Z.I.P.

+1I'm with your sources very close to the team Betch. And I am far from convinced that Alex Allen is going to help propel the team to where it needs to go to save the coach's job. In fact, if he's the only option, as appears to be gaining ground (not on the field yet unfortunately) and Akron becomes a one-dimensional offense dependent on a very inconsistent quarterback, it could well spell doom for the guy making the decisions. You would think he wants to have as many options as possible, but hey, he's the coach not me or you. It's his behind that's on the hot seat. Best of luck. And congrats to whoever bought or was handed out all those tix for Saturday's game for almost filling the house for a team most everyone's never heard of.

Thanks MD -- especially since you can't ordinarly get these stories off Soccer America unless you pay for them -- even as a subscriber to the magazine you can't see their articles! Interesting that Kennedy continues to repeat that Zakuani won the Hermann Trophy . You would think SOMEONE would have corrected him -- someone from Wake Forest NC for example! I -- and I suspect Caleb and the team too -- am not concerned in the least with where the rankings fall at this point in the season -- or any time before post-season seedings. It was a great honor two years ago to be ranked No 1 for much of the season. That point -- of placing rankings ahead of the drive to the College Cup and a title are past us now. This team is focused on one game at a time, with a single goal of being No 1 when its all over. Frankly, I don't know where St Johns or Creighton are ranked, but I would have a hard time placing Akron ahead of either. edit: Creighton drew their first game, but hey it's all a crap shoot anyway.

You beat me to this one! When I read this in the magazine I almost fell over laughing. Paul Kennedy didn't so much commit a blooper, just forgot that the best player in the nation was passed over for the sure fire ACC selection. What was his name anyhow?

Only two sentences, but STZ's given us a post of the year! We must strike while the coals are hot. We need the new guy NOW, to put his Wistershire sauce on what's cookin'.I can't wait to eat me my "I'll believe a sell out when I see the attendance #s" line. But, until then, I remain a skeptic. Prove me wrong, Akron! (BTW -- I'm hungry, pass me a hotdog)

W00t, How does Mwila look in sub for Nagbe? How much pace do those two have? Can Tulsa say with either? Seriously.

Veteran leadership! That's what I expected from our midfield last year (meaning that I thought those two -- Blair and Ampai, would have more goals and assists), but we got 20 goals from another guy up front, and were less in need of all-around team play and ball possession in the midfield. It should be much more spread around this year. We don't need one guy to take over -- many are capable.

St Johns defeated Notre Dame 2-0. They should be #1.

Two thoughts on this game, from the same part of the football game. Akron's LB's played their hearts out -- and the safeties did a great job of helping out to shut down much of Penn State's rushing game. That's about the only positive that stood out for the Zips. On the other hand, our running game did not help provide space to throw the ball. I'm not convinced that Allen is going to have the kind of season we need to get from a lead RB. If DeVoe Torrence doesn't get 15+ touches on the ball vs MSU, can anyone blame him if he leaves this program? He's on paper the best player on the team. How can his talent not be put to use, or at least given a chance?

You want my thoughts? Maybe after you read this, you'll wish you had said "NO"! College football...ah college football. With the rise of a titanic soccer program at UA, I personally have found my interest in this sport -- which once took ten-times the interest I had in soccer, to be dwindling day-by-day. I wonder if any others are feeling that too. It might be politically incorrect to say it, but JD is also competing against the other sports on campus to maintain his lofty spot as the top roo in town. I was going to write "don't take this as a criticism of the football program" -- but maybe on second thought... if you lose interest to new soccer fans, that can't be helping the football. I want to see a consistent bowl-playing football team, and I think we're not very far from accomplishing that in the MAC. Going beyond that requires a commitment beyond that I feel the University of Akron is capable of making. Let's become the Kings of the MAC, and in 20-some-odd-years, maybe the resources will exist that don't today.Now to some thoughts on yesterday's football game in Happy Valley. This was the first exhibition game of the season. Next week comes the second and final one. Clearly, the caliber of opposition on the field yesterday was unbalanced. PSU dominated the line of scrimmage and even though their first-year QB was inconsistent, his statistics were stratospheric.Next week will be the final tune-up before the real season begins. I expect that Akron will dominate Morgan State at least as much as they were dominated by Penn State. Supposedly there's some other occasion going on at the game, and there is talk of the game attracting a large crowd. Large crowd? Morgan State? This Zip will believe it when he sees the attendance figure. Good luck team, I hope you prove me wrong.

This is the first time I can remember the soccer team actually getting so much interest it's bleeding into the football board. Beat Tulsa!

Northern Illiinois leads national finalists North Carolina 1-0 at the half. UNC hit crossbar with :20 left in 1st half. MAC needs a win by someone besides the Akron Zips for a change!

Was there any audio on this? How did you know it was Kofi? Didn't show on the Gametracker.

Full 90:00. Akron holds on for win. The guys played a tough, physical team tonight and were able to overcome. Next game (Sunday?) vs home Tulsa, ranked around #15? Akron must be somewhat more productive offensively. In other scores, I see that Notre Dame was able to draw vs Wake. That was either @ South Bend or @ IU, in a tourney I suspect. Anyone know for sure?

Three minutes to play. Still 1-0 Zips. SMU's played a good all-around game. They may be ready to surprise in the C-USA this year.

If y'all need some new flip flops, check out what homies, sellin': http://people.smu.edu/aosorio/

Three shots already for Darlington, "May I call you 'Darling'" Nagbe.One of my home boys, Kekoa Osorio starting in the midfield for the Mustangs.

God bless you Zach!!!

Another update: Indiana barely holding off the mighty Kernels of Eastern Kentuck, 19-13 with under 10:00 to play. I'll pencil the 9/19 game in as UA win #7. Power rating: Akron/BeeGee East co-#1.I haven't mentioned it, but watch out for Toledo as the dark horse in the West.

On the first day/nite of the 2009 college football season, there are already some surprises in the MAC -- most notably Bowling Green looking like they haven't lost much -- if anything -- from last season. They knock off a good Troy team 31-14 at home. Looking at that one, I now feel it'll be easier for Akron to win @ Buffalo than @BeeGee, the reverse of what I WAS thinking, especially with Stark gone for UB.Second surprise: Ball State is even worse than I suspected, getting knocked up late in the game at home against NTSU. Lean Green lead 10-3 in fourth.After this display, I have to move BGSU into the 3-way tie for 1st with Akron and Temple (which is just holding on against mighty Villanova for the Cosby Cup), and Buffalo slips to fourth. And in the West, I've moved Eastern up to fifth place. It looks like a long season in Lettermanville.

Isn't that the same one that's linked to Fox Sports CFB page? If you go to Akron's page and to the progno for each game...they have Akron winning a grand total of one game, scoring exactly nine points every week!

I don't suppose that's available on Oceanic Cablevision on Oahu. Oh well... here too.

1) Attempted screen pass to the frosh TE. Overthrown, incomplete.2) Pass in the flat to A Allen, hit immediately, gain of 7. Can you put the brew in the mail, Cap'n?

Only caught the final 20 minutes after work -- but a really exciting game. Sounders, clearly had more motivation, being an expansion squad going after a cup in their first season. I saw the replay of that first goal (was it Montero?) just once. When Stevie came out, the announcers (not sure who was working the game either -- was it Max Bretos?) raved about his playing through injury. Hope its not serious, as Seattle has big games upcoming as they go down the stretch and could win it all, or miss the playoffs. That's MLS for ya. --edit--I forgot to comment on this -- but the display by Josh Wicks was as bush league as anything I've seen in American soccer. He didn't "step" on Montero, he "jumped" up and landed on him full-weight in the midsection. Consider yourself lucky if you get to play again this season, Wicks!

Wait and see. A six win season will earn JD a one-year re-upment. Any titles, even a tie for 1st in the East will earn at least two more years. The new AD can't afford to make major changes with a program making progress. Less than six wins though, and JD's history. BTW -- who's JB?

I know its a dry heat. But is that Phoenix sun gettin' to ya? What kine o' "plan" are ya talkin' bout there, Desert Zippy? My "call", BTW is a 6-6 finish and a tri-championship of the MAC East with UBuff and the Contemptable Owls. What's your plan?