UA1987

Wrong - what every coach should have wanted, and what every player and Zips fan did want was to totally run out the clock by obtaining a first down on that last series. By leaving time on the clock we left a bullet in their chamber. Bad final series up by only 1. You would have thought would have learned something after the Troy game.

We got lucky at the end when their guy Ernsberger dropped a pass at the 32 with enough time for Western to try a 49 field goal. We should have found a way for one more 1st down so that last WMU drive did not happen and not run up the gut, which was close to taking a knee as their defense was bottled up in the middle. I do have a problem with that as I don't like to rely on luck to win, but hey we won so great!. I think Milwee (ha ha my spell check tried to call him milkweed) did not call a run outside on our last possession as he was concerned that Edwards or Morgan might get pushed out of bounds, but I think that was a bad decision.

Any news on Hauser? Lako filled in like a champ, but who would be next on the two deep at the MIKE position if our starter is out and Lako starts running with the one's?

Wow what a defensive game. I don't understand not targeting Wolf on more throws and I think we needed to run the ball around the edges instead of up the gut a few more times late, but not complaining.

All time series has WMU with 14 wins Akron with 3 (one in 1938?). As most have heard 2007 was maybe the most exciting Akron football finish of all time as Andre Jones ran back a punt for a TD and a 1 point win (39-38) as time ran out in Kalamazoo. We also had several of our worst defeats by this team, especially the game coached by Ianello in 2011. Last year was very disappointing too. WMU is very good, but is Akron on the rise despite the loss of two of our best players? Maybe, as 33 (or more counting all) other starters on the O, D, and special teams appear to be getting better as the season rolls on. Let's hope it's a good game to watch and Akron has a shot at winning at the end. Go Zips!

Looks like Reghi's barber uses a black sharpie or shoe polish to finish his cut. As bad as they are the announcers for the Troy game were worse.

I don't have much to add except that it was good to see Copeland back on the defensive line as I believe he was injured. Also, Bell is stepping up on the D and I'd like to see Baggett get some time at safety. On the O, you gotta like what you saw of Sands, but the QB over throws have to be corrected. Not sure if it's the speedy receivers that are pulling up a bit on their routes or if Woodson's timing. Weather wise it was hot and sunny with a breeze that would come up and cool you down right on time. Ideal really. The east stands were almost as crowded as the west, so I would say 15,000 in the seats. The voice of Akron may have helped a little on that goal line stand. Lastly, shout out to O'Leary and Foster. The 48 yarder was with the wind but still a nice kick.

I believe Akron was 5-3 in the MAC in 2015. This Ball State game should be very close and a great game to watch. I think they landed 5 players on the preseason All MAC team (Gilbert RB - 1st; Palazeti OL - 3rd; Winbush DL - 1st; Walton DB - 4th; Hagee K - 4th).

It must have gone like this - #13 is unlucky so double it. Nah #26 is double trouble so how about doubling the 2 (deuce) to #22 and you can call me Double 'D'. Kidding - who knows, maybe there was a conflict or something. Anyhow, I'd like to see him get some carries.

Morgan and Edwards had a good game at BG. What happened to Sands? Is he injured again? I thought he might get some carries with the injury to Ball.

Not too late to do look alikes is it? or

Heads up, incoming from California

And this lost rant has what to do with Akron football attendance? Please reconsider why people may be treating you badly. Welcome to my ignore list.

If I see or hear of Akron football players not standing when the National Anthem is played then I will not attend another game. Has it happened? I do not watch the NFL anymore. Has it happened in the NBA because if it has I'll turn them off too? I'm not a Trump fan at all, but the colors are being presented by Military Service Members who should be honored no matter what your situation.

It seemed to me that Warren B. had a better second half at Troy. Was this better blocking? - probably not. Was it sheer effort on Ball's part? - Maybe. Was it a switch in defensive scheme by Troy's coaches to stop the pass after the half as we were two scores behind - I wonder but can't remember? I turned off the announcers so maybe that guy that used to play said something. To me this is important at BG and for the rest of our season. If they try to focus their defense on Ball we need to come up with answers - good passing game, trickery, or run Woodson to back them off their keys and the line of scrimmage.

Maybe your comments should be on the Bowden thread? Anyhow, if we are able to beat BG next week I would call it a quality win, despite their record, due to their strength schedule, which is one of the highest in the FBS.

Maybe we both are partly right. North Dakota was in the FCS top 25 when SD beat them badly http://www.goyotes.com/schedule.aspx?path=football. Point is, BG has played a tough schedule (Michigan State , South Dakota, Northwestern, Middle Tenn.) like the Zips so they may not be as much of a push over as their record indicates.

I'm not sure the Zips will be favored.

BG's schedule has been pretty tough too. The one FCS opponent that they played, South Dakota, just beat #10 North Dakota 45-7. To some of you that don't follow college football at that level, North Dakota is a perennial power in FCS with an FBS win against #13 Iowa last year.

Yep it was a loss and I too feel low, but It was a good game to watch. This was Ball's best game so far (Pine Bluff doesn't count). Surprised to see the wildcat formation - and it worked for a score. We missed our starting safeties, but Alvin (the mighty chipmunk) seemed to make a difference in the second half till the last drive. Time should be running out on anyone dropping passes. Play the freshman if this continues.

I like the job Terry is doing, but I would prefer that he be more like a riverboat gambler and less like an evangelical minister. It's right that he is trying to make good men out of his players, but in games like Iowa State we need to go all in and take risks to win. Being conservative and running the same plays in games when you are somewhat outmatched will produce a loss, unless the other team is just having an overall bad day. Practice a plan B set of plays and don't just chart it up at half. Additionally, I don't like to hear comments similar to what Amato said before Penn State. I heard on a pregame discussion that Chuck joked with our AD saying to let him know when the check is in hand so he could put put in our reserves. I like Chuck too, but never say this stuff as it gets around and does no good. Anyhow, I'm with Terry and his staff. Is is just me or does he send the message that he wants to win in his old stomping grounds (West Virginia - Marshall and Pitt)? Maybe we can look to an all in OOC effort in Alabama this week. This brings me to my final criticism in that I don't want to just focus on MAC games. Terry seems to send this message about conference games, but he should try to win them all and not just pick up the check.

I believe it is determined when the game contract is signed. I wonder, has Akron been able to require the use MAC refs at any away Power 5 game? It would seem to me that OOC games should be officiated by a non-affiliated officiating team to, at the very least, avoid the appearance of impropriety.

Probably? Anyhow, the first ref from the game that I looked at is from Rapid City. Very young 31, and I'm sure he does a good job, but they are there to protect their conference members. There is also another fallout from this game in that we don't have Alvin Davis for the 1st half of the Troy game, which could really hurt as Guiser too may be out in a concussion protocol (not verified). Lastly, Iowa State will use this game as a recruiting tool as their HC knows NE Ohio. Very costly game for the Zips.

Observations: Big 12 officiating took away home field advantage and there is a need for more aggressive play calling on offense. I would rather lose a game like this trying to win than get homered in our own stadium. Go for it on 4th and 8 in their territory and when we were close (20-14) pull out the WR pass or something like that (UTEP did it against AZ) to try and take the lead. Beautiful day and the bands were great. I turned around and complimented a couple of Iowa State fans on their band a lady said 'Yeah we know'. Good things - I thought Bell and Jamal Davis played well. Lastly, is there any way that we might want to run back a kickoff or not fair catch a punt or should we just have everyone waive a white flag on these receiving teams?

I think this game has the makings of a shootout. I just hope the Zips remember to draw. This is a don't miss game (forecasted weather and opponent are great - let's hope Akron is too).