ZippyforPresident

Zips now up to a 93 RPI rank, although K ent has moved up to an RPI rank of 49 as per CBS Sports Akron Zips RPI Breakdown.Although I am in favor of the Zips challenging themselves in the OOC some more than has been the norm, I really don't think this is even a conversation if Akron takes care of Austin Peay and Eastern Michicant like they were supposed to, AND if they could have swept k ent (or Buffalo) and got a W against Rhode Island and VCU. Assuming they can get a W at Anderson, that would have put them at 28-3 with losses to only N.C. State, Texas A &M, and either K ent or Buffalo... IF this were the case and this team at least makes it to the MAC championship game I think the NCAA selection committee would have a hell of a time keeping a 30-4 team out that has an RPI ranking (and I'm merely speculating) somewhere in the 50's or maybe 40's.In summation: Cut out the bottom feeder schools from the OOC and replace them with "upper MAC level schools" and beat all of your conference opponents (which the Zips do for the most part already) and they will be right there on the bubble. And if they get that marquee win against some bottom of the top 25 team at the time, or get that good bracket buster win (which is what the BB is supposed to be for) then an at large is not out of the question, nor is a top 25 ranking. Hell, K ent was able to do it in the 07-08 season (yes they played #1 UNC) but the rest of that schedule is not mind bogglingly difficult. Not to sound treasonous, but I think they've done an excellent job with their OOC scheduling for quite a few years. If they have a good team and get the wins it puts them right in the middle of the Tourney conversation. And if they don't have a great team that year, or have a lot of underclassmen (and yes, this is where the JUCO conversation comes into play), they aren't going to get murdered in the way that the Redhawks would with their balls to the wall OOC schedule.The Zips schedule doesn't have to change all that much really.. It's close, but could just use a little bit of an injection. Really the key is winning the games you're supposed to win and just continuing on the path in the conference that they have been on. Get rid of the garbage bottom feeder teams and this team is a perennial Tourney team. Of course, this is merely one fan's opinion. Coach Dambrot knows what vision he has for this team and has a much more comprehensive understanding of how to get this team to where it needs to go, as opposed to some crummy fan(s) on an internet message board.Go Zips! I'm just here to enjoy this crazy roller coaster ride!

Right now I'm about 90% on making the trip to Anderson.

Thirsty Dog Brewing Company and Roo Brew Fine Craft Beers are also great microbreweries in Akron that you might want to try. Thirsty Dog can be found at Giant Eagle and Acme as well. Roo Brew is also supposed to be at various Giant Eagles and Acmes throughout the area. They used to sell it at the drive thru directly across the street from the stadium, but when I stopped in there maybe about a month ago the guy said they weren't carrying it anymore because it wasn't selling.Hope the info (pun very much intended) helps. Happy tailgating

Tonight might have been THAT game. The game that gives a team that confidence, that toughness, and a focus that can propel them for the rest of the season. Kind of like the Toledo game in the opening round of the tournament last season. A game when a team finds a way to win a game where nothing was going right and it seemed like there was no way victory is possible, but you don't give up, you believe in yourself and you come through in the stretch and just forge ahead. A terrible game, but great win.

I only have one or two comments to make about your post. (And I do enjoy reading your posts and know that your intentions are always in the right place )1. You can't call the loss to NC State a bad loss, that squad is competitive in nearly every game they play, they've got some athletes on that roster. Not to mention the fact that they are in the best basketball conference next to the Big East. Although, yes, I thought Akron should have won that game by double digits at that point in the season. But per the last 2 seasons the team starts a little slow at the same time that my Blue and Gold shades are at their deepest hue.2. The slow development of players. You have to keep in mind that this team is still very young. In our conference it's ALWAYS the upperclassmen that win the big games. The Zips are still heavy with underclassmen despite the great run into the dance last March. Although McNees, Brett McKnight, Bardo and Daryl are Juniors this season, we only have 2 Seniors that see regular playing time this year and I think Jim still hasn't completely found his niche despite the great games he's been having. Hitchens, Cvetinovic, McClanahan, Steward and Marshall are all still totally underclassmen and the rest of the guys are either just as young or younger. In summation, I think we need to save the slow development argument for this time next season. I'll tell you what, if this team hasn't won 15 games by this point next season I'll buy your ticket to a game. (I can spare the ten bucks, plus it would be great to meet some of the other posters that go to games anyway haha.)And as far as any of the guys out there that would say that Coach Dambrot's "seat" is any sort of warm, I don't think that's even close to the case at all. Not only has Coach Dambrot taken Akron Basketball to unprecedented heights, but he is a leader and a role model for many young men in this community, not just his players and the students that attend this university. A large faction of Zipsnation needs to take a collective deep breath and look at the SEVENTEEN wins that this team has. For the fifth year in a row this crew is going to bring home twenty plus wins and has put themselves in the position to claim the regular season title as well as find a spot in the big dance. It's just now getting to the point of the season that separates the men from the boys and there is no doubt that coach Dambrot has these men poised to make Akron proud. Lets just enjoy it while it lasts.

I am going to agree that Brett McKnight is easily the most versatile and complete offensive threat that this team has. Who else on this team, let alone in the MAC, has the size, inside game and post moves, as well as the range and athleticism that Brett McKnight has? I'll probably get ostracized for saying this, but he is comparable on the court to Anthony Simpson of K.S.U, although Simpson is slightly taller and Brett is slightly more of a playmaker on the offensive end. The only problem that comes up is that the name of Brett's game is INCONSISTENCY. He's a very talented player, but he can go anywhere from unstoppable to total black hole sometimes. When Brett is on his game the Zips don't lose, but when he's not it's up to someone else to step it up. I would love for nothing more than to see Brett step up and become the go to guy on this team, because when he's on he's deadly. The inconsistency is really the big issue here, as it seems to have been with the offense at many times this season. But what I'm really wondering is how much Brett's injury is keeping him from breaking out this year? A back injury like that has to cause at least some apprehension to say the least.Just keep plugging away and playing tougher defense than everyone else in this league. I know Coach Dambrot will have this team focused and up to the task no matter who tries to get in the way. Central had better be ready for the most physical game they've seen in a while.

I wholeheartedly agree with every part of this statement. But I'll wager everything I have that the outcome on March 5th is entirely different; as well as the mac tourney. I just have that deep down gut feeling that Akron Basketball is gonna finish everything the right way this year.

Has anyone else seen this? Your College Town Sucks: Can't, Ohio"From its paved roads to its numerous public restrooms, Can't is more than just a shining example of the modern, American city; each year, thousands of young, white people migrate to Can't to escape the wearying pressures of suburbia. Rest assured, fellow travelers--in our fair city, there is no fear of being forced to load the dishwasher or bitter tears over having to drive your little sister to piano lessons. Instead, you will find a safe haven full of people just like you who are far enough from their family to avoid being hassled, but still close enough to be sent money. However, the right to party--added to Can't's town charter in 1947--is just one of the many reasons so many tourists come to see, hear, and grope their way through the exciting world of a city located conveniently close to Cleveland!"(Note: You will probably need to change the word "can't" back to "k ent" in the url if it is automatically changed like "k ent" is in the regular text).

I feel your evening law student pain. It was tough sitting through class knowing that Akron and Miami were battling it out just a few hundred feet away. Needless to say, I covertly had my ESPN GameCast up and running throughout the evening .

Local Recaps: Gaffney: Zips Open MAC with Rout Elton: Akron Dominates the Second Half to Rout Bowling GreenGo Zips!!

Yeah because we sold out every game at the Info, right??? Just build a nice structure, and the place will be packed, just because it's a nice building. Meanwhile we left money on the table and fans and students unable to attend several games just a little to the west...Something tells me that Akron Basketball isn't going to go 3-9 any time in the near future. If any program is deserving of having some funds pumped into it (with the exception of soccer of course) it is the men's basketball program. In fact, that is exactly the point the article is trying to make. Basketball in the MAC no longer has the support that it once did, which is pretty bad, because there was some very respectable talent in this league not all that long ago. Think of it this way: If UA is able to make an investment in the basketball program in the immediate future, it could have a major leg up once the trend in the conference goes back toward basketball, which doesn't seem all that unreasonable when looking at the fact that our new commissioner comes from a conference that is focused on basketball as far as division one athletics are concerned. I dunno, something about both Akron v. K ent games being televised on the ESPN family of networks this season seems like it may be some sort of an indication that basketball in the MAC may be becoming a priority again for the conference, why not market its most competitive rivalry? It is a pretty fun one to watch after all...It would be great to upgrade facilities for the basketball team regardless, but pragmatically speaking, if the league does trend in a way that starts supporting basketball again, not only would the Zips have a leg up as far as winning games is concerned, but it would also have a leg up as far as $$$$ is concerned. If Akron is the flagship team of what becomes a respectable mid major conference, where do you think the media is going to focus? Which team do you think will be the one drawing in new fans? Who is going to be the one making money over the others? Why wouldn't you want that advantage? Carpe Diem buddy. Carpe Diem.

That was exactly the kind of statement game the Zips needed to make entering conference play, especially after the heart breaker against URI. They bounced back and took care of business in an almost mechanical fashion in the second half.A complete domination like that, especially against a fellow member of the MAC East (Although I'm not sure how good BG is really going to be this year because they did lose some significant talent from last season) is kind of like putting up a big 26 point middle finger and saying "come and get us" to the rest of the conference. You'd better bring all you've got if you want to knock off the defending champions.Now the test is to knock off both solid OU and UB squads on the road. If the Zips can make it 3-0 come sunday evening next weekend (I'm not going to be hoisting a regular season championship banner or anything) but I do think that it is an indication that the rest of the season may prove to be a very enjoyable one for anyone sporting blue and gold.Very nice win tonight Zips! Keep the momentum going and give those "pussies" (as in cats ) a dose of championship basketball! The power of the lasagna compels you!

Because it is very easy to force Malone, St. Francis, and Mount union to commit TOs, much harder when you play Providence, VCU, and OK StateNot sure when we played Mount Union but if you looked at the NC State game (quality opponent) the Zips did force 25 TOs, despite losing by 20. Shoot an average percentage for that game (The Zips shot .309) and the Zips come away with the win. This Zips team has been dominant on the boards lately, and that'll be a key. Should be a fun time tomorrow night...I just wish the students were ALL in town.Oh. And let me ad it sure would be nice to see a story in the Beacon touting this as a big game in TOMORROW'S paper to make more folks aware. (Hint Hint Tom/Beacon)Ask and you shall receive. Zips facing major test

The A-10 is essentially the border between "mid-major" and "major." Kind of depends on how much money you think is expected out of a "mid major" and how much out of a "major" conference. From the figures that I have seen over the past few years the A-10 brings in a hefty amount but there is enough of a drop off between them and the "big six" conferences. Of course, I also believe that after the A-10 there is also a significant drop off between them and the other "mid majors" (someone please correct me if the figures have drastically changed, but I don't believe that to be the case.)But as for no A-10 teams being ranked on the College Insider.com Mid Major Poll: The Mid-Major Poll is made up of teams from the following conferences: America East, Atlantic Sun, Big Sky, Big South, Big West, Colonial, Great West, Horizon, Independents, Ivy, Metro Atlantic, Mid-American, Mid-Eastern, Missouri Valley, Northeast, Ohio Valley, Patriot, Southern, Southland, Southwestern, Summit, Sun Belt, West Coast.You do bring up a good point though, and although the A-10 is not found on the Mid Major poll they still aren't necessarily considered a "power" conference either. In some ways they are kind of like the MAC, in the way that the top teams are very good but the bottom half of the teams, well this year it really seems, (the Zips beat Duquene on the road 3 years ago I believe it was, and now #19 ranked Temple 2 years ago at the JAR, and have been able to go toe to toe with Dayton the last two times they have played but sort of like the MAC west, the bottom half of the A-10 would drop to the top MAC teams)) are weaker, or there is some legitimate drop off between upper echelon A-10 teams and the lower ones.Rhode Island is at the top of the A-10 right now though, and the Zips are going to want to make up for last year in a big way. I love the MAC v. A-10 match ups in the OOC so lets make it a strong showing and knock these guys off of their high early season horse.

Thanks very much for the scouting report Districtballer. I miss the trash talk during the Akron VCU games Rhode Island is undoubtedly a talented team from a very solid conference, but they are hardly Goliath and the Zips are hardly David. Outside of Rhode Island's loss to VCU it looks like their toughest opponents have been Boston College (ACC) and Providence (Big East) and neither of those games were exactly a drubbing of the other team. I think the outcome of the Oklahoma State game is going to tell us a lot about who Rhode Island really is.Akron and Rhode Island have played some similar teams in their schedules: Both Fairfield and Niagra are MAAC teams with similar records. BC and NC State (ACC) have close records also (Although Rhode Island won and the Zips got their tails handed to them). There is also the NEC connection with Rhode Island playing Quinnipiac and The Zips playing St. Francis as well as Southern Conference opponents Davidson, who isn't nearly what they were with Curry, and UNCG who Akron destroyed. Outside of that, Rhode Island has faced Stony Brook, (Amer. East), Holy Cross (Patriot), and Brown (Ivy). With the exception of VCU, Providence, maybe Boston College, and the upcoming OSU game, who has Rhode Island really played? Of course the same can be argued about the Zips.Looking at Rhode Island, it appears that Wyoming actually had a lot more size on their roster and the Cowboys try to play a game that is similar to what Rhode Island tries to do. I think as long as we can break the press that they're going to throw at us this is going to be a really good game. Oklahoma State is going to tell everyone a lot about Rhode Island I think, but before seeing the results of that test, I'm gonna say that because we're at home and have not forgot about the game with the Rams last year, we're going to come ready to play and get that elusive "big" OOC win. We have been right there with some of the best the A-10 has to offer in Dayton and besides, we're just plain freakin' due .

+1. I kind of thought that last year the offense seemed stagnant in that area for much of the season. The back court has been much more aggressive about cutting to the basket lately. Humpty has always sort of had that mentality it seems (no surprise with his quicks), but seeing Daryl and especially Steve taking it to the hoop in certain situations is a good thing. If the opening is there why not go for the easy two? Compared to last year this team has recently been sharing the ball MUCH better and the guards seem to be able to either find openings to cut to the basket or have more experience at seeing the floor and have been able to make that extra pass to the wide open player, either on the wing or in the paint. Especially with Big Z and Brett McKnight drawing double teams down low it gives a lot of open shot opportunities if the spacing is good and that extra pass can be made. As long as the shots are falling, when the offense operates with that sort of mechanical precision, much as the defense has traditionally been able to do, the Zips are gonna win by double digits no matter who's guarding them. Bring on (V)alpo, I'm totally jacked up for the chance to pay those guys back for last year.

I think most would agree Golden Tate is a pretty spectacular receiver? (Ianello recruit)Robert Smith? Lead singer of the Cure? What does he know about american football? Brian Kelly wants his guys, not Rob's guys... Let Rob's guys continue with the blue and gold tradition, only with newer digs. That would probably be okay. As long as they've got true Rubber City grit.

Malone 2-6 (NAIA)AKRON 4-3 (Zips lead the series 4-0 all time)I know it's the gimme game of the season, but it appears that The Pioneers did put up some game against the Div. II defending champion Findlay Oilers (36-0 in the 08'-09' season (majorly impressive feat by the way)) suffering a 70-81 loss.. Findlay did knock off the university of ohio state (a division I program) 70-68 two years ago. Can't blame a guy for trying to give a game a little bit more hype than there would be otherwise...My prediction:Zips 86 Malone College Pioneers 48It will be fun to see Eric Coblentz launching a few threes against his old team. Good luck to Malone in the NAIA..Also, Happy (early) Birthday to the big fella! My prediction is that the big man gets his first collegiate triple double tonight (points, rebounds, blocks) if Coach Dambrot lets him stay in for a while...And if not... He'll get it next game! The big man is having a good season and it's just going to get better from here the more he works with Coach D and the rest of the staff. Can't wait till march, but enjoying every second in between..- Z4P

At first take I was underwhelmed with this hire. After what transpired under Coach Brookhart's tenure here I was very skeptical about the hire of another coach with no experience at the helm. But after taking some time to learn a little bit about Coach Ianello and hearing his press conference I voted good hire (fingers crossed). From what I've read it seems like he's gonna put a little bit of grit and toughness into Akron football, and by that I mean playing a brand of physical, smack em' in the mouth, pone em' football, which always seemed to be lacking with all of Coach Brookhart's schemes (he always seemed like the mad scientist who never quite got the formula quite right to me, like maybe sometimes he just outsmarted himself, or maybe some of his team. sorry guys). i.e. 3-3-5 defense, spread offense/no huddle kind of deal. Whatever happened to the power I and the 34 dive and moving the ball between the tackles? I like that Ianello was talking about running a 4-3 defense. And I agree that in order for us to keep up with the horses that Temple has these days we are gong to have to play a more physical brand of football. Personally, I like the concept of MAC East football turning into a bunch of bruisers. And if Coach Ianello is half the recruiter that I've read about him being I think we may be able to get some bruisers in here. Watching the Browns game last night there was mention of S.A.T. players on NFL Network as far as the only type of players Mangini will play, which if I remember correctly stood for smart, athletic, and tough (Suck it Squealers). Which essentially reads "Notre Dame Football." It seems like Coach Ianello has that sort of mindset and there is no way that he's going to put up with a "Jaquemain" type player on his squad. No rockstars, no quitters, no gimmes, no BS. I like it Coach. Run the 4-3 D, go with the power I, let the damn quarterback line up under center, put some muscle and discipline into this program. Players (all 18-20-something year olds for that matter) crave guidance and leadership, you're the guy. Go get us a MAC championship and help some kids become scholars and mentally tough young men.

Brian Wagner ran the ball pretty well in HS. Not break away speed but 4.5-6 is pretty nice @ 225 pds.He will be too small for the middle linebacker spot in a 4-3 defense and we do have alot of OLB talent. It might make sense.Why on earth would we move Wagner who was are best defensive player to FB. Your talking about a guy who will most likely be a frosh all american and who led the MAC in tackles and was also 6th in the nation overall in tackels. If anything we move him to OLB and move one of the current OLB to fullback.With the motor that kid has I don't care what side of the ball he plays on. Maybe he should play both ways Put him at punter and place kicker too for all I care.

Not 24-0...23-0-1 News to me. Of course, I believe that was my first post in any sort of soccer forum ever. I'm not familiar with these bizarre "futbol" rules. Although I do feel the Akron "futbol" fever.. I always thought a team had to win a game in order to advance in any sort of playoff? Somehow what once was that unscathed zero to the right of that ever increasing number seems cheaper now. Well anyway, all I know it means is that this team is preparing for a national title and that's pretty sensational in my book. Soccer continues to educate me, and that's never a bad thing. Thanks for the heads up OZ.

24-0 on the season. Wow. What a game. I caught the end of it, as I was stuck taking a final exam for most of the duration. Congrats Zips Soccer! The National Championship is in sight! Now bring that baby home!

The basketball team doesn't do this? Basketball and Soccer

Darn. You beat me to it.

Well this thread has sure turned to s**t in a hurry..