Z.I.P.

Okay -- but I still don't understand why Brett McK isn't available automatically. If he's that good -- and I suspect Go Zips may not be exaggerating as much as usual here -- his absence could cost us a game early on.First big hurdle to cross this season: The might Viks of PSU. As former ED of PSU Students for Unity, I can tell you they will be loaded for roo.

You can see the first NCAA men's soccer RPI on the NCAASports.com site. Akron is in the #22 position, which should be good enough to garner an at-large NCAA tournament spot, if they somehow fail to win the MAC -- no sure thing given that NIU, WMU, Buffalo and Hartwick are all good programs, capable of being champs. RPI is a crucial determinant in the minds of the selection committee, so we need to keep an eye on it as the season wears down. A year aog Akron closed the season at about #48, or somewhere in that area -- not high enough to get in after losing to the Huskies in MAC Tourney action.We get better and better each week, so I am as confident as ever. Look for Akron to break into the top-20 of the coaches poll this week.

That was about the worst blown (non-)call I've ever seen. Even the return man hesitated a moment waiting for the whistle -- THEN took off, and hoped he didn't get the penalty I'm sure he was expecting! I'll bet they get a formal apology from the Big East -- but that crew should be the ones offering it!

Frankly, I can understand the coaches sentiment -- but, I have no confidence in either the QB, OR the OC.

Not sure where that comment came from originally. UA produces PhD's from every department in Arts & Science, social sciences, etc.

The East is very competitive, as usual this year, so Akron finishing #4, with the loss of the top playmaker and one of the top post players in school history is not outside the realm of possibility. They could easily win 20+ games even as a fourth-place team.Now Central Michigan second in the West?? Weren't they the worst team in the league last year?

Hey people! The might, might Penn State Lions did not have ONE shot on goal for ninety minutes!!! Zips are Lion slayers, who seemed to play with the little beasts. 900+ minutes and counting of clean goal-keeping sheets! Holy spumoni, that's some defensive calcio Caleb!Clearly this team is creating chemistry, as we had hoped early on, and our own cubs are growing into their new roles on a smaller stage than they had played with US national squads. And the seniors, Ben Zemanski especially, are playing brilliantly (pass the Guinness, master Bradbrook (are you 18 yet?). If we can keep up the momentum, I think we could go deep into the tournament. Knock on plywood.Go Caleb and the Kids.

And you're crediting WHO exactly for this? Clearly to me, things began to fall administratively upon the change in leadership in the AD office. I'm not calling those guys Supermen or anything, but if you can't tell the difference, you're not paying attention. I fear we ARE sliding back to the Owens Era, and something has to be done, or the new stadium will be as empty as the one it's replacing. I'm not advocating a change in FB HC -- YET. But he's gotta make positive change to turn it around. The same goes for the AD office. Is anyone in charge? Are you listening Dr Proenza?

Nil, nada, ninguno. ?Demaciado (enuf)? :blink:

I guess Can't decided for "don't bother". Remember when Lee Owens was let go, many on the Blue Board said, "They waited a year too late." ?Well, if things go as I fear, and we finish 4-8 or 5-7 this season, and next year shows little or not improvement (like 6-6 and out of the MAC race for example), I can just feel the same comments coming.Now, I agree that JD is the best coach Akron has had in DI-A, at least it appears that way from his recruiting classes. I still have confidence that this guy is capable of creating a sustained winner in Akron -- Tressel took five years to turn YSU around. However, I doubt many of us will be interested in giving JD a sixth year if there's no evidence of a turn-around. My patience is already almost worn out.Now, as far as the AD's office goes, there are a lot more problems there, I'm told than has come to light on this board. I won't spill the beans, but the truth will come out in the budget and ticket (and PSL) prices.Thank God Akron has a top-caliber soccer team!

Guys, the NCAA's minimum attendance "rules" are either a rumor, or a suggestion to raise fear (kinda like No Child Left Behind shutting down schools). But, even if it were serious, Akron would not have to worry. The various "rules" I've seen (and the fact that no hard and fast rules exist is proof that this isn't serious) say a school must draw 15k + once within a range of several years. Akron got their attendance within the rules last year, so are safe for x number of years. Once in 5 years, once in ten years, etc. But even if you "fail", you are put on "suspension" which will allow you to recommit your program for an undending period of time. The bottom line is, the BCS schools who rule don't want Bowl Subdivision (did I get the name right?) schools (i.e., Div I-A) to fall down to FB Championship Subdivision (i.e. Div I-AA) status. It doesn't look good.

Are we talkin' basketball or volleyball here? If Karch has moved to Akron, you've got a scoop (not a scooter), Cap'em.

As seems to be the custom, we dominated the Huskies and yet could not pick up a 'W'. This only gives the opposition confidence they don't deserve. We need to win out in the MAC to set the stage for the post-season.Penn State next up this week. We need a good crowd and Rowdy Crew at the pitch. Let's keep that 300 minute sheet clean!

Football Falls in Heartbreaking Fashion, 24-30.At least that's what our friends from Gozips.com are reporting. Hey, I didn't see it, as you know, so maybe they're right.

Looks like the score is 3-3 in the first, but the ESPN gametracker isn't working this week.

Didn't see the play. But it sounds like you may not be aware of something: A defensive player can move, jump up and down, do an Irish jig, or the Mexican Hat Dance. He can even cross the line of scrimmage, but unless he makes contact with the offensive player, there is no penalty if he gets back before the snap. But, if the offensive lineman sets and then picks up his stance -- yellow flag! Those are da rules.

That's because the video wasn't available until after ESPN put their studio show to bed. If someone had been awake at Akron, they might have been able to get it to Bristol in time. I wish I still had my bud Neil Everett's #, I woulda put it in his ear.

So which is it???

Yeah, well...it could be that... Or it could be that they are the two best teams in the league, based on games actually played.I know this is just for fun. But how much fun is irrationality?

Catch ESPN2 College FB Live. It's about to go on the air (7:12 approximately).

Yes -- it was on the ESPNU broadcast, which is 30 mins ahead of ESPN2's. Since it appears they are the same show, it should be on ESPN2 at about 7:12 - 7:14 pm EST. Not as exciting as I expected though. Boy -- is French's voice squeaky!

Right. And so maybe we should give the MAC title to... North Dakota State. (Rolleyes here)

That show is on ESPNU right now -- 6 pm EST, Noon HST.Aloha means goodbye!

What was the NAME of the show it appeared on? I may still be able to catch the first showing out here in the isles. That may go for West Coasters like LA Zip as well.