72 Roo

Last night I saw the Zip soccer team do something I haven't seen in a long time, they made an adjustment early in the game well before halftime. We came out playing our possession game with little penetration an no scoring opportunities. At about the 15 minute mark we changed to through passing and occasionally going over the top as direct teams do. Our wings and forward, especially Zajac and Kasay, started making diagonal runs and the opportunities started coming. I thought Zajac was really on his game. His D needs some work, but he can help a lot. The change produced one on one's with the GK for both Zajac and Kasay. We should have had a score out of one of those two chances. That's good coaching and I applaud Jared and the staff for having the team ready to do that. Our D looked good and stood up to Creighton's repeated long passes hoping to get over the top of our back line. Our boys were stellar. In fact the whole team, except for our right mid's, clicked. We are weak at RMF. Pacheco was playing below his standard and his sub, Yung (?), was lost. Tor was good in goal and if Ben is benched we will not lose a step here. I thought Mohammed was excellent and he helped to steady our improved backline. The only weakness that seem to stick out to me is that we have no speed up top, like a Darren Mattocks. This was a good game in which to put it together. We can build on this. Jared even smiled after the game. That's good news.

Thank you Cap't. I loved the article on Jabari. You have a warm, informative writing style that leads the reader to build a relationship with the subject. Jabari is a remarkable Zip alum. I am proud of the high regard he holds for his teammates and university. Your article is another reminder of why I follow ZNO so eagerly.

Not sure I agree with you on Kato. I believe Rampart may have the talent to lead an offense and make good decisions. I realize he has not had much time at QB, but I can't go as far as to say it's Kato or nothing. personally I hope Rampart is getting more reps in practice. Kat needs competition to push his game to a higher level. He still needs to grow in accuracy, temperment and leadership.

Couldn't agree more with both thoughts: 1) send Newman to the bench, and 2) give us more Wolfley, he makes good things happen.

This game was a buzz kill for the football program. Joe Akron actually came out to see this year's version of the Zips and we were horrible. He won't be back this year. As bad as we were I did not think Miami was all that good. They were just better prepared and disciplined. They let us kill our own drives with either turnovers, penalties or lack of hitting an open receiver. A trait of Bowden coached teams showed it ugly head, that is no discipline. It was apparent in our play. I hope Ramart gets a serious look this week as well as running backs who have speed and moves. finally, what happened to the O-Line? They were OK against the better defenses of Northwestern and Iowa State. I don't buy Council's injury causing the whole line to play so poorly. Man, this hurts.

I am not done with this team by any means, but last night was a shocker. For such a big game and nice weather I couldn't understand the lack of attendance, both from the students and general public. We have talent but that talent does not have faith in the guys on either side of them. In the past whenever a midfielder or defender was beat they were covered by a teammate. Not so last night. The short, controlled passing and the switching of the attack were not there. The coaches can coach our style, but if the players don't buy into it we will be beat by lesser teams. I will not call out players or name names. We have the talent, now use it the way the coaches want. Our goals are still in front of us. Not one has been lost. We just have a tougher road to follow. I hope the fans have not given up. Let's get back in those stands and keep First Energy a miserable place to play for opponents.

Bring 'em on. There's not one team here that I, let alone the team, fear. We are a very good team. When we find our form, which we will, we are going to be awesome. Fear none, respect all. Go Zips!

B & G, I was one of the guys who last season felt Milwee was not up to calling a good game. I have said though on a previous post that his play calling is not holding the team back. It is not an issue with me. Last year it certainly was. I think he has grown and does an adequate job. Having better talent helps the situation. I hope Milwee continues to grow into the position. Regarding Van Edwards I concur that he is a reliable back who hits the hole hard, has good speed, doesn't fumble but has no top end breakaway speed and can't make a tackler miss. Until we have a better back I give the position to him. I like our young stable of backs, but they have to beat him out to earn the spot. I've said this before, but want to say it again .... kudos to TB and staff for bringing in the talent we now have. It's great to have depth and ability.

This wasn't our best effort, but we hung with a damn good team. Hats off to TB and staff for getting our talent level to the point that we could do this. In past years we would have been blown out. Now our guys go into games expecting to win. They are good and they believe it. I hope our injuries heal quickly and we go play smash-mouth defense with the MAC. Kato and the O will get better altho' Kato picked a hell of a time to miss open receivers. BTW, you are lucky you didn't play us Nebraska! Now pay up.

Nebraska's position on this astounds me. They are making noise about negotiating a settlement with a straight Face? Give me a break! They did not pay back any tickets to their fans but they won't pay us? This is the same Nebraska that gets $38 million from the B1G for their share of the Big Ten TV contract alone, which is exclusive of all other football revenue i.e. ticket sales, merchandise, loge rentals, advertising, concessions, parking, etc. Shame on them. Shame on AD Moos. Shame on their President. This was once a highly respected program. Not now. Don't give 'em a single concession Larry Williams!

Last year I was a vocal critic of Milwee. I thought then, and I still think now, that with the talent he had he significantly under-performed and deserved to be replaced to focus on being the QB coach alone. I also said TB was very loyal and would not replace him so I prayed Milwee would find a way to improve. So far this year I believe he is doing just that. Of course better talent helps. I have no complaint about his play calling. I thank you for reminding me that I should also give him credit where it is due for a job well done. Coaching makes a difference. I hope he continues and drives the Zips O to the top of the MAC.

"Also, we definitely had two #9s on the field during the last play. The football Gods were on our side for once. Learning experience. I am sure every officiating eye was looking for pass interference and holding." Just goes to show that our pair of nines beats their ace anyway!

"First half was rough on offense. Offensive line killed us with penalties and making us always be behind the chains as a result." LZip, I'll offer this thought and I am not trying to be a smart-ass or rain on the parade of this great win. Was our OLine killing us or was it Petersen? He seemed to be overmatched in this game, but I did not see that from the rest of the line. I like this line better than any OLine of the last four years. They can be very good. I don't like to call out individual players, but this poor guy was not cutting it. I know behind him we have R J Kelly who is a true freshman, and one day, maybe soon, will be the anchor of our line, but we may have to turn to him now. Petersen needs to learn from this, improve and show he can play with smarts. What are your or the board's thoughts?

Thanks my friend. I'm looking forward Bowden coaching our boys up and getting after your 'Clones. It will be a great game.

The timing was deliberate. I want to win against NW and all future opponents. We won't do that w/o discipline. Coaches should demand it, especially after a huge win that we nearly lost because of lack of discipline.

I couldn't agree more.Lack of discipline is a trademark of Bowden teams. He does not demand it. He seems to let them play thru it and learn from the experience. The only thing they learn is there is no accountability for stupid, willful mistakes on Bowden coached teams. I think TB is a good coach for Akron and I want him as our coach, but I hate his tolerance for penalties, selfishness and being punks at times. I'd bench 'em all and play the next man up.

Just joining in on the conversation. Kato scares the hell out of me when considering his maturity and disposition. He thinks of himself and his desire to react before he thinks of the team. I see that coming from his Lavar Ball type dad, not a good mentor. I think he can be far better than Woody, but his teammates will pick up the realization that he can't lead under pressure if that is truly there. If that happens bring on Ramart, because Kato is worthless in the long run.

Hated our uni's today. If the blues were truly in Nebraska then I'll temper my dislike. One thing I hate is our white helmets have the Z and the number outlined. The inside of which is not filled in. If both were actually navy blue you could clearly see them from the stands. As they are now you can't make out either number or Z. They just look like marks on the side of the helmut. Would have much rather seen our gold helmets. Call me old fashion, but i wish we have a standard uni that was recognized by all as the Akron look.

Does anyone know where we can go to see/hear TB's pre-game speech? I did not catch it and I've heard so many good things about it. I appreciate any help you can offer.

No panic here with this team. Of the 11 starters who played in the national semi-final only two started last night. Cohesion, chemistry, anticipation and comfort were not what they will be by mid-season. Jared has a great team to work with and is building it the right way. The Zips will be where we want them by the end of the season. Remember Butler returned 8 of last season's sweet sixteen starters plus one 2017 starter who was injured at mi-season. We played well against them and at times dominated. Nice job boys. kick NCSU's ass.

Marcel is a great guy who will help when he returns. He has a broken right toe and is slated to return to practice in two weeks. Keep rooting for him.

This writer's tongue was firmly planted in his cheek. It was very funny, but also it pissed me off. We will continue to get this arrogance from P5 schools until we beat a few. Then the narrative will change. Until then let's expect it and keep focused on continual improvement. One final thought: I'd love to see the author write this way about Ohio State. Say what you want about the Buckeyes, but you do this kind of crap and Urban will beat you 50-0. Will SB Nebraska be laughing then?

Dr. Z, did you see if Burkhart is in the mix at WR? I thought he was touted as a local talent that was going to find a way to get on the field, but I have heard nothing of him so far.

Some good points Here. I see Brady fitting in a rotation. He will make Davis and Reinke up their games, of which they are capable. We will be able to keep our DE's fresh and have their motors running the whole game. I see them bringing big time pressure. Any opponent who thinks this edition of D is like last year's is in for a rude awakening.

Wow, if he comes to play he will help us no doubt. I just hope TB has a clear understanding with him and he does not become a cancer in the locker room. We need guys with team first attitudes.