady QuinnLove the web site above.I can't for the life of me believe the Browns are going to waste two more draft picks on WR and another on a safety. I'd love to see Thomas in the first, Kalil in the second and Alleman in the third. Potentially three starters for the line for the next "x" amount of years. The Jets did it two years ago when the drafted Ferguson and Mangold. It's time for the Browns to quit having amnesia on draft day and picking the sexy pick versus the solid pick. I don't know that I've posted it here, but if they do draft Brady Quinn and you are interested in going to a Browns game let me know. My tickets will be on E-Bay the next day. $40 -- 17 rows up on the second deck of the Dawg Pound even with the club seats. I'll be tailgating and going home next year if Quinn is a Brown.

It would certainly be interesting to see a guy like JD take us to two bowl games in the next two years -- while Winters make the complete turnaround with Wayne State. JD leaves Akron and Winters returns home. I always like Paul and his offense. I used to tell everyone who would listen during those years if they wanted to be entertained -- Akron games were the place to be. Who could forget the EMU game 65-62 what a barn burner. I know it shouldn't have been that close or that many points scored, but wow if you liked offense that was the place to be that night in 2001. Actually that game might say a lot about Akron football during the Owens years -- except that it ended in a win. Lots of offense and no defense -- home win though.

Gerry Faust recruited the players Lou Holtz won a National Championship with. Some coaches recruit and some coach -- some can do both.

Here's to hoping he'll grow some in the next year. 5'11" is taller than me, but it's not terribly tall for Div. 1 Basketball. Although it hasn't seemed to stop him yet.

Last year at the golf outing I was told by one of the assistants the Jacquemain was in the lead for the No. 2. Something happened between then and the beginning of the season -- it'll be interesting to see who the starting QB is to say the least. If things work out with the QB -- it would nice considering this question would then be answered for the minimum next three years.

I asked this question a little while back and don't believe I got any response -- so I'll ask again -- aren't the people on this board the same people that tell me year in and year out what an amazing recruiter JD is? If he's amazing and our recruits have really been that good -- we shouldn't be worrying about anything and this team should be pretty damn good. If not -- maybe those letter of intent signing day rankings aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

For the life of me -- I can't understand the hatred for domed stadiums. If the people of Cleveland wouldn't have this same problem the Indians would be playing at home today and they wouldn't have had four snow days. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the warmth of Ford Field for the MAC Championpship game and the Motor City Bow. But that's okay Cap'n I'm sure you would have much rather froze in the cold and snow.

Phil Savage also said on WTAM he wants to pick up Trent Green. I don't think this team can afford to pick a QB and they won't unless Savage's boy Jamarcus big arm falls to them at three. I personally think Calvin Johnson at three makes it a lot easier for Charlie to be successful. Winslow, Edwards and Johnson -- Jurevicious in the slot. I would say that would pretty difficult to stop and would open some pretty big holes for Jamal Lewis.

I guess this puts a complete end to the discussion on where Andrew Johnson is transferring. CK was right as usual and the folks a Youngstown were wrong. From gozips.comWhen the second unit took the field, running back Andrew Johnson found a seam on the first play and out-ran the defense virtually untouched for a 65-yard score. Johnson will have to sit out next fall as he transferred from the University of Miami this semester. Johnson is a Pittsburgh, Pa., native (Penn Hills HS) and will have one year remaining after next fall.

Any idea where David Harvey is -- I know JD said he was handling personal business I hope thats not code for he's gone and we don't want to talk about it.

I guess I forgot, but Dru was a preferred walk-on. So I guess it can happen. If he takes playing time away from guys on the team already -- I think that is a good thing. There are times when a player gets overlooked and we can all hope this is one of those times.

I can't imagine a preferred walk on is going to take time away from McNees, Dials, Middleton, and Steward. I imagine he'll red shirt next year and work on his game.