Zip Watcher

UA Men's Soccer continues to dominate opponents. Friday's win against Northern Illinois secured a MAC regular season championship and brings the MAC tournament to Lee Jackson field. This is a big time for UA and the soccer team. They are the FIRST MAC team OF ANY KIND to ever be ranked 1st in the nation, and with a win at WMU on Sunday they will retain that ranking for a third consecutive week when the new rankings are released on Monday and Tuesday. Time to take some notice if you haven't already. Here are some related news stories: GoZips.Com: Zips retain top spot in polls GoZips, part 2: No. 1 Akron Posts 5-1 Win over Northern Illinois Akron Beacon Journal: Zips keep it going against Huskies ABJ, part 2: Akron passes tests to remain No. 1 Rasor's Edge Blog: Soccer thoughts a few entries down Cleveland Plain Dealer: Zips' soccer ranking a first for university, conference Buchtelite: Soccer special section (more stories under "Sports") Soccertimes.com Rankings: Check 'em out! NCSAA Rankings: You don't need to look too far down. Discussions of Men's Soccer can be found in the Other Sports Forum Go Zips! ZW

UA Athletic Director Mike Thomas has been named the new AD at the University of Cincinnati, effective December 1st. I think most of us agree that Mike has done some heavy lifting on the hilltop and leaves UA in better shape than when he arrived. Here are some related news stories: GoZips.Com: Thomas named AD at Cincinnati University of Akron: Official Statement University of Cincinnati: Mike Thomas named new Director of Athletics UC Press Conference: Quotes Akron Beacon Journal: Zips AD to head south Cleveland Plain Dealer: Thomas latest Zip for UC Cincinatti Enquirer: UC picks athletic director Enquirer, part 2: New AD seeks marriage of athletics, academics Enquirer part 3: Thomas won't get off easy Buchtelite: Nothing yet Discussions of Mike's move have started in this thread in the Football Forum Best of luck to Mike and his family for a prosperous future, and thanks for your efforts at UA. ZW

From the ESPN Recap of the game: The Giants (2-0) benefited in every way from the NFL's decision, beginning with the opening kickoff. Some Saints trickery immediately backfired. Michael Lewis handed off the return to Fred McAfee, who fumbled at the 10, with Chase Blackburn recovering. Three plays later, to tumultuous cheers for the "visitors," rookie Brandon Jacobs squeezed into the end zone for a 7-0 lead.

I concur entirely Pouch.

2005 Akron Zips Football Opponents & Their Fan Sites: 09/10/2005 @ Purdue University Gold and Black.com 09/17/2005 @ Middle Tenn St GO MT Blue (.com) Go Blue Raiders (.com .. official site, no forums) GoMiddle.Com 09/24/2005 vs. Northern Illinois I believe MACbbs is their main board. 10/01/2005 Central Michigan I believe MACbbs is also their main board. 10/08/2005 @ Buffalo UB Fan (.com) 10/15/2005 @ Miami Ohio Miami Hawk Talk 10/22/2005 vs. Army Army @ Scout.com 10/29/2005 @ Bowling Green Ay-Ziggy-Zoomba.Com 11/05/2005 @ Ball St BSU Fans (.com) 11/15/2005 vs. Ohio bobcat attack (.com) 11/24/2005 vs. Can't State I think MACbbs is the best site for finding them (both fans) --- Please post corrections and/or additions to this thread, and they will be added to this list.

Wife and I went out for the game Saturday. I'll preface this by explaining that I generally catch at least 1 game every season at Ross-Ade since I finished my studies at Purdue. Usually, it's either ND or IU, but this was what I chose this year. As a lifelong Boiler and Zips fan, I'll admit that I was surprised how torn I was at the game. Generally, my 2 college sports teams that I follow actively are UA Hoops and PU Football, so I went into this generally hoping for a good showing by the Zips, without totally trashing my Boiler's long term hopes. So with this in mind, here's some thoughts from Saturday, apologies if there are dupes here: 1. Most importantly, the Zips belonged out there with the Boilers. They were in NO way out of their league or outclassed on the field. As stated in other posts, depth was the difference here. The starters matched up ok with PU. 2. I thought UA out executed PU for much of the game. When PU gets their game together in a few weeks (hopefully in time to destroy ND), they will be a much better team that we saw on Saturday. I think the same for the Zips .. they will improve and be a tough team. 3. My obesrvation from the sideline was that there were no injuries to report. I didn't listen to any broadcast, but I'm not aware of any serious Zips injuries. 4. The box score may say something different, but I felt like Getsy outplayed Hirsch for much of the game. Luke left 11 points out on the field with the overthrow of Arthur in the 2nd quarter, and missing the tight end late in the game near the goal line, but generally was poised and in control of the game. Escapability will be the biggest dropoff from Charlie this year. Arm strength doesn't appear to be a factor. From a PU fan's perspective, I'd rather have Getsy replacing Orton this season than Hirsch. Many of the people around us at the game could be heard to compliment Luke intermingled with frustration with Hirsch. Brandon was just awful at times, and had some problems completing the screne pass, which is a staple of Tiller's offense. Several times he overthrew the receivers, or just threw too hard for the situation. 5. I thought the line play was admirable on both sides of the ball. Both lines were outsized by a good margin by the PU starters. They held their own and kept things together. Late in the game, it appeared that cramping started to affect the Zips more than the Boilers .. it was hot down there. I didn't see any huge missed assignments by the subs that went in for brief spells. 6. We were seated about at the 25 yardline behind the Zips bench, near the open end. Billy Sullivan took some ribbing from the PU faithful from the beginning of the game, and handled it pretty well. After his first punt, an attempt at a pooch went way out of bounds, he came back to the banch very frustrated, and the fans started riding him. After the block (horrible effort by the right side of the line BTW .. looked like they were releasing on a screen pass .. no jamming or anything), the fans were all over him. Props to Sullivan for handling it with class and keeping his head about him. After several good punts, he got some respect from folks, especially after PU's holder let the snap on a field goal sail right by him. My perspective now on Monday after the game is that it's the best effort against a BCS opponent I've seen from the Zips in a long time. CK mentioned the OSU game .. I think this was similar. The Zips needed perfect execution to pull this game out, and didn't get it. They surrendered 7pts on the punt block, and left 11 out there on some missed receivers, so the margin was about 7. I think PU is about 2 TD's better than Akron this season on any given Saturday, and they will make some noise in the Big Ten. A good effort by the Zips and I would expect that they will be a factor in the MAC east much more than we all might have thought. The key will be the rebound .. do they move up and on, or take a step back? That's what I got .. a nice game to attend, and UA represented itself well. ZW Oh yeah ...

Wife & I will be there .. perhaps the kid as well .. late decision on that one. We're riding a mule to save gas, so we're leaving yesterday in order to get there in time.

Please hit "reload" and the background should be restored. Sorry for the trouble.

Yeah, that's also a pretty good spot. More of a towny kind of place and more removed from campus action, but plenty of room and things to do there. It's a big joint.

Drinking @ Purdue These tend to roll pretty frequently, but there are a few spots I like near campus and then 2 over the river in Lafayette. WL / Campus (all of these are in the Chauncey Hill area): - Harry's Chocolate Shoppe - If you go to one bar at Purdue, this should be it. Very old place, I think legend has it that it was a speakeasy in the prohibition and dry days in WL. Look for my Russian Friend's hammer & sickle on the first booth in the main room. There's an upstairs. This is the signature Purdue bar. - The Boiler Room - this might be one of the ones that may or may not be there. Was always my favorite while there, since they had Guinness on Tap. Bands / Music upstairs. Somewhat Pub-like downstairs. Couches in window were great spectator spot. - Jake's - Big place .. nothing grabs me too much .. might be good people watching spot. - Yacht Club - good pub atmosphere, nothing terribly unique. - TA Toms - Go here to see 18 yo girls w/ fake ID's bombed out their minds. Not my favorite hangout .. definately the younger crowd, if it still exists. Lafayette Spots: - Lafayette Brewing Company. See the food section, nice place, relaxed ... great beer. - Knickerbocker Saloon. Claims to be IN's oldest bar. Not far from LBC. Great bar, many beers, usually live music on weekends. I liked this place a lot. I'm sure there are tons more and much has changed since I was last out drinking in Laff/WL, but these would be where I start. Hope it helps.

I'll preface my comments about dining / drinking by pointing out that I was a grad student at Purdue, so my traditions / spots might be different than someone who lived on campus as an undergrad Boiler. Being paid to be a student can take you to different nightspots. Dining: Near campus, there are a few places (most of which I think are still there) that I think are good .. nothing that to me is a MUST see dining wise (like a Luigi's for example). South of campus is a small area called Chauncey Village. It's at the intersections of State, Northwestern and Chauncey. The following could be found there for dining: - Wabash Yacht Club (Snot Club): Decent sandwiches, bar menu. It's a bar, but the food there is solid. - XXX: Not a place that I have a lot of familiarity with. It is an institution and probably a good lunch spot. Burgers & Sandwhiches named after folks like Griese, Dawson, Leroy Keyes, probably Alstott. - La Bamba: If you hit the bars (see below), this is a must stop afterwards, not sure I'd hit this place sober, but with a few in you, it's a good late night spot. Small chain, I think there's several at Big 10 schools. Burritos as big as your head! - Jakes Roadhouse: Think winking lizard wth chrome. Sort of like Quaker Steak and Lube. - There was a pizza place on the corner by Jakes, but I can't remember it's name or if it's still there. Was good eats. - Jimmy Johns - chain, good subs. Down State street towards the river is what they call the Brown St. Levee, and there are a few places down there. The one that I think of that one might call a local favorite is Brunos. Northen Italian joint I think. It moved a few years ago from an old building that was a fixture in the area, but got paved over by some road improvements. Brunos was nice. I think there's a brew pub on State street in WL now, but not sure. Dining - Lafayette: There are a few very good places in downtown Lafayette, google can get you these and more: - Maize (on Columbia) upscale .. great food .. - Sarg Oak in the Holiday Inn. I think this is related to Sarge Biltzes which was an institution way back in the day, but I don't know this place well. Best place in town for my money: Lafayette Brewing Company - It's a brew pub and a restaurant, all non-smoking, with excellent food & even better beers. If there's a place not to miss near Purdue, I think this is it, if not one of the select few. It's across the river, but not far from campus and worth looking up. I think they have a website. Drinking spots, next post.

PS. Regarding the Turnpike. Please consider that I live in Cuyahoga now. If I lived South of 76, I would certainly take US30 in OH just to get me to Ft. Wayne and then take 24 / 25. One other thought. 25 will dump you on the north end of Lafayette at the Rt 52 bypass. This is a good angle to come at campus and get out of campus as it will enable you to get to the Stadium without going through either downtown Lafayette, or the "commercial" areas near campus. Post any followups here. I'll be out there at least 2 times between now and Sept, so I can verify things for you if need be.

Ok, business has been brutally busy lately .. but I'm trying to catch up here. I go back for at least 1 game in WL every year. Normally it's ND or IU, which generally alternate. This year, I'm torn, because the Boilers play the ZIps and Domers in consecutive weeks. As for getting there: - For the most part, if you're in for just cruising there in a hurry, the FASTEST route is to take 71 to 70 to 65 and go through CBus and Naptown. I know it seems silly when you look at the map, but it's generally about a 5.5 hr. drive, and if you can miss the rush hours, you'll do it around that amount of time. Be sure to take the loops (270 & 465) around the capitals. - About 4 or 5 years ago, a MAJOR improvement was completed on US24 going across Indiana. This has now become my route of choice. 80% is divided highways. It is shorter by distance than the South route, but way more direct. Here's how I do it *Take the OH Turnpike to Toledo. Exit on I-75 S headed toward BG. *Take 475 (either West or North) when you get to it in 5 miles or so. *Follow signs for US24 (I think it says Waterville) .. again only a few miles on 475 *Take US24 all the way to Logansport, IN (this is probably around 2 1/2 to 3 hrs) *When you get to Fr. Wayne, take the signs that route 24 around FW to the north, that's quicker than going through. *As you approach Logansport, take Rte 25 (I think it's IN, not US) towards Delphi and on to Lafayette (38 miles). Much of the route is not limited access highways, so there is always the pig truck risk. However, most of the center of IN is now 4 lane divided and there's usually little opportunity for slowdowns. US24 in OH is the worst part, between Waterville and the state line .. there are a few bypasses where it opens up, but it's 2 lane most of the way. Soon after you go through FW, you'll pass near Huntington, IN, the home of GHWB's VP .. I'm sure there's a visitor center. Resist the urge to take the business routes through places like FW or Logansport .. they're a sure fire slow down. This is the way that I go now, when I'm out there once a quarter or so .. it's generally a 5 1/2 hour to 6 hour drive, it is shorter and I prefer it to the Interstate route for a variety of reasons. I would say that I would never take 80/90 all the way to South Bend. It swings you way out of the way north. That's how I get there. Thoughts on dining / revelry in the next post. ND Sucks IU Sucks UMass Blows Goats

Hey, I'm still nursing the MAC hangover and it's impact on my work load, so I've not posted my thoughts / observations yet .. I'm gonna try and get to that this weekend or early next week. Been busy shopping at Giant Eagle while wearing my new MAC duds. Off topic: I have some seats at the Convo ... er.. Wolstein center for the games on Thursday and just got a late cancel. Any slugs work up near Cleveland interested in playing afternoon hookey tomorrow? I've got an extra seat. Games are at 12:30 and 3ish. BC vs. Penn and Wisc. Milwaukee (and Allen Hanson) vs. Alabama. Not sure which is first. PM Me or post an note here and I'll find a way to connect with you. Go Zips! More later on the Zips & MAC tourney .. also some ZN.O updates / upgrades soon.

HUGE game today against WMU at the Gund. We hope all of you clipped the get out of work free coupon from yesterday's add in the ABJ. Zips are facing the Broncos at 2pm or thereabouts for a place in the MAC semi-finals and a 20 win season. Let's bring the Nation out in full force and watch the defense get it done! Here are some of todays pre-game news items: GoZips.Com: Zips face Western Michigan in MAC Tournament quarterfinals Akron Beacon Journal: Perserverence has Akron playing on Cleveland Plain Dealer: MAC Tournament Preview Kalamazoo Gazette: Broncos hope to have more offensive Zip MAC Official Site: Nothing new to see here Join the discussion in the Akron Zips Basketball Forum

Not sure if this really helps them, but the Zips are 2-0 against 2 teams with automatic bids so far. That shouldn't hurt them, but not sure if it dies anything for them either. We choked on Roo dust, and we're dancing!

- I'm curious about KD's "let my hair down" comment in the post game show. What does he have up his sleeve? Every good coach holds some little thing back, what will it be? - I think they might be holding DP back a little .. he's pretty much our best scorer & I think that he's going to come up huge against WMU on Thursday. - It's nice to see all 3 seniors come up big in the thier last few performances at home for the Zips. That's a refreshing change. We're going to need quality minutes from Nick before the year is out, and he's providing them now. Great to see it Nick. - I've said it before & I'll say it again. Middleton can flat out play. He's going to get better at decision making when he gets to the rack, but right now he's the only one aggressive enough to take the ball at the defense sometime. - Mario is a great defender .. we WILL miss him after the next 5 games are over .. - Our crowd size SUCKED last night. Along with the 9 other people I brought to the game, I was most embarrassed to see that kind of showing. Those that were there were into it, but where was everyone else? Very much looking forward to the Gund. Much more on that later.

In year's past, hasn't the Lizard been the Miami or Can't State HQ?

Team & Staff: All you need to know is that the Nation will be out in full force to support your efforts on Monday night. We appreciate what you've laid out this year, and look fowrward to several more games this season. Go Zips!!

I couldn't agree more that this draw is pretty favorable: - No Can't State, OU or Miami until the finals. Basically playing the West while the rest of the East plays in the other half of the bracket. - Miami could likely have to play BG then Can't or OU .. that's a tough draw for a #1 seed. - EMU played a great game today it appears & they will come to play. If I remember right, there is some size on that club, so the glass will need some attention. - It was mentioned by French during the UB game that "No team that has played on Monday has gone on to win the MAC tournament in Gund Arena" .. that's amazing!! But it can't last forever. I think the 2 and 3 seeds aren't as strong right now as the 4-7 are IMHO. Let's Go ZIPS! How about a full house on Monday! I think it needs to be done!

I think this was a tough loss for the Zips. Maybe tougher on us fans who have let our expectations race way ahead of where this program currently is. I'm extremely guilty of that today. Probably the only game in the entire conference slate where they didn't have the opportunity to win late. 16 is certainly their largest margin of defeat this year. Given that Can't, Miami and OU have all suffered 20+ point beatings this year, I have to remind myself that this isn't a terrible thing. Some thoughts after a little break from the game & reading some other posts: - I have to say that I didn't really consider the refs a factor in this game. I'm probably a minority in this today and most days. I guess I feel like the refs are pretty much like the dead spots in the old Boston Garden floor: They're a part of the game and good teams will adapt to the environment in which they're playing. Refs are a part of that environment. This isn't to say I think the MAC refs are great .. they're probably pretty average. But to those that think the MAC should spend more, you should be aware that many of these guys are also Big 10 and other larger conference refs. I didn't feel they impacted the outcome of this one. - My comment in the earlier thread during the game was probably a bit harsh. Basically my observation of the second half is that it's the first time that frustrations took the Zips out of their game, both offensively and defensively. It was clear by about the 16 minute mark that the shooting frustrations were starting to affect the defensive intensity. I think it says a lot about this team that this was the first time this has happened ALL SEASON. The defense simply broke down in the second half. - In general during this game, the Zips did not take care of the ball well. I agree with another poster (Z-Pouch) that the shot percentage and turnovers weren't necessarily a result of the Bulls D. There were times where passes were just headed nowhere in particular. - I think the rebounding in the first half was solid and was a big improvement over the past 5 games or so. Given the opponent's size inside, I take that away as a positive from the first half today. When the wheels came off late, the rebounding margin got out of control, but in the 1st half, it was ok. - Perhaps the sibling thing played a role, but Cedric played a hell of a game today. 6-11 from the floor is a pretty good shooting night for him. I've thought that he's defended well all year, but tonight his shooting came around. The biggest thing I think he brought was that he attacked the basket. This is one weak point I've seen the past few games with our backcourt if there is one: there is much more dribbling on the perimeter now than a couple of weeks ago. The team needs to advance the ball and attack the basket more .. Cedric did that today nicely. - If you take CM's shots out of the team totals, the Zips shot 12 for 56 as a team. :blink: - Daryl seems to be coming around. He's still our best scorer & we'll need good nights from him to win a few games this week. - The passing and TO's were hard to see today. This team has been MUCH better than this all year. Ultimately, it's a tough loss to a pretty good team. My concerns are only that it's the first time we've seen a chink in the armor of team defense & team attitude. There was some friction evident in the second half. Born of frustration I'm sure. How they respond will be a good indicator of the mental maturity of this young club. I anticipate a good bounce back. I think the tourney draw is a good one if you have to play on Monday. The last game against Eastern was the tale of two games: In one the Zips blew EMU off the floor for about 30 minutes. In the other, the Zips couldn't get the ball over half court and nearly gave up a 25 point lead. Eastern took UT to 2 OT's today, so they're not to be taken lightly, as even Marshall showed today. Some good shooting will cure a lot of ills. This makes about a 3 game stretch of struggles from the floor. If they can get some shots to drop, I like our chances against anyone in the league. Looking forward to a win Monday and a Zips game at the Gund. Go Zips!! oh yeah .. and:

Agreed

Never thought for a moment that the Zips would mail this one in, but they did. Hope they can leave this behind in NY and get up for what should be a winnable game against Eastern on Monday. I sure enjoy the JAR, but was hoping not to see it again until November. See you on Monday.

Don't we need an OU win to get the tiebreaker? Somebody should get a memo to Joyce & Travis to let them know .... This is U G L Y ugly.

Seems like the Zips are assured of staying out of the 8-9 game no matter what. A win today gives them the 3 seed at worst. Big game that will be nice to have. I'm sure UB will be packed & rocking with the Senior night. Here's hoping that the Bulls come out stressed and over emotional a little bit. I'm sure KD's boys will come to play. Some quick thoughts: - A win gives them 4 days off .. no doubt that RT can use the blow at this point in the season. - 7 point win against the Herd when the Zips played that poorly is a sign of a good team. Nice to get away with one like that when you have an off night. - 2-3 Zone gave the Zips fits, and we almost saw the Zone Buster Nick Goddard there for a bit. Knocking down some threes opened things up. I'm thinking we'll see Nick bomb away again before the year is over. - UB appears to struggle from outside. This will be a challenge for Travis, Futch, Preston & Meyers to contain things inside and not get obliterated on the boards. Force the Bulls to win the game outside where they struggle. - As I recall from the game at the JAR, UB really froze up against the special sauce 1-1-3 zone in the second half. Could be related to frustrations outside, but it really brought their offense to a halt. I look to see that a bit today. -UB is a very good team, and worthy of every effort. I think the 4.5 point spread is about right. Rick and Bubba haven't been great from outside lately, but if they can get it going early and keep things open a bit more inside for Romeo and Daryl to go to work, the Zips could have a good afternoon. I'm very pumped to be reading about the Zips in "bubble watch" and considering if they can get a top 3 seed. Great job by the team and staff. Let's go get the Bulls and then bring the Nation north to shake the Gilbert .... er .. Gund. GoZips!