sgm405

Your words .. not mine. Yes, because if you honestly think Akron isn't anything different than OSU and every other major school on a mid-major scale, you're fooling yourself...no offense.

But the post was OSU basketball related, was it not?Oh, and I think if you started smack about Florida they'd pretty much have scoreboard on you i every way possible...

1) OSU represents everything wrong with college sports? Because they have players leave early? Sooooo you also hate every other major D1 program then, right? 2) Are the Zips players really any more of "students" than the players at OSU or any other major program? Why, because they aren't good enough to go pro, are they then more or less of students? I guarantee they go to the same amount of classes, put in the same amount of work, get the same amount of "help", and get the same amount out of their degrees that the OSU players do. 3) Do you guys honestly think Akron plays by all the NCAA rules? Seriously? Ignorance is bliss I guess.

I guess I always looked at it this way. As long as we're all Zips fans first and foremost, why does it matter? Sure, OSU technically competes in recruiting with Akron (although we all know that - right now anyways - they're not recruiting from the same crop of talent). But so does Cincinnati, and Michigan, and Florida, and every other school. So why do some hate the Buckeyes? I firmly believe it's because the Ohio State athletic program is what we all want the Zips to be like. I know I do. Every year they have a good-to-great football team. Likewise for basketball. They have a great fan base that spread not only throughout Ohio, but also across the United States. They have tradition in winning...and a reputation for being the best and bringing in the best. Now you look at Akron...a program that not too long ago was D-II. A program that had to struggle through many losing/mediocre seasons. A program that has has one team that has received a small taste of what it is to be the best (Football '05) and another that has come about as close as you can to that success without reaching it (Basketball the last two years). And that's frustrating...because we all love the Zips so much and want them to reach that elite status - and when there's another school somewhat nearby who HAS that level of success - well, obviously some are going to take out their frustration on that team and those fans. Those people hate OSU because that is where they want to be. Because - whether they'll admit it or not - we'd all do anything for Akron to win a tournament game, let alone make it to a National Title game. Because - as luck falls the wrong way for us (Miami game), it fell the right way for them (Xavier game). Because - in summary - we want what they have. I'll close with some thoughts on the fan base. I've said most of this before, but I think it's important to re-hash some of it. The Akron Zips fan base - for the success the basketball team has had, leaves much to be desired. Attendance was low many times throughout the year, and it doesn't seem like the community or NE Ohio picked up on the team until late in the year (and even then, it was just a little bit.) So how do we build a fan base? You'll always have your die-hards. Me...you...everyone on this board. We'll be there whether they win it all or lose every game. But there is a need to attract other fans...new fans. So what would do that?First, being classy and respectable, and never crossing the line. The Can't Failure sign at the last game and at the MAC Tourney was great. It was creative, it was well made, and used at the right time. As a casual observer, I'd want to be a part of that group. However, making fun of the Can't State shootings in any way is over the line. Yelling swear words and flicking off other fans is over the line (Yes, Can't was worse...but our fans did it too). And telling someone to get lost, or to change their shirt, or simply making a rude comment to a person simply because they happen to like a few other teams after the Zips is over the line. Why would we push away people interested in and passionate about Zips sports? Why???? If you have a right to dislike OSU (or any other school), don't they have the same right to like OSU (or some other school) as long as they cheer for Akron when the two teams play? We're entering a time period that is crucial for this program...we have the coaches and players to win, we have some of the facilities and the others (football stadium) is on the way. The ingredients are there. And soon, Akron will start winning and fans will start gaining interest in checking out the team. And when they do, it'd be a rotten shame if they were pushed away simply because they like a team that's not in the same conference as Akron and plays them no more than a few times every couple of years. I'll always remember six years ago leaving Ohio State's stadium after the Zips' loss to the Buckeyes in my Zips polo, ready to be eaten alive by Buckeyes fans. I started to think of comebacks for what I thought they'd use as insults...prepared myself not to let my temper get out of control. And I remember how surprised I was minutes later, as Buckeye fan after Buckeye fan said "good game" and "good luck this season", or "You guys have a great program...we'll be rooting for you." And because of that, if I wasn't already a Bucks fan, I would've turned into one that day. It's my hope that one day Akron will be playing a bigger school at the new stadium, and after a huge home win, our fans will do the same.So I ask of all of you this simple request:Show class, show respect, and always welcome people into the Zips Nation of fans. We're going to have a great next couple of years, and it'd be a rotten shame if our fan base didn't grow like it should because a few people don't like Ohio State.

I will say this for myself. I have NEVER started an OSU-related thread on Zipsnation...EVER. I've only responded to them. Usually the threads are started by the Buckeye haters, which is funny to me, because if they didn't start those OSU probably would rarely be mentioned on this board if even at all. I come here to talk about my favorite team, the Akron Zips. But if I see smack being talked about my second favorite team, then sure...I'll respond. But again...if anyone wants OSU discussion to stop, it's simple...stop starting the OSU discussion threads.

R-A-C-K IT!

I believe this request has been made before! Yes, by all three of you. And it's been denied before too, like it is being denied right now.

2nd place is nothing more than 1st place loserlook at it anyway you want to, but it doesn't change the fact that they lost. I'm sure it doesn't look that way to potential recruits...and it could be enough to get Oden to stay another year...just my opinion though. It does make for an interesting argument though - would you rather your team make it to a title game and lose, or not make it at all? In basketball I think it was good that they made it...they'll be ready to win it next year. Now football...they just straight up embarrassed themselves in that one.

Please leave this board and go join Bucknuts. There you can be joined by countless others who would pay good money to suck Greg Oden's d***. Wouldn't expect anything less from someone who's Sig Pic makes light of a local event in which innocent college students were killed...kinda makes it hard for me and others to rip on Can't fans for being classy when we have crap like that here.

Ohio State made it to the National Title game in both sports...most schools would die to just make it to one. And if Oden comes back, they'll win it all next year. They kind of have ultimate scoreboard on any school not named "Florida"...I'm just saying... It's funny to me...the argument for OSU haters is that we compete with them for recruits...but aren't we also recruiting against Florida, Michigan, Texas, etc?

I know...man...damn me for actually backing up my opinions with support!

I'm guessing they'd still get by just fine...I honestly don't think Matta is anything special as an in-game coach.

That doesn't even make sense...at least come up with something good and relevant if you're going to try to rip on me. As for the quote, he probably said it because Lebron said on numerous occasions that he would've gone to OSU had he gone to college...just bad wording on Tirico's part.

A good place for cheap Zips gear is actually (although I hate this store) Wal-Mart on Graham Road in Cuyahoga Falls. A couple different shirts/sweatshirts/hoodies for pretty cheap. And not generic logos - Fear the Roo and everything.

Akron has a better chance of beating OSU at the Jar then at OSU. That said I think 999 times out of 1000 OSU will win. That other 1 time would take career nights from everyone on the Zips plus off games from everyone from OSU.I think the point most people are making is that it IS possible (as slim as those chances are) for Akron to win at the JAR, whereas at OSU the changes are virtually non-existant, and therefore OSU won't play us here. I think it has just as much to do with money though. I think OSU would play us at the JAR if the JAR held 10,000 or more. otherwise they will want a bigger site such as the Q.Even to get OSU to play us at the Q would take one of those 2-1 or 3-1 deals. I think a 3-1 deal is ridiculous. I think a 2-1 is okay to get the chance to play OSU.One other thing Oden won't be with OSU next year so the chances are better next year of us winning then this year anyhow. A) Oden may come back for a 2nd year...I don't think he will, but I don't think it's a slam dunk that he's leaving either. They have a heckuva recruiting class coming in...they're be really, really good again next yearC) I agree on the $ being the main issue...and honestly, it's smart on OSU's part to think that way, and on Akron's part not to do a 3 for 1.

1) I say they are #1 in the nation because that was their final regular season rank before the tournament. 2) Ohio State has three losses this year: at UNC, at Wisconsin, at Florida - and they didn't have Oden against UNC. So yes, they can be beat...but they also haven't lost to a team outside the top 5 all year. While I love Akron and believe they're on the rise, they are nowhere near a top 5 team right now. 3) Making the Final Four is an unbelievable achievement for any team. Honestly, I don't care if a team wins by 2 or by 20 - a win is a win, especially in the Tourney. Georgetown had similar close calls, as did both Florida and UCLA. Could Akron beat OSU? Sure...anyone could beat anyone on any given night. Would I ever bet on Akron to beat OSU? I love the Zips, but I'm not crazy. Who would guard Oden? Who would guard Conley Jr.? And don't forget about Lewis. The Zips - I believe - are on their way to being at the level of OSU and other top schools. But right now? I'd be thrilled if they stayed within 15 points. I wish it was different, but I'm just being realistic.

I agree with you on that, but the exact same thing can be said regarding CSU, and that is where the problem lies. Why do other state schools (Akron included) have to go to such great lengths just to get another state-funded school to visit them on a neutral or home court? So what if they're #1? If they are going to travel to another school in-state (I think they have some sort of policy to "help those other little needy state schools", as they might put it ), and if they are more than likely going to win, why not go to what is arguably the second best team in the state instead of hurting your SOS even more than you have to by playing a sub-.500 school? I'm not trying to argue against your point, I'm just wondering what is OSU's motivation to choose CSU over teams that would hurt them less, and why it costs so much (3 home games?!) just to get them on a neutral court.Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to try and get some sleep. I see what you're saying. And I really don't know why. Maybe Akron was unwilling to do a 3-for-1 like you talk about? I know he was quoted as saying so in the past. I think it's important to note that OSU isn't the only one doing this. I don't see other in-state schools such as Cincinnati and Xavier, or any other national powers coming to the JAR. They just don't have much (if anything) to gain by doing so, and everything to lose. Nevada was an exception because they had to come as a part of the Bracketbuster.The cold, harsh reality of it is that - at least for now - any major non-conference wins will have to come away from the JAR.

Thanks for sticking up for me in that aspect. And I promise you I'm not trying to sound like an "OSU plant" or anything...I just A) Don't see what OSU would gain by coming here, and Don't realistically see Akron being able to beat OSU at this time. I wish I was wrong...but it's just being realistic. Maybe down the road we can compete...but right now - who would possibly check Oden and/or Conley? We're on our way...just not there yet.

uakronkid,I agree that winning a game at Akron would be bigger than beating CSU on a neutral court. I guess I look at it this way:OSU beats Akron at the JAR, everyone looks at it as a game they're supposed to win. As much as I love Akron, with the respect we get nationally - nobody is going to look at that as a major road win. However, if OSU somehow lost to Akron it could really hurt them big time. So like I said...while I think OSU would beat Akron anywhere, why risk it? They gain nothing and have everything to lose. And you just dont shedule games like that if you're smart...that's all I'm saying. mcperp and zipseuph,Thanks...good to know some people are looking at my arguments in a non-biased manner.

You are a complete asshole. Who mentioned anything about who would win in a game between the two schools? Nobody! We are just sick and tired of your fake posts, like you give a darn about the U of A. Within 5 minutes after the Miami debacle, you were onto Luckeye land. Go away! Hey Zips win!I'm still here, just wanted you to know!Numerous people said OSU was "afraid" to play Akron...to me that means those people think Akron would have a good chance at beating the Buckeyes. Oh, and when have we met? I'm just curious how you'd know how much I care about UA. OK. Just so you know, I mentioned that OSU would be afraid to play Akron At the JAR. You have to admit that absolutely no good team in their right mind would come to the JAR willingly because there is a real chance that the Zips would beat them in that building. On a neutral court, OSU probably wins unless Oden fouls out and a few players for the Zips have the best nights of their careers. I was commenting on how OSU will go to Cleveland to play a Cleveland school, but won't come to Akron to play us. They are willing to give CSU a semi-home game because they will win handily. If they played us at the JAR, their chances of winning are thrown into doubt. The reason they will now play at Cinci and Xavier is because Cinci is not that good anymore, and losing to a team from a "Major" conference on the road doesn't look as bad as losing to a MAC team.Basically my problem is this: If they are willing to play "at" CSU, why won't they come play us at the JAR, or Can't at Can't, or Miami at Miami, ect. The answer is simple: They have a greater chance of losing to us, so they avoid us unless we promise to go to their place and get creamed for multiple years in a row for nothing in return except an attendance boost for one game, like CSU has agreed to. While I do think OSU would win handily no matter where they played, I do agree it'd be a much tougher game for them in the JAR. With that said - uakronkid - if you were OSU's AD, would you schedule a game against the Zips at the JAR? And if so, what do you think they'd gain? That's my point...I just don't think OSU could gain much of anything at all.

Domonokos scares me. Kickers - especially at the collegiate level - can be affected a great deal mentally. Not only did he have a horrible start, but he was benched for a soccer player who ended up doing better than him. That's tough to swallow.Hopefully the kicking game is better this year though...it can be a real killer if you have poor ST.Edit: Good info Timmy...thanks

You are a complete asshole. Who mentioned anything about who would win in a game between the two schools? Nobody! We are just sick and tired of your fake posts, like you give a darn about the U of A. Within 5 minutes after the Miami debacle, you were onto Luckeye land. Go away! Hey Zips win!I'm still here, just wanted you to know!Numerous people said OSU was "afraid" to play Akron...to me that means those people think Akron would have a good chance at beating the Buckeyes. Oh, and when have we met? I'm just curious how you'd know how much I care about UA.

Again..because I think the #1 team in the nation would beat Akron, I'm a Buckeye homer? I guess that means anyone who knows anything about college basketball is a Buckeye homer as well lol. Oh, and when were you elected Governor of the Akron Zips fan base? Or are you just the Internet bad-ass for the day? lolIf there was a "smily" giving a big middle finger I'd be using it right now...so just imagine it for me instead.I'm not going anywhere buddy...so learn to deal with me.

As I've stated many times before, I have had many relatives that have gone to OSU. Because of this, I got to go to OSU games and followed OSU football and basketball since I was a little kid. Growing up, I didn't live near Akron...I had no allegiance to the school (and why would I?). When I was a senior in high school, I applied to and was accepted to Akron, Bowling Green, and Ohio State. I chose Akron, because it was good for my major, because my sister was a Zip and loved it, and because I felt it was a school on the rise. I have never - for one single day - regretted that decision. I love Akron, I'm an avid follower of our sports teams, and take great pride in being a Zip.And when OSU is playing a game that's not against Akron - in a separate conference of course - I cheer for OSU. And because of that I am pathetic and small-minded?Listen...there are a lot of people like me who grew up in other areas other than here that grew up Buckeyes fans either by family connection or by default. They are by far the top athletic school and by far have the biggest fan base in Ohio. That's not going to change anytime soon - we can either accept that or not. Akron has their two "big" programs - football and basketball - both on the rise. We have two great coaches, a ton of young talent, and a new stadium on the way for football. One of the the main things missing is the fan base. Football crowds are lacking, as most games' basketball crowds. We have the die-hards - they're here and will stay here. We need the average fan. But if we continue to bash people for wearing OSU stuff, or bash people for cheering for OSU, or bash people and tell them to go to another school just because they point out that OSU has no good reason to come to the JAR, that average fan base will never grow. We need to embrace these people - instead of bashing them for liking OSU, why not invite them to a game and get them hooked on our wonderful product? We have the coaches...we have the players...we'll have the facilities...now we need the fans.Now...with that in mind...why in the world would we push people AWAY from the program?Talk about small-mindedness...