Captain Kangaroo

We’re first half all-stars.

Agreed. The last thing the Zips program needs it to toss a bunch of guys who've been riding the pine all season into the final two games and get blown out. There's a reason those guys haven't played, and it's because they aren't yet ready to contribute. If there is one lesson to be learned from this season, it's - The Zips need to learn how to win. A 1-1, or 2-0 finish to the season would be a huge building block for the 2023 Zips.

If there are only about 11 serviceable QB's in the NFL, I can't imagine how bad the XFL QB play will be.

I don't knw that LSU and Mississippi State are "middling"? They are both undefeated. Both smoked a good Akron team. Miss St beat Marquette in Wisconsin. We'll see how LSU fares against KSU tonight. I expect both will be NCAA at-large teams when March rolls around. Beating one or the other in November would only affect our Tourney seed 1 spot, if that. Maybe a #13 instead of a #14. We aren't loaded for bear like we were in the Williams/LCJ/Cheese/Banks season. We're a lot like last season's team. I expect we'll be playing our best basketball in March and we'll see how the chips fall.

If Sammy Hunter starts making the percentage of 3's needed to justify the volume of 3's he takes, we'll kill teams.

Mid-majors that play a P5 tough for a half, then fold down the stretch are a dime a dozen. Let’s go Zips…seize the biggest P5 win in Akron history!

They can shoot, they have size, and they play hard. If a team that is more talented than the Zips also had those 3 attributes they’re almost impossible for a mid-major to beat. And really difficult for a major-major to beat too.

Massive choke by OU.

I think if the game wasn’t postponed or canceled by now, it is proceeding as scheduled.

I think he only needs to look as far as Gibson to see the portal giveth, and the portal taketh away. DJ's been given the keys to the car, and the long leash to fight through whatever missteps he's endured. If he goes elsewhere, for only 1 season, he's not gonna get that. He could easily become "The Undercuffler of Florida". One more season in Joe's offense, with the WR's we'll bring in/bring back, with an improved offensive line, and he can get some NFL looks. He's 6' 6", 215 lbs, strong, he can run with force, good arm...he just needs to tighten things up in the red zone. He has a whole offseason to work with Joe and figure it out.

Maybe 20 years ago I travelled to see the Zips-Wisconsin in Madison on Saturday, and the Vikings-Packers in Lambeau on Sunday (I've been a Vikings fans since I was a little kid). It was one of my all time favorite weekends! But - it was in sunny September and not a blizzard November. 😁

After three games, it seems like we're about where we typically are under Groce. With the portal, you just aren't going to have the continuity from year-to-year...the beginning is always going to be erratic until everyone settles in. I remember Xerius Willams struggling from behind the arc early-on, and guys like Banks, Cheese and LCJ all became much more consistent as time rolled on. Hankerson plays good defense and has a smoothness about him on offense...he reminds me a little of Rashon Brown. Hopefully those two 3's that dropped late in the game yesterday boost his confidence. He's no Maishe Dailey. He just needs to settle in his role. Lyles is intriguing. He seems to have a good touch around the rim. But he's too raw to get major minutes anytime soon. Hunter hasn't shown much. Seems like he's overthinking on the offensive side. Groce says he's tearing it up in practice? He hasn't been close to tearing anything up in games thus far. Nate Johnson has the body to replace Dawson this year. He's got great handles for a thick guy, and a nice touch from deep. If he develops quickly, it will really help free-up Casteneda and Freeman. Those two are our only offensive threats right now. '81's point regarding Clarke is valid...I was expecting Garvin to pick up where he left off at the end of last season. He's not close to that level yet. Tribble will be more effective once Hankerson and Johnson become consistent offensive threats. His offensive limitations stick out because there are two other offense-addled Zips just like him every time we possess the ball. He'll have easier opportunities to score once defenders need to respect the shots of the other four Zips on the court. Tavari looks like he's a player. But he's only 18. If he makes the most of his limited minutes and proves he can score a little at this level, there will plenty more minutes to be had as the season progresses. It's tough to be a HS star, and then sit 9th on the bench in college. But if he can accept it, and grinds, he'll be a contributor this year. Freeman and Casteneda are great. Our defense is pretty good so far. We just need some offensive firepower to emerge and we'll be in the mix for a championship once again.

BG has won 6 games this season. Toledo has won seven. Akron has won eight...eight games over the past 5 years combined. Tough to get fans and students to turn out when that level of football has been played. There are 4-year graduating seniors who have seen their alma mater win a combined 4 games in their UA tenure. Holy hell...

Dawson

Definitely looks that way.

Not if there’s a threat to kick it out to a guard for a three. He got double teamed all night and had no guard help whatsoever. Long ways to go until March. Groce teams always improve as the season progresses. We’ll see who steps up on the wing. Hope they show up sooner than later.

Freeman and Casteneda need help. Someone else needs to be a consistent threat or good teams will be able to shut us down.

Casteneda and Freeman need to produce. They’re being guarded hard and not getting any help, but they gotta find a way.

Portnoy looks like an oompah loompah.

Bad shooting is due to the ugly gold unis with the stick figure “A”. Bring back script Akron. 🤢

Memo to coach Groce - press Toledo.

Better than Reghi…

Unless he's better than a couple of them. Smoke 'em if you got 'em. If he can help us this season, play him. We are in "win mode" in 2022-23.

Sorta like the Zips and buckeyes last year.

From the Hard Rock Cafe in beautiful downtown Atlanta - Congrats Zips!