Captain Kangaroo

Nice show put on by UA yesterday. The lots were full, lots of beers drank, and good times were had in Lots 9, 10, and in the grass lots along Spicer. Any UA alum that attended had to leave feeling like they'd want to return for Homecoming 2027. Ruggow played well yet again. For a Redshirt Sophomore with Zero experience, or expectations, coming into the season he's been a revelation. I can't imagine many G5 programs with a better 3rd stringer on their roster. OL blocked well enough to win the game. RB had a good push to run behind, and Ruggow usually had time to scan the field. They aren't perfect...especially with the untimely, borderline crippling penalties, but for hastily assembled patchwork crew they have done a nice job. WR's still drop too many balls. Marcel was great. TE position is a strength. Good hands when called upon, and excellent edge blocking. RB was fine. The mix of 70% Gant and 30% Patrick is effective. Surprised to see Marquisse get a chance in non garbage time, and he delivered a TD!? The defense is what it is. The lack of a pass rush hurt yesterday, as it has on most Saturdays. But they played well enough for the Zips to win the game. The LB's are more than serviceable. Again, I expected that crew to be much worse than they are in 2026. DB's are bad. But yesterday...could you really complain? After watching UNLV WR's run free 20 yards behind them two weeks ago, they were much more effective vs EMU. It was maddening to watch them in all follow the WR's and forget about the QB in successive goal line situations. Special teams hurt. Missed game winning field goal and a blocked punt hurt in a 2-point loss. It was fun to see the Zips defensive players urging-on the crowd to make some noise in key defensive situations. Usually there's no use doing so in the cavernous InfoCision. Last night, there was. If Schramm's kick had sailed through the uprights it would have been huge. The fans were cheering, the players were bouncing up and down, ready to storm the field...and instead I picked up my folding stadium seat and walked back to my truck on the losing end once again. The Zips team represented UA nicely on a big stage (by Zips standards) Saturday. Hope they keep fighting. I heard Miami lost their QB (who was awesome against Cincinnati a few weeks ago), so that'll help our cause next week. And a revenge win against Kent in 2 weeks can set the table for an interesting November. If Broughton is healthy next week, do you start him? He looked pretty spry on the sideline yesterday.

You know what Biggie said...mo NIL money, mo problems. Could he be similar to John Groce or Gary Waters, and accel at being a big fish in a smaller pond? He'd be one of my 5 interview targets. Hopefully Goodrich does great things and sticks around...but that hasn't happened in my lifetime.

I remember at a Zips golf outing Mack Roades addressed the crowd by stating -“We’re not thinking about the MAC…we’re thinking BEYOND the MAC.” Then, he and Hunter left UA for jobs beyond the MAC. UA’s biggest whiff on the AD carousel was not hiring Hunter Yurachek. He liked the University and loved living in Hudson. He had a young family at the time and would have stayed a while. He’s getting some heat at Arkansas right now. If Goodrich departs and Hunter’s looking for a job, he’d be worth an interview.

Getting a talented 18 year old isn’t such a great deal. We get the kids for their poopy diaper and colic years, and then hand a walking, talking, potty trained product off to the highest bidder. All that work for nuthin’.

Jesus’ 12-man staff would likely go 6-6 with our NIL coffers. Our training table would be endless bread, but at least the guys could eat. Could Coach Jesus turn water into a d-line? If so, 7-5 is the absolute best case. And he’d leave us for Notre Dame before our bowl game anyway.

What to write…? So horrible on 3rd and long… Got a redshirt sophomore QB who’s playing well enough for us to win, and we’re getting smoked. One bungling, crippling mistake after another…

Can someone at least save me an XL? That’s all I ask.

The Zips have had numerous noon home games over the years on Marathon Day, and there's never been a stadium parking issue. I typically arrive at 10 am.

The Zips lost their Beacon beat writer in 1989

https://rebelraid.discussion.community/post/unlv-presser-heading-into-akron-13890327?pid=1345015215

The best one-liner of the day is when Ford said "I'll be a lot better coach next year if those two guys are eligible."

Fumbles, missed field goals, conservative play…all added up to a massive choke. Since my son recently graduated from UC, we had a good time.😃

I’m at the U.C -Miami game. Miami absolutely thrashing the Bearcats.

Only the Zips could have the ball at the 10 yard line, and then be out of field goal range in 2 plays.

Minnesota does

No

Minnesota could throw for 500+ if they want to today.

I’d heard Mason had a bad camp, with a lot of drops. Seems to be true.

Give up a couple explosive plays on defense, fumble on offense. Not a great start.

The Gopher Hole

I'm way late on a response, but did want to say it was nice to see you and your wife at the game! Appreciate the Asheville restaurant recommendation - Cúrate was excellent. Trip to Winston Salem was easy. Made it in under 7 hours. Tailgating at the fairgrounds was very reminiscent of the Rubber Bowl lot. Plenty of room. Unfortunately not many people used it. I'm sure for this week's Miami game it'll be a lot fuller. Once we left the lot and walked to the stadium, the paved lots along the way were full. They seems to be "hopping," but not a crazy tailgate environment by any stretch. We stopped by the UA Alumni tent, which was very nice. I think they bought food for 500 people, and maybe 60 showed up? It was nice to have the tent only a couple hundred feet from the entrance. Stadium was definitely on the level of InfoCision. The fans were good people. The Winston Salem band at halftime was a highlight! Awesome performance. Football in the south can be much more of a "formal" event. Enjoyed the college girls in their summer dresses and cowboy boots. Wish the game were more competitive. My wife was beat by the heat, so we left with about 7 minutes to go. Missed both TDs. Got to hear them via Skozen and Dunn on iHeart as we walked back to the car. Good time. Good people. Wish the game were more competitive, but it went as well as we could reasonably expect.

It appears some people have taken the "Party With Marty" idea above as a confirmed, University sponsored event. To be clear - The idea was tabled exclusively by me with zero input from UA. That said, I wouldn't have added concept details and graphics if I didn't believe it could be a successful, fun, and feasible promo. I hope someone at UA takes it and runs with it in some form. Apologies to Marty if it caused him any angst. He's a rock star, and my hero! 🦘🎸

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!

Double oaked! Makes the all time greatest Old Fashioned!

I wish the Zips the best...but I'm sticking with Wooford Reserve.