johnnyzip84

I've been thinking a lot about the challenges the next head coach will face, and it occurs to me that an IMMEDIATE recruiting strategy that is heavy (more than 50%) on JUCOs/transfers might be an effective approach. In other words, don't wait until times are desperate before going "hard" after them. There used to be a number of coaches who seemed to specialize in the "quick fix", but you don't see this as much anymore. The reasons why I think this might be a smart move at UA are as follows:1) It may simply be too difficult to bring in quality HS players to a program with such a losing FBS tradition, at least until there are signs that improvement is on the horizon.2) With a new HC (new at Akron), the "carrots" of playing time and great facilities won't come with the qualifier of "yeah, but you guys only won 1 game each of the past seasons under your direction coach!".3) Like we've said many times, there's a fine line in the MAC between winning and losing. If the right HC brings in a nice mix of a dozen or so "experienced recruits", this might be enough to turn a few of these L's into W's.4) Kick start the program. THEN once some level of winning is established go after more HS recruits.This all hinges on picking the right HC, of course. I'm merely saying that I'm not opposed to a "quick fix" strategy the next time around. In fact (being early November and all), I personally endorse it

Do you think it would matter if the crowd is 1,789 fans, or 895 fans?If looking at InfoCision on Saturday afternoon, as it stands today, doesn't hit home as an impetus for change, nothing ever will.I agree the pathetic crowds SHOULD be sending a strong signal, but what if the PAID attendance were to drop by something on the order of 50 to 75%? A season ticket boycott would go a long way towards making the latter a reality and that would be even harder for the administration to ignore. I'm not saying I'm definitely there (wanting to decline season tix) yet, but I'm certainly willing to listen. Of course, a coordinated boycott would have much greater effect.

No problem. We were all 'blinded by the light ' last week. ol' Brokenheart doesn't seem so bad right now, does he Lee? Just messin' with ya

I think our new "pistol" offense ought to be nicknamed "pistol to the head" offense.

This trip to Oxford is working out about as well as Moore's previous trip to Oxford

Wags keeps busting his ass and making plays!!!

Good for you. You waited long enough. Just wish I was there to sample some!WOW!!! This is one FINE brew. If you like Belgian Tripels, you'll love this.I'll bring some for the K.E.N.T. loss.

OK add a Unibroue La Fin du Monde to the list. I popped the cork on that son of a bitch tonight. I know these bottle fermented brews get better with age, but I was not about to wait until next year (or 2013) to drink it after an FBS victory.

Gotta love the way this team rises to the occasion and keeps showing steady improvement as the season progresses. We should decline every TV appearance for the next 5 years. Rob Ianello is PATHETIC. And now the team is finally, FINALLY, quitting on him.I spoke too soon lol Nice goal line stand.

Temple has to be wondering if they will ever get past the Bobcats.

I know you have your reasons, but since UA has NEVER won down (AS A MAC MEMBER) there I'll take ANY victory without the qualifiers thank you very much After reading one of the recent Gaffney articles, I have to edit my statement (in bold) above. World War 2 was only 7 weeks old the last (and only) time the Zips won in Oxford. Apparently UA also managed a tie on an even earlier occasion.

I'm beginning to become more convinced that playing D-3 schools in these exhibitions is smarter than playing a D-2 school. It'll be interesting to see how Butler does this year after losing all of that experience from the last 2 seasons.

I hope it is a 1st quarter 2nd and 5 call, and not one on the final play of the game.On the other hand, if there is a questionable call on the last play of the game that probably means the game has been competetive Always trying to look on the bright side

No second guessing from Ianello in Gaffney's column.He also confirms why Meriwether left the team. One thing I'll say about Rob is that he's proven to be a straight shooter.

Districtballer brings up a good point about the need to dig a little deeper before making any judgements. The Ivy has generally been a decent hoops league over the years.Of course I hope Akron can lead the MAC toward greater respectability, but I think the entire MAC East has a shot to do their part this year as well. I'm pretty surprised U@B didn't receive a single vote myself.

Gaffney scouts Miami, among other MAC football stories.Treadwell uses the "P" word

My problem with that is that it is an option play. It should not be. You want to know why? Because you could lose a winnable game by one point. Exhibit AI agree. Down 20-6, 3rd quarter, how is going for two even remotely under consideration? Who's responsible for that option even being in the playbook? Who?I'm guessing the CMU coach studied tape on the Zips, and suckered us into the botched attempt.Again, thats the problem. It MUST be his call. Its the attention to the small details that is the difference between winning and losing. The special teams players line up together at the 50 Yd line before each extra point. All that has to happen is for the coach to access the situation and advise the holder as to what play to run. When there is no advantage to trying for 2, he is told to kick the point no matter how the other team lines up. End of controversy.+1 well said

Link

Combining Mission Impossible with Batman is TV genius! Can't wait to see Player X (and the rest of the Zip alphabet) this year!

Charlie and the RedHawks have a bit of trouble with Steve Swiech and the Cal Vulcans.

I know you have your reasons, but since UA has NEVER won down there I'll take ANY victory without the qualifiers thank you very much Since I also graduated from Miami...can't root for a blow out ;-) But will be rooting on the Zips!!!!Hence the first part of my statement (in bold) above! The "Big Ben" was the cruelest defeat (maybe in Zip MAC football history?), but there have been a few others that were there for the taking. Even CJ7 had a shot a few years ago in a 7-0 defeat IIRC.

I know you have your reasons, but since UA has NEVER won down there I'll take ANY victory without the qualifiers thank you very much

I believe Bardo and McNees graduated before their Senior seasons? Graduation doesn't always mean your eligibility has expired.Good point.

Haven't heard any phone calls or emailed questions at all this year.

I notice Rob won't be joining the Zips Live show tonight. Which of the following explains this best?1) short practice week2) the beginning of hoops3) not wanting to talk about any 2-PT conversion decisions ever again4) something else