Dr Z

I heard Illinois is going to unloosen that tie around his neck and let out all the hot air.

Life without Lelie leaves big questions in DenverBy ARNIE STAPLETON - AP Sports Writer 2006-08-24 03:19 DENVER (AP) -Now that recalcitrant receiver Ashley Lelie is no longer their problem, the Denver Broncos will spend the next several months answering two key questions:-Are they better without him?-Are they better off without him?``It's tough to know right now,'' Denver defensive end Courtney Brown said. ``Time will tell us and him.''The NFL's leader in yards per catch the last two seasons could have provided the Broncos with a high-octane trio by teaming with former Pro Bowl receivers Rod Smith and Javon Walker.Lelie wanted nothing to do with such an arrangement and skipped all the Broncos' offseason workouts, piling up hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and lost bonus money rather than report to a team he felt misused his talents and never gave him the chance to be a featured pass-catcher.In a three-way trade with Atlanta and Washington that sent Lelie to the Falcons and running back T.J. Duckett to the Redskins, the Broncos got the equivalent value of a 2007 third-round draft pick, based on a points system used by NFL teams.The arrangement with the Redskins opens the door for multiple alternatives involving the teams' draft picks - they could swap picks in the first round, for example - and the exact compensation won't be determined until next offseason.The impact of Lelie's departure should be felt much, much sooner, especially if Walker's return from a severe knee injury that cost him almost all of last season doesn't go as planned or if the 36-year-old Smith finally starts to show his age in his 12th NFL season.Because behind those two starters are a motley crew of largely unknown or unproven players:-Darius Watts, whose penchant for dropped passes often outshines his sensational skills.-David Kircus, who was cut four times by the Detroit Lions and spent the offseason making sandwiches at a Subway shop for $15 an hour.-Rookies Brandon Marshall and Domenik Hixon, both of whom are injured.-Charlie Adams, traded to Dallas last week only to return to Denver when the Cowboys said he failed his physical.-David Terrell, a former first-round draft pick who played in one game last year and had no catches.-Todd Devoe, who caught nine passes last season.-And Brian Clark, an undrafted free agent.The Broncos' brass didn't want to discuss Lelie's departure Wednesday. General manager Ted Sundquist didn't return a message and coach Mike Shanahan said he'll address the situation at a later time.``Once it's finished and once the papers are signed, I'll be more than happy to answer any questions,'' Shanahan said after practice.Aside from a running tally of daily $14,000 fines amassed by the AWOL receiver that some teammates kept in the locker room, Lelie's name was hardly mentioned by the players during training camp.``You wanted something to happen for him. You don't want guys to sit in football limbo,'' fullback Kyle Johnson said. ``He's doing all right. The Denver Broncos are going to maximize the situation as best they can, as they historically do.''Lelie is going to Atlanta as the No. 3 receiver, same as he was in Denver, but it appears he'll have an easier time unseating Michael Jenkins or Roddy White than he would have of leapfrogging Smith and Walker.So, who will be better off, Lelie for getting his wish, or the Broncos, for granting it?``Let's be honest. If a player has a certain amount of leverage and a franchise has a certain amount of leverage, the franchise has superior leverage in the situation,'' Johnson said. ``He did get something that he wanted. He got a change of scenery. To expect to miss an entire camp and come in as a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver on any franchise in the NFL is a large order.``What he got is a chance to have a good year somewhere else as a No. 3. He could have done that here, but he chose to go somewhere else. You hope it works out well for the Denver Broncos and Ashley Lelie.'

Start a newspaper called the Akron Tribune. On the week of a home game, write articles about players and coaches of the Akron team.Run some articles on the oponent. Hell even tell people where the game is and what time it isMaybe write about how the tailgate experience at the Rubber Bowl is pretty cool.Tell them about the "family" atmosphere that has been created. You know, INFORM the people.The day after the game, print results of the game on the front page. Do an article on the front of the sports section.On away games. I assume you go to them anyway since your a fan, write an article on the game.Do you have one of those digital cameras? If not get one at Best Buy, shouldn't break your budget too much ($100).Take a few photos of the action at the game and include them in your articles. Take a few of people tailgating too.You might want to include how inexpensive it is to attend the games. You know, a real bang for your buck.Make your paper, the AKRON Tribune, about AKRON sports. THAT WILL GET PEOPLE EXCITED !!!If you can't afford to start your own paper, do flyers instead and pass them out. Just date a chick from Kinkos or something.

D is the difference for AkronUpdated 8/23/2006 2:03 AM ETBy Kevin Allen, USA TODAYIn a conference where offense is exalted and elite quarterbacks are revered, Akron coach J.D. Brookhart arrived in town two years ago and issued an edict that displeased even some of his own assistants.He decreed that the defensive players were allowed to "tee off" on offensive players in practice."I didn't blow my whistle very often, and we allowed them to take some shots because we needed to develop an attitude," Brookhart says. "The coaches weren't thrilled, but I think we needed to do that."Today, the debates with his assistants and the frequent "jawing" among players in practice seem worth it as Akron enters the 2006 season as the defending conference champion and owner of one of the Mid-American Conference's most aggressive defenses.After an extended run of poor defensive seasons, the Zips went from 10th to second in the conference in team defense last season. They gave up 339.8 yards a game, 90 fewer than the previous season. With eight starters returning, including all-MAC nose guard Kiki Gonzalez and sacks leader Jermaine Reid, Akron has a chance to be the MAC's best defensive unit."The difference between Akron in '04 and '05 was our defense," Zips quarterback Luke Getsy says. "Our defense made the plays when we needed them."Brookhart credits defensive coordinator Jim Fleming for building defensive unity and schooling the players in their unconventional three-three stack defensive alignment. Brookhart says Fleming simplified the system last season and that seemed to be one of the keys to the team's success."We didn't do nearly as much in the package as we did my first year, but what you saw was a bunch of guys who play fast," Brookhart says. "It might not have been very confusing for our opponents. But it wasn't for us, either."Brookhart was Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator when he became Akron's coach, and he says it wasn't easy for him to allow his defenders to pound away on his premium offensive talent."But a good defense makes all the difference," Brookhart says. "I believe in that. From a talent level, we try to put our best players on that side of the ball. And you can see the difference. We went from a team that was in it the first year to a team that won it the second year. We made our big improvement defensively, and that gave us a chance to win games. If you have a defense, you don't have to score 52 points in every football game."By the end of last season, the Zips boasted the 32nd-ranked defense in the country and their secondary was ranked 16th. They return four starters in the secondary, including junior rover John Mackey (103 career tackles) and senior cornerback Reggie Corner, who already has 24 starts. Linebacker Kevin Grant was a freshman All-American."What we do starts with (defensive) linemen," Corner says. "They pressure the quarterback, and they are a big part of our defense."Corner grins. "(Gonzalez) is an animal."Gonzalez is the son of Cuban parents who fled the Fidel Castro regime in 1980 for political reasons. Their son was born three years later, and now he is a 300-pound force in the middle. He is one of the MAC's best run stoppers and a complement for the outside rushing ability of Reid, who had seven sacks last season."Jermaine has gotten a lot bigger, and I'm expecting big things out of him," Brookhart says. "He's kind of a silent leader."Inside the MACWhat's new: Turner Gill, who quarterbacked Nebraska from 1981-83, is the lone new head coach. He takes over Buffalo, which has 10 total wins since joining the MAC in 1999. The MAC will supply a team for the inaugural International Bowl on Jan. 6 in Toronto. Another bowl with a MAC spot, the GMAC in Mobile, Ala., moved from its usual pre-Christmas date to Jan. 7. Northern Illinois and Miami (Ohio) play Oct. 8 to kick off a series of Sunday night ESPN games.In the Coaches' Poll: NoneBowl tie-ins: Motor City, GMAC, InternationalDanny Sheridan's odds:• Akron 3:1• Northern Illinois 3:1• Toledo 4:1• Bowling Green 5:1• Western Michigan 5:1• Miami (Ohio) 6:1• Central Michigan 8:1source

Frye would take his 340 yard drives and play in the outing, but he wants to tailgate for the home opener !?!?

Zoom in of the lower right of the billboard shows something shocking! :blink:

Be creative. Winner gets bragging rights for the year.You can upload and host an image here if you needDownload of a higher res image (incase you need to do some detailed work)

You said it all If they had someone writing for them that had half the passion about Zips football like people at ZN do, they might sell a few more of those bird cage liners.Just not to me.

For those of us critical of the BJ, the new managing editor has asked for advise on what we want the paper to cover. So far the sports editor will expand coverage of high school sports. They just don't get it. Drop him a line or call him. I doubt they can or would do a worse job of covering the University of Akron. Read the article linked at the bottom of the page. http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/columnis...rt/15264629.htm Thanks for the link.Do you think the AKRON paper should HAVE to be told to cover AKRON football I think they should (but haven't) figured that out yet. I'll save my 25 cents for gum.

I think my nephew is going to follow you up on his "FRYEr-truck"

When I listened to the nfl radio guys at Browns camp they were saying the same thing.The Browns will be scouting a lot of teams QBs, and looking for a cut.They also were saying not to rule out a trade. Pat said he recognized about 4 different scoutsat their paid scrimmage (difference being, if it is paid, scouts can attend, if it's free they can not)I went and looked to see if Pat wrote something on the Browns and Frye after his visit.He did (click here for Pat's view on Charlie and Co)

Chase Blackburn / NY GiantsMatt Cherry / Baltimore RavensCharlie Frye / Cleveland BrownsDominik Hixon / Denver BroncosRyan Myers / NY JetsJake Schfino / Houston TexansDwight Smith / Minnesota VikingsJason Taylor / Miami DolphinsZac Derr waived after reaching injury settlementRavens add Matt Cherry to wideout corps

Air it out Charlie! Throw it downfield!

Has anyone been to the Superdome? Every seat next to another one is a different color, making it look like their are more people at games than there really are. It's pretty cool.

Predictions are pretty much a waste of time.I thought they did a pretty good job going over the offense and defense for a national publication.Someone at the LOCAL paper should print something like this, I bet that might even build someexcitement in the community. Just do your normal cut and paste DLM.I liked the Analysis too.Ten Best Zip Players1. QB Luke Getsy, Sr.2. DE Jermaine Reid, Sr.3. NG Kiki Gonzalez, Sr.4. LB Kevin Grant, Soph.5. OG Andy Alleman, Sr.6. OT Tim Crouch, Sr.7. LB Brion Stokes, Jr.8. SS Chevin Pace, Jr.9. TE Kris Kasparek, Jr.10. S John Mackey, Jr.I like the Penn State preview also.Ten Best PSU Players1. LB Paul Posluszny, Sr.2. OT Levi Brown, Sr.3. DT Jay Alford, Sr.4. LB Dan Connor, Jr.5. LB Tim Shaw, Sr.6. WR Derrick Williams, Soph.7. RB Tony Hunt, Sr.8. CB Justin King, Soph.9. WR Deon Butler, Soph.10. P Jeremy Kapinos, Sr.InterestingThe Last Time Penn State……won a conference title…2005 (Big Ten)…had a 3,000-yard passer…never :blink: Getsy threw for 3,455 yds LAST year.

Zips RULE, I root for anybody that goes up against Columbus State, including the police !

Good idea JD. Another article on the subject (click here)I like this line from the BJ article:Once practice began, the Zips, wearing helmets and no other pads, looked crisp, especially senior quarterback Luke Getsy. He appears to have added about 10 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame

Ticket office:Office hours:Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Saturday & Sunday: ClosedPhone:(330) 972-6920 • Akron Area1-888-99-AKRON • Toll Free

Zips Win! is back! Always a sane view of the world that is UofA sports. I agree with a minimum $15 for reserved seating. Miami charges $24 for GA seating and they get no more people at their games than we do.That's the simple answer. I'm not sure what the big deal is. We parked in priority last year, now we are over priced and moving back to the fence. Not a big deal. If they can get $500, good for them, if they can't, they will drop it.Everybody needs to stop at the Coors light tent and relax.

I'm not sure if I'm slow, or this just went up?Have you guys noticed the http://www.gozips.com/?My bookmark had gozips, and it does NOT link to gozips.com it links to this crap:http://www.cstv.com/teams/akoh/Seems odd.

Did any of you park in the priority parking last year?

Pat Kirwan from Sirius radio is out at Browns camp today.Fantastic show, can't say enough good things about it.If your a Browns fan and you missed it, you really missed out.They interview everybody live, Romeo, Bryalon, Baxter, Savage, McGinest etc...To keep this Akron related I'll give you quotes from the Frye interview.-Year one you look at your first option and you think too much, now hopefully all the film study on the off season will keep me from thinking.-My junior year at Akron I called 80% of the plays at the line.-I'm expecting to get blitzed a lot. We have been working on that. I have a blitz tape in the computer right now-I'm not really a practice guy, I like game time, I like taking off the red jersey-I had no freedom on checkdowns last year, I might this year-Mo has me working on 3 step drops and getting the ball out quick. A lot of short stuff-My biggest challenge this year is to not be late on my throws. I was late a lot last year-I ended up going to Akron because I was 6'2" 170, but I wouldn't change anythingPat's comments before and after the interview-Charlie's body type is like Chad Pennington, not impressive, but he has put some muscle on this year-He throws with his arm and it might get tired. He doesn't throw with his shoulder and his non throwing arm.-He needs a three step drop. They should run a lot of bunch formations to help him outMcGinest on Frye-I don't know much about him-I talked to him about the way Brady took over the team-He is a fighter, He has weapons around him so he won't have a lot of pressureBaxter on Frye-He is coming along well-He is not afraid to sling the ball down field, he keeps the defense honest

Dantonio Bearcat through 2010Football coach's deal was extended by Goin last yearBY BILL KOCH | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITERAlready the rumors have begun: If the University of Cincinnati has another losing football season, new athletic director Mike Thomas might be looking to get rid of Mark Dantonio and install his own man - perhaps Akron's J.D. Brookhart - as the head coach.Don't believe it.The UC coach, who signed a five-year deal when he was hired to replace Rick Minter in December 2003, has five years remaining on his contract after former athletic director Bob Goin, who hired Dantonio, quietly extended it before he retired at the end of last November.And that's OK with Thomas."The confidence that was placed in Mark is consistent with the confidence that I have in Mark," Thomas said Thursday. "I truly believe and hope that Mark is coaching here for a long time."Dantonio, the 50-year-old former Ohio State defensive coordinator, says he intends to be at UC for the long haul. And his contract extension makes it likely that he'll have all the time he needs to attempt to build a successful Bearcats program."I want to be here," Dantonio said. "I am not interested in going to another school. ... I have not applied for another job. I don't want to, or I wouldn't have come here. My children are here. I'm not interested in moving them into different schools. That's where I'm at."Goin actually extended Dantonio's contract twice. He added a year after Dantonio's first season in 2004 and then again after last season's 4-7 team."At Cincinnati, five years isn't going to get it done," Goin said. "I felt really comfortable with him there, not just the way he coaches but the way he relates to the players."I knew we had a problem (last year) but he never let it get away from him. He wasn't a screaming maniac."The school didn't announce the extensions, Goin said, because "that wasn't earth-shaking to say, 'We want you to be here a longer period of time (than the original contract).' "Dantonio is now under contract through the 2010 season.He makes a base salary of $175,000, but also receives $130,000 for his television and radio shows, $60,000 for public and alumni relations activity, $60,000 when total home attendance exceeds 40,000 and $75,000 for every year he remains at UC through 2008. He can make more money with various incentives.Dantonio inherited a senior-laden program when he took over at UC, and those players went 7-5 and won the Fort Worth Bowl.Last year, with a team dominated by freshmen and sophomores, the Bearcats were expected to struggle. And they did.As Dantonio begins his third season with the arrival of players on Sunday, only 20 remain on the roster from the Minter era."I don't feel like the clock started running until we got into the Big East (in 2005)," Goin said, "and we had these (new) facilities done. I think his clock is running now. He's going to be successful. We're very fortunate to have a guy like that leading that program."Dantonio was very close to Goin but says he also has a solid relationship with Thomas."I've enjoyed being around Mike Thomas," he said. "He wants to win a championship in every sport. That's what I want. From day one, our goal was to win a championship here. How long that takes - is it four years? Is it five years? Whatever it takes, we'll get there."Source (click here)