UA1987

Yes, it's Western Cult, which were a couple of the best (and most hated to some) courses I took at Akron. They colored in 5000 years of history, which I still draw on today (A's in both - a thank you!). I will be in attendance on Sat., with #1 Zips fan (longtime season ticket holder to all sports) and Akron grad, Ron from Canton. I will be looking at line play and team camaraderie.

It looked to me like Woodson had lack of normal mobility and use in the arm/shoulder as he was trying to shake out all night. I have to wonder if it is not a neck disc or a pinched nerve. These type injuries can take a while to heal.

I agree. If somehow Stroud (and Amato) can pick up or develop some quality help that can play right away all across the DL, we may be have a pretty good season in 2017. I like the Iowa State OOC matchup here at the Info, although watching them earlier this year we will need to be much improved to handle the Cyclones. Troy will be a tough road game.

I heard on Joe Dunn's show that Warren Ball is done playing ball this year. Paperwork is supposedly being filed for a 6th year, but I have to wonder if he will ever play for the Zips again.

Yikes, did coach say 'life is like a box of chocolates' in there somewhere? Kidding (I think).

Unfortunately, one of BG's strengths is their offensive line. I heard Joe Dunn mention in pre-game that there might be some help with a player or two coming over to defense from the offense, but no mention of names or positions.

I think Akron basketball is a good example of how winning increases attendance (anyone care to take a look at the Coleman Crawford tenure or Hipsher's early years). You could point to Akron Soccer too. If Akron Soccer won only a few games every year do you think anyone would go but a few diehards and family? Don't get me wrong as I really like what Dambrot has accomplished, but if he got Akron basketball into the top 25 the JAR would be at close to attendance capacity. Pardon to the Mods as we are getting even more off topic here.

Here's what I'm hearing from you - it has not been proven that injecting enthusiasm/motivation and discipline into a football program will help a team perform better. Here's what I'm hearing from Louisville - (no your naïve... what are we in 6th grade or right out of high school?) Winning will not produce the attendance increase you think and Akron can never have big win seasons. You could look at any team and ascertain that winning correlates to a jump in attendance. The Ohio stats (not Ohio State Skippy) prove that, but it makes me puke that this team is used as an aspiring example. If Akron can put together a defense and offense in the same season then hello big season or two. This is what we need to put butts in the seats and start rolling on recruiting, which will cultivate more winning. Akron has a core group of loyal fans, but we see them now at the games and it is not enough for many, including the AD. Unfortunately most fans nowadays are fair weather fans (blame it on free agency in the pro's). To get the 'what have you done for me lately' crowd into the Info you have avoid 1-11 seasons, get into the top 25 from time to time. Watching to see if Terry will get us there is part of the fun for me.

I have to openly object to hyperbole

92.8% filled and yeah that's great thank you for admitting that (I think we would take that at the Info). If you think there are bunch of new loyal fans out there waiting to jump on the Zips bandwagon forever you are naïve. Every team has a core of loyal fans but the bulk of fans are just looking for a winner. The key is to win and keep on winning, which I'm hoping Bowden's teams are on track to do.

Yeah and sorry for spelling Cowlumbus wrong. I feel like Jack Nicholson in the 'Cuckoos Nest' today.

In 2013 during the NIU game vs Western (their one win year) at Waldo the Broncos drew 17,679 and this year they drew 28,042 vs NIU, which is 98% capacity. It's that easy. But you go ahead and figure it out.

On two three four five... ten - comments like this draws the cyber bully out in me. Winning draws fans is the point. You can have sunny days, a great facility, an interesting team and coach, but only one thing fills the stadium - WINNING! https://www.google.com/#q=charlie+sheen+winning (now if we could just get Wild Thing at one of the Tribe games this week)

Yeah, I met Larry Williams before the Western game began. He said what do I need to do to attract fans and went on to point to the caliber of the game day opponent and the beautiful day. I said you want to attract fans - string a few 10 win seasons or better together. He went on to discuss Stroud's recruiting and I told him about he 12,000 (or so) Zips fans that showed up at the Motor City Bowl game in 2005. The fans are there, just spending their money at other games in Columbus and Alliance for now.

No not really what I'm saying and I don't know what they do at Ohio, but demeanor or conduct of a coaching staff can have a significant impact on enthusiasm and discipline of a team. I'm not saying Terry is too old and has lost this team at all, as I think he is well liked, but I don't want to see things like a reserve lineman and a potential starter in a year or two standing 20 yards from the team during a game and looking disgusted at not playing. I watched Western's players (including reserves) hustle to designated spots on the field on timeouts to keep everyone alert and in the game. I also saw us bungle a pregame motivational stunt and it being used against us. If you do not have the mental aspect of this game buttoned down you will lose when you should win and upsets will be harder to obtain and I think we need a little work on this part of the game in addition to signing up more solid recruits.

Lack of enthusiasm, lack discipline, lack of depth seem to have plagued this team. Things are getting much better from years ago, but Akron needs a motivator on the coaching staff. Seeing Terry doing his 'Ok arms up, now arms down' stuff on you-tube doesn't cut it I believe. Maybe a guy like Stroud should get more involved in the motivational hype to help as Gildersleeve may not be THE guy for now. I saw a post game talk recently and only Tuley-Tillman and Venckus were on their knee listening to Bowden. Don't get me wrong, I think Terry is our guy, but maybe he needs to take on a more dignified stance with the team so that when he speaks EVERYONE listens. I also think that lack of depth is playing a role beyond not having suitable backups on the 2 deep. If a starter is banged up he will fight to play if he thinks sitting will hurt his chances to play in the future. This is called competition and it is a great motivator. We need more and I think we will get there, but for now the stadium will be empty and we will have to take the interesting things going on at Akron games as enough until the consistent wins arrive, just a little late.

I have to wonder if Boxen's career is over with all that metal now in his leg.

With the injuries on the defensive line, I would have to consider switching Bullard (6'6" 296) back to defense. Hamilton has disappointed. I would pencil him at DT as a starter and see what he could do (excel or get crushed - your choice Jelani). I'm sure we are doing everything we can, however, and I have confidence in Stroud and Amato, but that was brutal to watch last night. The announcers even complimented the 'I' bag.

I thought Venckus had a great game at D/E. His TFL really helped when our defense was in full retreat.

probably so... the man bun crowd might reject the beauty of the sun and high temperatures at the Info for a dorm room and a TV or phone.

The Zips can win this game, but only if it's an all hands on deck effort.

Scott did play at the start of the game.

I noticed Pittman did not play. He was on the sidelines, in pads, but did not participate. Anyone have any info on him as we will need him down the stretch (I did not hear the pre-game injury report on the radio)? Hamilton played some D/E with the loss of Marcus and as Pittman was out.

I have to say that their Nick Holley was almost heroic in his effort. but we retained the Wheel and we now have a back up QB.

I agree with Skip on this. We need to break out with respectable early wins (like Marshall) and have a double digit win season. Then, people will take notice. The worst thing we can do is schedule away top tier opponents that confirm, in the casual fan's minds, that we are not to be taken seriously. Build to that, but for now it's all about scheduling. Our forward OOC schedule looks OK (except for one or two games), so we may be on the right track.