Captain Kangaroo

Shrewd? These are ideas from past administrations that were killed. "Re-hashed marketing moves" is more apropos. The recent "Meet the Team" event was not publicized very well. Hence the bad turnout (even by Zips standards). The Zips Administration needs to work hard if this event is going to be successful. The Kid's Club was a great idea, and very successful 10 years ago. Over the next several years it eroded, until it was finally killed. If UA actually pays attention to the program and sticks with it, it will be successful again.

"I don't know whether there was a morale problem or a talent problem. The statistics are so bad I've got to believe the kids are better than the record indicated." Great quote. If he needs a clue where to point a finger...I'd start by looking at the guy who kicked off twice in one game. Or maybe the guy who kicked a field goal to cut a 20 point deficit to a 17 point deficit late in the 3rd quarter. If not those two guys...then maybe the guy that went for two, down 20-6 with a full half of football remaining. Somewhere amongst those 3 guys is the reason the Zips statistics defied belief.

For Clayton's sake, I personally still hope he matures.

On a related note, I received my season tickets yesterday. All tickets were included, as well as vouchers and parking passes. They got the stuff done on-time, and correct. First time ever. I'm still in shock.

I'm digging the halftime possibilities!

The Akron Zipmeisters

I'd held up a sliver of hope that Wagner might have a change of heart and re-join the Zips. But it looks like it ain't gonna happen. Too bad...while the win total wouldn't be too high for this season, I think the new staff and positive team vibe would have allowed him to leave UA on a better, more positive note.

A fan question that George might be able to follow up on: What's the scoop with Nick Rossi? FB last year. LB this year. But I haven't heard his name mentioned anywhere? He was one of our more heralded recruits from 2011.

Between Chisholm and Alexander, Alexander is the short-yardage back. Chisholm is an upright, outside the tackles runner. Alexander is a low-to-the-ground power runner that hits the hole quickly.

As long as it is natural, and not forced*, I agree with giving it a try. Neither has taken control of the job thus far, so it make take evaluating them both under game conditions to see who gives us the best chance to win. * Like the Penn State game, where Butchie was kicking butt, and we were down 14-10 after one quarter...and Owens inexplicably substituted Gromek @ QB, who tossed two "pick 6's" in a span of about 30 seconds.

Thanks again for all your work, George. You are doing a fantastic job.

Amato knows what the Zips defense needs to do to win. He knows where they're at, with a pretty high resolution. And he knows he'll put it all together. A refreshing, informative 58 seconds. I liked the flashback to last season with Ianello. Broccoli Rob fed us a big steaming helping of nothing with every video segment. My favorite one was his immediate follow up to the complaints on ZN.o about is cocky, FU on-camera attitude. Some administrator subsequently forced him to bring his kids on-camera to show what a softie he was. One of the more forced, uncomfortable things I've ever witnessed. Don't think it fooled anyone.... Love Bowden. Love Amato. Love having experienced "pros" coaching our team instead of arrogant, learn-on-the-fly hackers.

Can we put Yasin Reeder in the "Burner" category? From my recollection, he didn't have many moves, but he could out-run just about anyone. Bobby Hendry? Did anyone ever catch in from behind?

I disagree with your disagreement. Breaking away from CMU's lame defenders isn't really showing breakaway speed. I think Bowden is looking for a pure speed, "Jimmy Grey" type back to complement Chisholm (long stride, size, balance and decent speed) and Alexander (between the tackles, power, excellent leg drive, decent speed). I like trying to get a legit "burner" in our backfield.

John Wayne Gacey painted some great clowns. Roman Polanski made some great movies. Ted Bundy's ovehead slam was virtually unstoppable. And pedaphile-enabler Joe Paterno won a lot of fooball games.

INSPIRATIONAL COACHING MOMENT: Coach Dale gathers his nervous team and has them measure the height of the hoop where the state finals will be played. "Ten feet," a player answers. Coach Dale reminds them that it's exactly the same height as the hoop in their tiny home gym, and is nothing to be afraid of. The players laugh and nod, ready to take on Goliath.

One missed question - "Why did you change from #44 to #7?"

That's almost as good as Dennis Helsel shouting out to the Rubber Bowl faithful "This is the greatest win in Syracuse history!" Or Tom Wistercill exclaiming "The cupboard is not bare!"

In what I feel is an ingenious game day promotion, I have learned there will be an honorary team captain for 2012 game between the 3-9 Chippewas and the 1-11 Zips. Flip that coin, and then ride off into the sunset my friend....

You'd be happier with free Great Lakes Dortmunder than Milwaukee's Best...but free beer is free beer. You can't complain. It certainly does go against the intent of the give-away to provide free tickets to a game 5 hours away against Mount Pleasant's Best. And just a head's up - If you attend any MAC road football game and hang around the gate asking "anyone have an extra ticket?", it takes about 13 seconds before someone puts a freebie in your hand. All MAC road games are free.

I would think Zeke will learn a few things from Pat too.

Must have thought CMU was playing Rob Ianello 8 times?

“Our president wants one day to see Akron right there with other big city institutions,” said Bowden. “I’d just like to see us win a conference game.”

Our biggest problem as the season wore on was lack of point guard depth. After Abreu, there was no real PG to run the offense. Some bad decisions during crunch time of the OU and Northwestern games also hurt. But it is time to forget the past and move forward....

We were already a few scholarships over our allotment. At best we're even now, but I'm pretty sure TB is banking on some further roster attrition as camp progresses.