Let'sGoZips94

Sports are becoming more and more crooked, but I don't mind this. Since the late 1800s/early 1900s, baseball organizations have been using their ballparks' walls and such to advertise for companies like the American Tobacco Company, banks, etc. If a team is privately owned, the owner should be able to open up their business to marketing/advertising profit opportunities such as this (now when these billionaire owners go to the taxpayers for stadium renovation funding, that's where I draw the line, but that's a whole different can of worms). Could you imagine AKRON, scripted on the front of our jerseys in GOODYEAR font or something like that? I think it would be pretty cool, and an excellent way for a college to get funding for sports, since sports should come secondary in funding to academics.

That 2012-13 season also included a much better schedule. Although the end-of-season SOS, according to RealTimeRPI, was 131 (this year we are at 146 currently for comparison, so not a HUGE difference), we played much tougher opponents throughout that season. Here's the Breakdown for 2012-13 Top 50 Opponents: 3. Record was 1-2, with a win against MTSU who finished at 28 (that was a fun home game). Top 100 Opponents: 8. Record was 5-3. This includes the MACCG against OU. Also, that Detroit loss is bad name wise, but they finished #64 in RPI and it was a road game. Our current schedule is crap in comparison (actually, it's crap period, compared to every schedule). Unless EMU and OU win out (minus their contests against Akron), we won't play another Top 100 team all year, and will have only played 4 all season - IF Georgia Southern and Marshall stay in the Top 100. Based on the research provided by MDZip and my findings, this would be good ammunition for anyone arguing against our cupcake, "prestigious" 21-win-guaranteed schedule. The committees seem to reward some success against tougher schedules over more success against weaker competition (duh).

Absolutely. He is very well educated (even says he loves the Zips! - in response to you). The comment wasn't directed at him, but more the perception of "In short: not good." Another topic but one that will continue to warrant more discussion. The P5 schools have automatic exposure due to their conference ranks and conference schedules. They can play 10 DIII schools, but if they go .500 or better in conference play, the committee/media will take notice. Mid-Majors, especially those not in the A-10 and AAC, don't have that luxury. Hence the hundreds or thousands of posts on this board ranting about our Out-of-Conference schedule. My frustration stems from us needing to "up" our level of competition, that next-level competition not being willing to play away from their home gym, and then us scheduling Coppin State instead. It's a perpetuating circle of crap.

The title states "In short: not good," but I would love to know how many of those Top 25/50/100 Losses came on the road against P5 schools that are too prideful and scared to leave the friendly confines of their mother's basement.

For those saying we have no shot at an At-Large, we're top 40 in RPI, could very realistically run the table to get us in the top 20-30ish, and we just had a couple-minute exclusive segment on SportsCenter. Exposure matters when it comes to the committee, because exposure means $$$. If UNC Wilmington finishes near us in the RPI, who are they going to take: UNC Wilmington, or the team closely associated with LeBron James? Monmouth had the exposure last year, they just timed it all wrong; it was a tight year in college basketball with about 20-40 solid teams on top of conference champions. We're talking about the 2nd most corrupt sports association in the world, next to FIFA, in the NCAA. If they turn over a rock and see any resemblance of something that can make them $$$, they'll take advantage of it. On a side note, why aren't teams like UNC Wilmington (recent NCAA tourney success; 4 pt. loss to Duke last year in The Dance), Middle Tennessee State (perennial competitive mid-major; used to be on the schedule, but what happened?), and middle-bottom P5 schools on our schedule every year? Teams like Pittsburgh, Clemson, GTech, Georgia, VaTech, etc., might not be a top 5 team in the country, but they are names and play top competition every year which would help our RPI. Can't played Texas - beat em. Bobkitties played GTech - beat em. Schools like UNC Wilmington and MTSU would give us experience against NCAA tourney-caliber competition. I know this has been but it's frustrating that, at this point each and every season, we have an At-Large discussion that is always brought down by a weak schedule.

"Musical Chairs Night"

Be forewarned... LeBron mentions galore. But still a VERY cool segment.

We must have played with a lot of energy for 13 years then.

Since when did Big Dog become a lefty? That makes him a massive threat, and I don't understand why EMU keeps playing man D on his dribble penetration. I'll take it though. Pretty strong half.

The new hot act is the girl that shoots a bow with her feet, while in a handstand.

Tree wasn't exceptionally talented; he just out-hustled and out-desired everyone. Zeke was good, but he was more tall than naturally talented. Busted his butt to get better and put together an impressive senior year. Also played with a lot of heart. Harney... pretty talented but kind of went through the motions. Abreu was ok. Very streaky player. Played with fire, which I liked. I'd take this team, talent wise, over that team all day every day. I'd take Tree & Zeke's heart and desire, and Abreu's fire over this team's. I'd take a combination of the best attributes from both teams, though.

Agreed. And the #1 reason I agree: I don't see the heart on this team. There is no Kretzer or McAdams to pick up the energy/hustle. There is no Cedrick Middleton to slap the floor to play D, or Dials to pick up the tempo and energy. This team might be the most naturally talented team Dambrot has ever had, but they lack the heart and desire to go out there every game with the goal to leave it all out there and win.

I also think there were some politics involved in him not getting in last year. I think the committee wanted Marvin Harrison and Tony Dungy to go in at the same time. Other than TO and LT, I think Jason Taylor is the only other player that stands out on that list. Then again, I do have my "blue-and-gold" colored glasses on...

To Joe Akron, it looks like Can't beat Texas. That's a quality win. If you play them, wins may come...

That was a fun game to listen to. Sounded like good basketball for the most part. Solid win, despite UCI's record.

How is Chapman available yet not playing? I'd rather take his overthrows, but actual QB experience, than a guy with high school QB experience and that's about it.

Here is a link, talking about next year's field.

"Bang-bang!"

Left halfway through halftime. Had to stay and pay my respects to the military tribute. A few thoughts... - Whatever Woodson's problem is, we need to figure it out, and fix it. I highly doubt it's his shoulder. - Injuries are killing my football teams (Browns and Zips). - There's a reason we beat NC State. The Chest is having a brutal defensive season. Now I understand he's dealing with injuries, and a relatively young crop of players, but there are still the fundamentals that we lack. - Milwee has to go. There is no creativity on offense, especially with Chapman in there. Everything is so predictable. - Chapman blows. Put Hoyer in. Or just run the wildcat all game and never let Chapman throw. Pick ourselves up, dust off, and go get 'em next week. Thank goodness O-Who laid an egg today, too. P.S. Thank you to the University of Akron for showing the Indians game on some of the TVs on the concourse, and for giving updates throughout the game. By the crowd's reaction, I think that was much appreciated. Roll Tribe! Beat Canada!

Yes, to me it would be SMART, because it's another way to engage with the fans/NEO. During the Cavaliers' playoff run, the Indians showed the Cavs games on their bar TVs in the RF district and behind home plate. Now, to your point, lots of fans were watching the Cavs game, but at least they were at the game. And I'm not saying show the game on the big screen. Just on some of the TVs in the concourse by the concession stands. Part of the draw to the Suckeyes for fans, is the unity, the "All In" feeling between the Suckeyes/Cavs/Browns/Indians. Akron is WAY closer to Cleveland than Ohio State, and has more of a connection with the Rubberducks/LeBron. They need to try and jump on "All In" bandwagon to help grab support for the University.

2 things about this... 1) We play OSUcks tough, relatively speaking. 2) That Michigan game in 2013 should have been a win. On another note, the Indians game is most definitely going to affect attendance, but I don't blame people for wanting to watch the Indians. I'm not sure what restrictions the University has when it comes to viewing rights, but if they are smart, they're going to be giving Indians updates throughout the game, and even show the game on some of their smaller TVs around the concourses. Again, not sure what restrictions they have, but that would be very wise. The Most Overrated Band In The Land gave the Tribe a tribute at halftime last week. The least we can do is show the game at the stadium, if possible.

2 words. Andre Jones Let's whoop some Bronco butt! I don't care who is hurt, who is playing, or who isn't. Excuses are for Can't State and OU. Let's take care of business and show the MAC and the nation that Dadgum Zips Football is BACK!

This win is up there with the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl win as most important for Bowden Ball. Keeping the momentum next week is going to be key. As stated, App St. will come to win (as they did, what, 9 or so years ago against Michigan?). Win, then bring on Can't State and their AU (symbol for "gold", the color they claim to have, or in this case Awful Uniforms).

All 4 make sense. Depending on how many teams they want to add, I could see all 4 being added. Also, I wonder if any Big 12 teams will opt to leave (may an SEC or Big Ten poach job), creating even more movement.

The Big 12 will be seeking expansion. Some of the teams mentioned would open up some desirable spots for the Zips. And no, I'm not saying the Zips should be in the Big 12. Just saying that more movement means conferences like AAC, CUSA, etc. will have some spots open up.