sgm405

No, what you've said is way too much! Making a prediction that the Zips may win or lose or even listing the schedule with your predicted outcome (W or L) would have been sufficient. But with you, every tOSU topic eventually contains about every frickin' tOSU statistic known to mankind while also listing the entire roster. It's evident to everyone here where your loyalties are.CK said it beautifully. Balki followed-up with a slam dunk. I listed OSU's results compared to Akron because CK claimed I was "thin-skinned" for not believing Akron was currently on the same level as OSU in football. The point was that - while it may be debated - my opinion was a very realistic and well-supported one. Never have I listed an OSU roster or said that I cheer for OSU over Akron. I've never even started an OSU thread. Now, I love Akron and I hate Michigan. But if Akron were to play Michigan, I'd predict them to lose just like I did against OSU...and if someone said Akron was on the same level as Michigan in football right now, I'd call them out on that as well. It has nothing to do with OSU and everything to do with being realistic in my opinions on different topic matters. If you can't handle that and you're instead looking for an Internet Pep Rally, please save your time and stop reading my posts.

same old song and dance from you. Wah childish insults. wah. why don't you go start some more threads just linking your blog. Oooo nailed me there!

Just found it linked through Rasor's blog. Here it is.They predict 4-8, 3-5 in the conference

Hahaha...feel better?Look, I'm all about positive thinking, but I'm also realistic. I hope to God that Akron beats OSU...it'd would do soooo much for this program and would be an enormous win for the team to build on for the rest of the year. I'd love to see it happen. BUT - I just don't see it happening, and I think it's silly for anyone who doesn't think it's going to happen to get bashed and called "thin-skinned". And it's not even an OSU thing - I don't think they'd beat a lot of schools. They're a program that is just building up. In a few years? Yes. Now? No. Personally, I come to this board to debate Zips sports and discuss how I truly feel about things, not what I wish would happen, and not to be an Internet cheerleader. I swear, if someone doesn't predict perfect seasons for every team, that Romeo Travis isn't going to be a pro, or that Charlie Frye should be given anything less than Sainthood, they aren't a "true fan", or they just get sophomoric insults thrown at them like I received in the post by Balki. Lighten up folks! If you look at all I've said, I've simply given my true, non-biased opinion on the matter. Sometimes that's picking the Zips, sometimes it's not. If you want otherwise, I suggest going to a pep rally instead. Even so, for those who can't handle my realistic predictions...New Predictions!Akron football finishes the year undefeated and wins the National Title. Carlton Jackson, Dennis Kennedy, and Jabari Arthur finish in a three way tie for the Heisman. Predicted NBA Draft order:1. Romeo Travis2. Dru Joyce3. Matt Futch4. Nick Meyers5. Andy HipsherUndrafted (Bryan Hipsher - C'mon, I can't even do that in this joke! )Am I a "true Zips fan" now?

We disagree so I am "thin-skinned"? Let's see...Ohio State Football - 787-301-52 all-time, 18 bowl wins, 31 conference titles, 7 Heisman winners, 128 All-Americans, 5 National Titles. In the past five seasons - 1 National Title, 3 top five finishes in the AP PollAkron Football - 473-447-37 all-time, 0 bowl wins, 1 conference title, 0 Heisman winners, 0 All-Americans, 0 National Titles, never been ranked in the AP PollNow I firmly believe (and hope) that one day Akron football WILL be held in similar light to Ohio State football. But to say they are right now is just an enormous stretch. They haven't been in D-1 long enough and haven't yet built a consistent winner (which I think they will very, very soon). Give it time...it'll happen one day. But right now? No...the programs simply aren't in the same league. You may say that because I feel that way I'm being "thin-skinned"...But I prefer "realistic"On a side note, the work the Mods do is greatly appreciated. While I've butted heads with some of you, you guys do a great job - especially considered this isn't a subscription site. Kudos to you all...keep up the good work

A true fan never bets against his own team. Those are the games you don't bet on if you really think your team is going to lose. You know why? Because when you put money on a game (without a spread), you're rooting for your pick to win so you can win money.Of course you'd put your money on OSU, they're your number one team whether you'll admit it or not. Your posts in the past are enough evidence to prove this. Sounds like one of those "wish I coulda' went to OSU but I ended up in Akron" students.If someone ever bashes OSU, even in the smack column, you'll find a certain someone crying themselves in. BOO HOO, a bunch of Akron fans hate OSU. We have very good reasons to hate OSU and all the crying in the world by you wont change it. There are Can't/Akron fans but you don't see them crying everytime someone bashes Can't State.Akron can beat OSU in football. There's no such thing as 'I Can't'I'll put my money on Akron because they're my team and I'll always be loyal to my #1 team. Did I say I didn't want Akron to win? No. I said I wouldn't bet on them. By your definition of what a "true fan" is, if I don't think the Zips will go undefeated and win the National Title, I'm not a true fan.Now does that make sense?

Good one...Now do you actually have a response to my question or did you just want to get your lame joke in?

Ira Newble was brought in because of his "great defensive ability" (which he did once have prior to his time in Cleveland)...he won't be brought back once his contract expires. I'm just curious...and I'm not being sarcastic here...but what exactly makes everyone think Romeo Travis is an NBA player? He's undersized at PF, doesn't have the ability to play SF, is weak down low, shoots poorly from the line, and - hate to say it - has questionable work ethic. I loved Travis in his time at Akron and will always appreciate the role he played in the resurgence of the Akron Zips basketball program. But ask yourself this...if you were an NBA GM, what about Romeo Travis would make you want to bring him aboard? On a side note, it doesn't appear as if Romeo is even on the Draft radar (that site is pretty reliable).

How tall was Charles Barkley? 6-5? 6-4? He sure wasn't 6-7. Barkley also played with a special kind of heart and determination rarely seen, and used his body to play much bigger. Jeremiah Wood does this - Romeo does not. Charles was a very rare exception.

I agree that we have a chance against Ohio State. The Buckeyes don't know who their QB is, and they struggled prior to Troy Smith. They've got other holes to fill, and they're not unbeatable.I would appreciate if the Nation had a little more faith. If we don't, then how can we expect our team to? But the Zips don't know who their QB is either. If they did, I really do think they'd have a shot. But Chris Wells > Dennis Kennedy and OSU Defense > Akron Defense...so I don't think it'll be much of a match. And how did OSU struggle prior Troy Smith? He began starting or at least sharing starting duties in 04-05...the previous year they won the Fiesta Bowl and finished #4 in the country...the year before that they were National Champs. Excuse me, you forgot 2004 when they lost to Northwestern, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Purdue, and went to the top rated Alamo Bowl. How far do you want to go back? They won big time the two years before Smith. Your comment came across as the Bucks couldn't win without Troy Smith...so I proved it wrong. That's all. I didn't go back any further than you did. (I went to 2004; you went to 2002.)My point was not that the Buckeyes can't win without Smith; my point was that Tressel is not infallable. Not just because of the Florida blowout, but he has had a less than remarkable season. Jim Tressel is 62-14 at OSU in 5 years, 4-2 in Bowl games, and 1-1 in National Title games. Certainly not perfect, but pretty damn good. Last year they went 12-1, with the only loss being against Florida. How exactly is that "less than remarkable"???

I agree that we have a chance against Ohio State. The Buckeyes don't know who their QB is, and they struggled prior to Troy Smith. They've got other holes to fill, and they're not unbeatable.I would appreciate if the Nation had a little more faith. If we don't, then how can we expect our team to? But the Zips don't know who their QB is either. If they did, I really do think they'd have a shot. But Chris Wells > Dennis Kennedy and OSU Defense > Akron Defense...so I don't think it'll be much of a match. And how did OSU struggle prior Troy Smith? He began starting or at least sharing starting duties in 04-05...the previous year they won the Fiesta Bowl and finished #4 in the country...the year before that they were National Champs. Excuse me, you forgot 2004 when they lost to Northwestern, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Purdue, and went to the top rated Alamo Bowl. How far do you want to go back? They won big time the two years before Smith. Your comment came across as the Bucks couldn't win without Troy Smith...so I proved it wrong. That's all.

If our players read a thread on ZipsNation.org and it actually affects their preparation for a game against Ohio State, we have more problems than we initially thought.

I agree that we have a chance against Ohio State. The Buckeyes don't know who their QB is, and they struggled prior to Troy Smith. They've got other holes to fill, and they're not unbeatable.I would appreciate if the Nation had a little more faith. If we don't, then how can we expect our team to? But the Zips don't know who their QB is either. If they did, I really do think they'd have a shot. But Chris Wells > Dennis Kennedy and OSU Defense > Akron Defense...so I don't think it'll be much of a match. And how did OSU struggle prior Troy Smith? He began starting or at least sharing starting duties in 04-05...the previous year they won the Fiesta Bowl and finished #4 in the country...the year before that they were National Champs.I mean, there's always a chance...and I hope our guys don't go in expecting to lose. But I wouldn't be putting any money on Akron either, that's for sure.

Tarver is tearing it up overseas...He was the MVP of the European league he is in like a year ago. Check it out - you have to scroll down a bit but you'll see him.As for being able to help the Cavs, I'm not too sure about that.

But they still have a great defense.If it wasn't Carlton's second game, I'd agree with you. But I think the Bucks defense wins it for 'em on forcing turnovers.

What's that link that shows how everyone voted? It'd be interesting to see who gave us the vote!

Romeo won't make the NBA because he's not good enough. Period. It has nothing to do with what school he went to.A 6'7" in the league is a 3/swingman, which Romeo is not. And he doesn't play strong enough down low to make up for the size and play the 4 in the league. He has questionable work ethic to boot.I love Romeo as a player...I really do. But I just don't see it. Lebron will get him a workout, which should get him a nice six figure deal overseas. And there's certainly nothing to be ashamed about there, not many players are good enough to even get that.

If Carlton Jackson had a bit more experience I'd be tempted to pick them against Indiana as well...

I wish I could say different, but I honestly don't think Romeo has a chance of making it in the NBA. He'll get a tryout - probably with Cleveland - but he'll end up overseas making VERY good money.

My early predictions:W - Sat, Sep 01 ARMY (at Browns Stadium)L - Sat, Sep 08 at Ohio StateL - Sat, Sep 15 at IndianaW - Sat, Sep 22 Can't STATEW - Sat, Sep 29 at ConnecticutL - Sat, Oct 06 at Western MichiganW - Sat, Oct 13 TEMPLE (Homecoming)W - Sat, Oct 27 at BuffaloW - Fri, Nov 02 at Bowling GreenW - Wed, Nov 07 OHIOL - Wed, Nov 14 at MiamiU F MIAMI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!W - Fri, Nov 23 CENTRAL MICHIGAN8-4 Overall, only two conference losses

Based on what?In ten words or less of course...cuz I don't read longer posts

I didn't know writing a business letter and posting on an Internet forum were the same? I do write a lot...because I like to add support to my arguments...it makes for good debate. It's funny...if you don't read my posts, how do you know they are a waste of time? Wouldn't you have to know the content? But hey, whatever works. As for skipping over my posts, feel free to...I think my day will be the same either way

I can't wait for the 100 points put up on Miami

Unfortunately one of my best friends decided to schedule his marriage on the same day as the game and I'm in his wedding...so I won't be able to attend. To say I'm pissed is an understatement lol. But to answer your question - if I was able to go, I'd be decked out in Zips gear.

Some responses...first to your three reasons...1) Yes, OSU is an opponent - in a different conference. Whether they win or lose has no impact on the Zips standing in the MAC. When the two teams do play and what OSU does actually affects Akron, I cheer for Akron. 2) Akron and OSU technically recruit the same guys, but let's be honest and realistic. They're looking at 4 and 5 star recruits and we're thrilled if we get a 3 star. They're pulling from different pools of talent - and if the guys OSU is after don't go there, they go to Michigan, or Penn State, or some other major school. Brookhart/Dambrot probably don't even go after half of the guys OSU does because they are realistic. Do you really think Akron had a shot at bringing in Greg Oden or Mike Conley Jr.? Maybe this argument works a few years down the road , but right now OSU competing with Akron for recruits is a mere technicality. 3) As I've pointed out before when looking at fan bases...these people are simply not going to stop cheering for OSU. Why fight that? And why should they stop cheering for them? It's been pointed out that many people are OSU fans from the time they are little because of family connections or just because they are near no other school and simply chose OSU. These people cheer for OSU for years and years. So let me use an example that relates to this. I live in Cleveland for the first 18 or 19 years of my life, and I'm a huge Indians fan because I am loyal to my city/community. When the time for college rolls around, I decide to attend school in Chicago, where their is an undying love for the Chicago Cubs. Now...the Indians and Cubs don't compete in games. And - while they compete for the same talent, each team's wins and losses have no impact on each other. Is there anything wrong with sticking with the Indians but also becoming a Cubs fan? I think not...and obviously others don't either, because tonnnnnsssss of people have "secondary" favorites. Back to OSU/Akron though - the best we can do is try to get those "casual" OSU fans to get turned on to Akron athletics. OSU isn't going to stop being good and people aren't going to stop cheering for them...if you're waiting for a string of 2-3 win seasons, you'll be waiting your entire life. So just accept that they'll always be at least somewhat good and that they'll always have a strong backing. The choice is to try to get some of the more OSU casual fans interested in Akron as well....or I guess we can continue to see a half empty JAR. Concerning the media coverage....as I said before, do something good - get the press for it. When Akron was making their run, the ABJ gave them tons of coverage. They did a three part special on the team. After the snub, there were numerous editorials from them and many other columnists backing the Zips. Do something good...get the press. What are these papers supposed to do, not talk about OSU being in the National Title game? That's a NATIONAL story, EVERY paper was reporting on it. Finally, concerning the fans. It's funny...I didn't notice you walking behind me at the game. I mean, you must've been, right? Cause how else would you know if those people were genuine with their comments or not? Just an silly remark...Are there bad, obnoxious, asshole OSU fans? There sure are. Are there fans just like them rooting for Texas? Yes. Cincinnati? Check. Every school/team in the nation? You better believe it. You can't judge a fan base based on a few idiots. At the Q there was a Zips fan a few rows down from me screaming "F this, F that" throughout the game with a little kid two rows down from him. At the Can't game, a few Rowdies chanted "Where's your sister" to one of the Can't players who had come from a basically broken family...something he couldn't control. At the Can't game last year I saw an Akron student straight up vandalizing part of Dix stadium. All classless things done by Zips "fans"...so that means Akron fans are "some of the most reprehensible fans on the face of the earth", right?Of course not. Akron has an excellent, passionate, classy fan base who - like OSU and any other school - have a few bad apples. If we aren't all judged by our few idiots, why should they? What it comes down to is that, while everyone wants Akron to top OSU, some of you try to make lame excuses for why we are currently "better". So you talk about how they're what's wrong with college sports, even though Akron is no different from them. And you talk about how bad their fans are, when in truth they are just as good as ours. What's next, saying that their trumpet player missed a note? It really comes across as petty and jealous. So I guess I'll say this in closing. I've been a die-hard Zips fan for 8 years now, ever since my first day on campus. I'm always at games, tournaments, etc - cheering on my school. I love Akron and firmly believe it's on it's way to not only becoming a top school, but also a top athletic program. We have the coaches, the players, and soon - the facilities to "make the leap". And I couldn't be more excited about this. No matter what I do or where I go, I'll always be a Zips fan, and I'll always support this team, this program, and this school as best that I can. And on the side, I'll continue to cheer for OSU when they're not playing Akron. If you want to believe that that makes me less of a fan, you're free to think that. If that is going to cause you to ask me to leave this board (which I won't), then keep on asking. If you honestly believe I'm hurting Akron by watching the Buckeyes on TV, then keep on convincing yourself that that's happening. But just realize that there are a helluva lot more Akron/OSU combo fans than there are fans that think you're some kind of traitor if you cheer for any other school as a "secondary" fan. It'd be a damn shame if you pushed them away from the Zips fan base all because of a personal distaste for Ohio State.