RowdyZip

Forgot to write about this: I sent a Tweet to ESPN and they actually responded and let me know that twc doesn't have the same exclusive rights on the tournament because of ESPN's sponsorship at the Q. ALL TOURNAMENT GAMES will be available via WatchESPN and ESPN3, none subject to blackout.

Just checked and the Zips open as 1.5 point favorites, which certainly fits your thoughts on a tight game, 0305. Contain Brown, who will hopefully be playing his final game in his decade-long career and get Pat a few more minutes. Play loose and enjoy ourselves, and keep the energy up on defense and this should be a W. Asked this in the other thread, but does anyone know if these games will be blacked out on ESPN3 like the regular season games on TWC Sports were? I won't be able to make the trip tomorrow or Thursday if need be...I tried Jeremy Guy and George Thomas via Twitter and no one has an answer. Can't wait for that TWC contract to be DONE.

Does anyone know if the 2nd round games are subject to blackout on ESPN3 due to their airing in TWC sports? Can't make Wednesday or potentially Thursday due to an 18 month old.

Hold off on the "surpassing" and other miscellaneous doom and gloom. Buffalo has never been to the dance. As in EVER. Not even once. In fact, I'm not sure they've played in more than one MAC final ever. I am a little jealous of how their fan base has grown seemingly exponentially over the last 4-5 years, but they're still a ways away from overtaking even Akron's level of a solid mid-major.

Posts like one I quoted above add no substance to this board. It's fine, I'll utilize the block feature (for the first time in about a decade on this board). If you disagree with others OPINIONS that's fine. No need for a bs snarky post with no substance.

Looks like we draw EMU, who just embarrassed Toledo by 26. Monday could very well be it.

Don't.

Interesting thoughts in Vegas. Line opened at Zips +3.5, now down to +2.5.

I get that pessimism is your thing, but we've scored 30% more than our opponent that just beat us at the JAR. Could definitely be worse.

Miami offers stream for $10.95 (monthly access). Nothing on the "MAC digital network" and we're the only ones NOT on ESPN3. Wish it wasn't a TTuesday, I would've made the trip!

Unless you move Akron to Virginia or North Carolina, you'll never see Akron clinch a MAC title in 50 degrees I was there as well. I only made it until halftime. I was barely able to get my car up the hill leaving the Rubber Bowl. I spent the 2nd half listening on the radio on my ride up to a family dinner. Good memories. Get us back there, coach!

I'm on my phone at lunch so I won't bother to try and go game by game, but guessing we go 5-1 at home (Loss to Pitt, they'll be ready this time), and 3-3 on the road (losses to Oklahoma, Louisiana, and BG). 8-4 and a new Zips FBS record for wins. And a MAC east championship. All joking aside, how far would the Zips go if they went 13-0 with this sched and MACC? Would they even crack the playoff rankings?

Two-sport athlete also plays DB. Are we sure this is a basketball commit?

I agree with DIG on this one, but my issue is that the bench has been significantly shortened over the last week or two with Gladden, Aaron Jackson, and/or Evans getting little or no PT. Take out Robotham and our 11 man rotation drops to 7 or 8. Not nearly as much of an advantage.

This is skewed due to the end of the game. Our bigs weren't getting the calls. Say what you want, our guards were just as aggressive in this game. We didn't have 35 3pt attempts. Buffalo's center shot the same amount of free throws as the Zips team. Call it what you will. Not saying this is why we lost, but it certainly didn't help. Neither did 15+ turnovers. Neither did losing our starting PG for the season. And playing in a place we haven't won at in 5 yrs.

I won't complain about officiating here, but the Zips were very aggressive and playing inside out through Pat and Big Dog. Then there's this: Justin Moss: 9/10 FTs Akron Zips: 7/10 FTs

What a weak 5th foul on Evans. We'll miss his defense in the last couple minutes

In a previous thread it was mentioned that we haven't won at UB since 2009. I'd imagine that's the longest string in Coach D's tenure. Vegas opened the Zips as 6.5 point dogs. As much as it pains me, I'd take Buffalo to cover that. We need domination down low and a high percentage on our perimeter shots to have a chance here. Thoughts?

Now is the time to go ahead and be pessimistic. Man...

Some good ideas here. Maybe have someone develop an Akron athletics app for android and iOS. Introduce it at orientation and set up some cool prizes you can be entered into for downloading said app. BAM you're in kids phones and therefore lives. Have the app send out a notification for home games. Have to be careful though to make sure notifications aren't excessive. Keep it to spectator sports, maybe football, soccer and men's/women's basketball. The notification could include any game giveaways such as shirts, rally towels, food, etc.

Then this is just (another) asinine policy. Give free tickets to performers and groups. Performers only. Family and friends will buy to see said performance. Still selling g tickets and you're not playing band-in-a-can.

I do believe the game timeline change of the anthem being played prior to the players returning to the court is a television issue. Its been that way in the past. As far as the delivery of the anthem itself...it DRIVES ME NUTS that they play a recording of the band during breaks and/or other times the pep band is unavailable. This is a large area, there's talent out there. UA has a music department. You're telling me we can't get 15-ish local individuals/groups to sing? Earlier this year there was a church choir that put together one of the most beautiful renditions I've ever heard. Both my wife and I remarked how it brought a tear to our eye. Actually got me pumped for the game (but that's just me). Hold open tryouts in the early fall. Assign games. Let the band stick to what they're good at: fight song and other interludes. Most importantly: THROW THE CD AWAY!

Not to look past the EMU game, but this makes the Toledo game at the JAR absolutely huge. A split with UT vs being swept by them could be the difference between a 1 and a 5 in the tournament. PROTECT HOME COURT!

Zips open as 1.5 point dogs. Biggest challenge tomorrow afternoon is playing to the beautiful yet empty EMU convo.

So Brad Swanson, a "young guy" had the leeway and money to come up with social media night, bobblehead giveaways, replica championship rings, etc, but we just lock the new guy in an office with nothing but a pen and a pad of paper huh? BS. The marketing department at UA needs to be innovative and creative just like those for minor league teams. Unfortunately, that's what MAC teams are. Pick a current event. Do something goofy with it. The Rubber Ducks made NATIONAL news for the Brian Williams thing. How much did it cost? A news release, some social media posts, a pair of pants, and a little $$ to pay a guy by the same name to read stories. This is not difficult. Apologies for changing the direction of the thread, but this is (or should be) a very important focus of athletics and falls directly under the scope of our AD. Use social media, be witty and creative. How much money did social media night cost? Team jerseys, and some banners. And they ended up making a bunch on selling replicas.