Z.I.P.

The guys from ESPNU last Saturday didn't miss it. And they said the exact thing you wrote about the coverage (but then, so did I!). You don't have to be a rocket scientist...

Scuttlebutt now has it as a longstanding battle for popularity with the Jayhawk girls. Good thing that doesn't happen on the Akron campus. Everyone steps back when a soccer player is in the vicinity. At least in my day there was no question who the top jocks on campus were. Now if we can all just matriculate into the eighth grade.

Who to root for?? I thought it was a foregone conclusion they would be rooting for Akron. Aren't they all a bunch of front-runners? Too many sell outs. Gotta get that 72Roo Stadium built quick.BTW -- streaming thoughts out loud -- anyone notice who moved up to #9 in the rankings? Congratulations. That's the highest ever for Louisville, and as high as I would ever expect them to get, but the season's still young, and they should be near the top of the BigEast. BUT -- as much as I personally like their coach, I can't see them being consistently in the top-10. But, good luck to them. I don't see them as a rival, as we are unlikely to play each other.

+1West Point man gets the benefit of my doubt. Remember though, that sometimes people get in trouble because they care TOO much. Because they have too MUCH pride and that can get in the way of seeing the big picture. The man we really have to trust right now is the guy who's been on the job for about 15 days. Tom, I think you can put us back on the right path. Let's keep the faith! And Go Zips!

You have to love Rick Robey's comment in that second article: "People have freedom of speech," Robey said. "And you have to remember, it's a very small percentage of any schools' fans on these (message) boards. It's like most people say, the people on there don't have anything else to do with their lives."Who you talkin' 'bout Willis?

Watching the 63rd Rosetta Stone commercial as I type! It's truly nice of ESPNU to replay these games in prime time. Well, at least in Hawai'i. Here's the post-post-game analysis:Akron isn't as bad as the score. Take heart. Indiana is now (late 3rs or early 4th Qtr) 8 of 12 on third down conversions. They can get 3 or 4 yards up the middle almost at will. On the other hand, Akron's unimaginative, and SLOW TO DEVELOP running game can't get off the ol' schnide. One thing that's clear: Akron's O-line canNOT sustain their blocks. They might make the initial hit, but the defense is able to shuck them off or allude the blockers before the runner can get much beyond the line of scrimmage. I've said it before: blocking is about 80-90% technique and only 10-20% strength. Coaching has to take part of the blame. But, at least Akron isn't giving up big plays defensively. Also, Akron's DBs are playing altogether TOO FAR off the IU receivers. It's just TOO easy for IU receivers on the short routes. That fellow from Central Michigan will eat them UP if they give that much space this week.BUT: Akron was in this game with Indiana until the very end of the third quarter, and Indiana is a bowl-quality football team. I think they would be a very strong contender to beat anyone or everyone in the MAC (for what that's worth).

the guy had an espnu mic. maybe it's something they are doing for today's game?That's my guess.Sorry, I missed this last week. Indeed, this was just one of the schticks that the ESPNU broadcast team did in pumping up Akron and the new stadium. The guy tried to show how soccer savvy he was by heading the ball. Then the scoreboard break-in guy (whataya call him anyway?) criticized him for using the 'top' of his head, rather than the forehead. All-in-all, ESPNU's team did a fantastic job of promoting Akron, and complimenting the staff on how they were treated during the trip. I suspect they were as disappointed as us at the team falling flat on its face. It should have been a close and exciting game -- and I don't mean just he first half, folks.

Nice editing work by ESPN. So was that "a" or "no" before timetable? I'm going to guess "no".+1

Wasn't his salesmanship the component that put Brookhart "over the top" in selling himself to Thomas, Proenza and the committee? Now, he's gone inside his shell. Or more accurately, considering such things as his closed-door practices, he's revealed his true 'fearful of disclosure' side. Let's hope the coaching rumors are nothing more than that. At least that's what I'M saying. I'm sure some on here would like to see the hammer drop on JD now, rather than delay what they see as the inevitable. Like " JD" remarks.

My friend there are no "minor recruiting violations"My friend there are no "minor recruiting violations" TO THE NCAA.Is this related at all to Jacquemain?

Have you seen the estimates on the needed maintenance and refurb to the Rubber Bowl? Not to mention the sponsorships?I happen to agree with your qualification. The new place was needed just to keep the program running in place. But this reality in itself disproves the concept that it was built "for bigger things than the MAC". It was built to help Akron excel in the MAC. Nothing more. Nothing less. But to acccomplish that, it requires a football version of the full-court press. I'm not sure (never have been) that the people on the ground are capable of pulling off what it takes to fill the stadium on a consistent basis. That's why our new man, Wisty has to crack the whip. I'd love to be a fly on his wall this week!

Yes unfortunately there are only 2 good teams in the three conferences you mentioned.Florida and Texas.The rest of the schools in both those conferences suck. And their bottom is damn near worse then the MAC bottom (Colorado anyone?)...and the PAC 10, their stud team just lost to Washington, really Washington? They've choked in conference for the last 4 years, but the "PAC 10 is a great conference"If the Big 10 would man up and get some coaches with some real aggression it would not even be close. Rich Rod is going to end up owning the conference for the next 10 years after another recruiting cycle.*edit - but this is all off topicOff topic....sorry.Name one Big Ten team that could win the PAC 10. The best Big Ten team lost at home to a PAC 10 team that lost at Washington last week and will not win that conference.Name one Big Ten team that could win a DIVISION of the Big 12 or SEC. Maybe the Big 12 north is as bad as the Big Ten, but I'd like to see it.Can every coach in the Big Ten be that bad? I forgot, this board is full of Browns fans.The rest of the teams suck? Cal seems to be a good team, beat Minnesota at MN. USC just beat the jok........ darling of the Big Ten in Columbus. Texas Tech seems to be a good team. Alabama seems to be a good team. Oklahoma seems to be a good team. OK State seems to be a good team. Mississippi seems to be a good team. LSU seems to be a good team. Are you sure you want to say they all suck?Sorry, but I can't buy all this "Big-Ten sucks" nonsense. you just wrote that California -- probably the best team in the apparently non-sucky Pac-10 -- did well to win at Minnie, a Big-Ten bottom dweller. The Pac-10 will struggle to get more than five teams bowl eligible -- AGAIN (like every year, the reason the Hawaii Bowl gave up on having the Pac-10 #6 and went with C-USA #2). The Big Ten will likely have as many as eight or more teams bowl eligible. Just because the league doesn't have a serious national title contender doesn't mean it isn't one of the premier leagues from top-to-bottom. The #s 8-10/11 teams are as good as any conference. Don't think about comparing it to the B-12 North. That's a

tosu game is on a Wednesday. Since Can't does not play soccer, this is our natural rival. Let's fill the joint on a week nite.

This ballclub has to improve dramatically from Saturday to be considered a .500 team. But, if they manage to achieve that, JD is likely to have another year to get over the hump.

You know, I'm glad someone mentioned this. I saw that play, in the second quarter on TV, and it looked to me also like it hit a Hooser player. However, the announcers didn't mention it. None of the Akron players raised a finger, and no one on the bench said a word, far as I could tell. I figured it was some kine of optical illusion! Now I wonder if you and I are the only ones who saw it. Then later on, in the second half, there was this cigar-shaped shiny object hovering over the rec center. You saw THAT didn't you?

Bruddah,The Warriors are the only football program within 2000 miles! Two newspapers each write multiple articles about the football team 365 days a year. They have a 50,000 seat stadium that hosted the Pro-Bowl for thirty-plus years. They host a Pac-10 team at least once a year (USC returns next season). Well, except for that and some more, UH and UA have a lot in common. But, on the other hand, the Manoa campus is falling apart. While the media focuses on athletic success, students at Manoa wait to use the bathroom at home because of the condition of those on campus.Good to hear from another (even former) subject of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Don't be afraid to post here. ZipInParadiseHonolulu

Well, at least one good thing happened this weekend! Thank you Bears!

Had Jaq been injured against Morgan State and was questionable for the game, I'm sure the Zips would have been preparing for Rodgers during practice. HOWEVER, Jaq was suspended the night before the game. Our first string QB got the first string reps all week, as he should have. There is absolutely nothing they could have done to better prepare Rodgers for the game.Do you think perhaps, there might have been something done to prepare the game for Rodgers? The coaches were unable to make ANY changes in game plan for the different QB. Not a single roll-out. No bootleg. Frankly, the offense did nothing to force the defense to spread the field with misdirection. I seemed as if the IU defense knew the play before the snap. In fact, this has been one of those "hallmarks of JD" for five seasons. He and his coaches are unable to change the offense to adapt to the type of talent on the field. How about trying turn the "other CJ" into a drop-back QB. Sheesh.And I'm actually a SUPPORTER of Brookhart! Good grief. How did this all go wrong? Well, to begin with, unrealistic expectations. Sorry. :blink:

I would say that somewhere between the Missouri Valley and the Big East lies reality. Akron has only been seriously trying to compete in the MAC for a few years -- I'd say since the arrival of Mike Thomas as AD about 2000-2001. Capital funds have been expended/endebted to upgrade the campus and football stadium to the top of our league. But in terms of overall resource expenditure for athletics ('A' funds), the UA is just a little above the middle of MAC schools. People can and will dream, but the reality of the situation is that Akron is just a middle of the MAC athletic program. For now pressure and patience must go hand-in-hand. I expect in another five years, or definitely ten, we will be on top. Then let the swagger begin. Go Zips!

Huge win over the 'Notre Dame' of US college soccer.

Thanx for the pix gbgz. Great shot of the Rowdies back there! You'd think TV would be lining up to televise this type college event. Now, I hope you'll be back a week from Wednesday, and depending on the priority of your handle, you should be in for another good game. Maybe you'll want to put "Zips" before that other name??

Next Saturday is the LEAST likely road win for the rest of the season. First off, CMU is the best team we'll play the rest of the way (possibly excepting "Cuse, which you just can't figure out). Second, we're still breaking in a new QB. I know all this sounds like excuses, but that's all I -- and the coaches can offer right now.When I write that I think six wins will secure a return for JD and staff, I'm not using MY standards but rather what I think the bosses will decide. (BTW I predicted a 6-6 season weeks ago) I have a lot of sympathy for the administration. First off, the difference between my and jz84's keep/fire decision is only ONE thin win. I'd keep the guy, and I think the AD will (after a 6-6 finish) based on what I have to write below.There is a lot higher standard for this program on ZipsNation than exists anywhere else. The first thing Wisty and Dr Pro will be thinking is how far it will set the program BACK if they make a change at this time in history. I'd like to think we're on the brink of good things happening. The belief out THERE is that it will take three or four more years to turn the program into a MAC contender if a new coach and staff comes in in 2010. I'm not at all confident that any new coach we could get could improve significantly or quickly upon what we have already.In any case, the rest of the season will make all the difference. I have to think 5 wins is now more likely than six even (my 6-6 prediction was based on splitting vs IU and Syracuse). Five wins and JD will certainly be sent packing. But my prediction that 6-6 will be enough for one more season is based on what has been said by people in power over the past year +. Mack Rhoades said in an interview in the summer of 08, that there was absolutely NO pressure on JD to produce soon. A 5-7 season put that pressure on for this season, BUT given the situation with a new AD and the new stadium, I believe there is actually LESS pressure than if we still had the same AD and were at the Rubber Bowl. The benefit of the doubt is increased in Brookhart's favor due to the "momentum" (where have I read that word lately??) created by Infocision. I know many on here feel the opposite, that we must WIN NOW! But I believe you are in the minority, as expectations for the program are so low and it's been so long since Akron made any news in football. So, let me repeat once more: Six wins, he's a genius. Five wins, off with his head! That's the world of football coaching.

Ahem... Central Michigan will be a 12-14 point home favorite. To get over the .500 mark (though I find it unlikely Wistershire will make any change if improvement (i.e. 6-6) is shown) the team must win all their home games and win two of four road games -- vs CMU, SU, NIU and BG. Yes, the MAC East is wide open. But does anyone care?

More: #10 is the default ball carrier. However, he can't get to the outside fast enough, and can't escape tackles. How about we give #25 (that's Torrence for those without a roster) more than two carries per game? He had the only long run of the game, and led Akron in rushing despite carrying the ball only his allocated two times.Rodgers threw to #1 more often than anyone, and I suspect he was the primary receiver on every pass beyond the line of scrimmage. Unfortunately, Matt overthrew him two or three times (maybe more), and a couple of those were picked. He was wide open on the ball that tipped off his finger and was INT'ed.I DO agree, after watching on TV that Indiana was stronger and quicker across the field. However, the Hoos were also able to adjust to most everything Akron did, while Akron was unable to change at all. IU defeated Akron on the field, and on the sideline and in the booth.

What the hell does the Valley Conference mean?They play in the Football Championship Series. Or is their football league called the "Gateway Conference"? In any case, its a league for schools that really don't care about football. Did Proenza waste $65M for a stadium when this school can't draw 20,000 for a Big Ten opponent?