johnnyzip84

Another update: Indiana barely holding off the mighty Kernels of Eastern Kentuck, 19-13 with under 10:00 to play. I'll pencil the 9/19 game in as UA win #7. Power rating: Akron/BeeGee East co-#1.I haven't mentioned it, but watch out for Toledo as the dark horse in the West.I'll second that. Toledo is notorious for quick turnarounds under 1st year coaches, and I like what I've read about Beckman.

Only caught the final 20 minutes after work -- but a really exciting game. Sounders, clearly had more motivation, being an expansion squad going after a cup in their first season. I saw the replay of that first goal (was it Montero?) just once. When Stevie came out, the announcers (not sure who was working the game either -- was it Max Bretos?) raved about his playing through injury. Hope its not serious, as Seattle has big games upcoming as they go down the stretch and could win it all, or miss the playoffs. That's MLS for ya. I can't recall who the announcers were, but I have a correction on the 1st goal. Montero did indeed score it, but Steve's head flick was to a speeding Lundberg, who took the initial shot that Wicks stopped but couldn't pull in. Montero pounced on the rebound to put the Sounders up 1-0.

So Branko's the starting PK for sure? Zip Watcher said it 1st.

Hey other '84, are you allowed to revise yor prediction like that? Do you have some sort of new inside information?Your site, your rules, Johnny. I'll revert back to my 35-17 if you like, but the new information was in the link I posted from Sporting News on the PSU offense. I had not heard before that Royster and Green AND one of the tight ends could share the backfield. I'm afraid your D is in for a long afternoon if they have to contain Royster/Green/Clark/Quarless/Shuler coming at them. esp. if Akron stays with the 3-3-5 -- any definitive word on that?Sorry, UA Fan, don't gamble or worry about the point spread. Am in finance, so tend to fixate on numbers. Look up "boring" at dictionary.com and they have my pic AND resume there.I don't think we'll know for sure until Saturday. Some think, and I tend to agree, that we'll be in a 3-4 for much of the game. It's just one more slice of excitement for us Zip fans less than 46 hours before kick-off!

1) Bruce over the middle for 8 yards.2) Allen up the gut for 3 yards........................FIRST DOWNNNNNNNNN AKRON!!!! (blast from the past)

Hey other '84, are you allowed to revise yor prediction like that? Do you have some sort of new inside information?

Not a problem

Add me to the list of those who will reluctantly give the Barley House a shot, at least for this 1st TV game.

I've waited long enough to make my prediction.It's time for the Zips to "Use Somebody" and become Kings of Lions Zips 31Lions 24I saw it clearly last night. Miguel Graham will make a huge interception to thwart a late PSU drive. And the Barley House will never be the same again.

I'm watching Steve-O putting in a truly gutsy performance for the Sounders in the final tonight at RFK against DC United. Battling a sore hammy, and looking like he would be pulled from the game by Sigi, he just set up Montero with the go ahead goal using a nice header on the break. DC's keeper pulled a chump move on Montero after the goal, stomping on the goal-scorer and getting a deserved red card. If Seattle can hold on for another 20 minutes or so, playing one man up, they will win a cup in their 1st year.Edit: Sounders hold on for a 2-1 victory to claim the cup!

I'm not sure that I can stomach the Barley House. Do we know if The Tap House has the Big 10 network?

I believe the Zip O-Line vs. Lion D-Line subplot could be the most interesting in the game. Most of us Zip fans would regard last year's O-Line as being a strength of the team. Losing only one starter (a good one in Kemme), the 2009 version stands to be just as good, if not better than in 2008. Interestingly, four out of five of the starters (and two key reserves) hail from Pennsylvania. You don't think Bates, the Andersons, Wood, Simkovich and Kasperik might be playing with a little chip on their collective shoulders this Saturday? By many accounts, this will be this unit's toughest test of the season. But I'm not one to assume they can't play 60 minutes with anybody. If they execute and avoid silly penalties, I think they'll more than earn the respect of the opposition.Edit: Dr. Z I swear we do the Vulcan "mind meld" from time to time

What fun is that? You have a point.

They have a brand new HC and a brand new QB, arguably the most important individuals on any college football team. I really need to hold any assessment of the 2009 Orange until they at least play ONE game.

I spent some time at Ohio Brewing Company last night, and I tried to get a few answers to some of the questions that have been raised here recently. First and most importantly, we're going to have to find another "unofficial" home for a watch party this Saturday as OBC does not currently receive the Big 10 network I know.......I'm pretty disappointed about it and I will lobby as best as I can for them to get it back after their move down the street.As far as the move itself goes, they are to be out of the current building by the end of September. They will be bottling beer fairly soon after the move from the new production facility (which is going to be on or near Selle Street between High and Main). The brewpub as mentioned before will be across from Canal Park.Dr. Z I asked about Abbey Ales and Hefeweizens and I was told that they will have a Trappist Ale out very soon sfter the move. A Hefeweizen is also in their plans but probably not until sometime next year.Also, I checked on the tailgate area at Katherine Place/Exchange they are hosting for home games. It will be up and running from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm!!!!I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the last thing anyone of us wanted was to show up at OBC with no game to watch. That old Scorcher's location seems odd to me as a place for a watch party. Are there any other ideas out there? We have to keep in mind that not all establishments carry the Big 10 network, although I'm sure most of them do by now.

I remember when this used to be true for Akron 8 or so years ago, I'm glad those days are behind us.I agree. PSU is not bigger and stronger than Akron, they are just faster and better football players for the most part.They aren't necessarily tougher. Comments like that make it sound like UA has a bunch of 5'11 220lb lineman. If a guy is going to get injured, he is going to get injured.+1 The idea that the lesser known school is going to come home in body bags after playing the bigger name school is a ridiculous, ignorant assertion. Since Akron went D1-A, I ask anyone to cite a game against the Nebraskas, Floridas, OSUs, etc. in which the Zips have been decimated by injuries. Buckzip is correct. It's the speed, athletic ability and depth that generally separate teams.

I will make sure to keep you aware, but I wouldn't expect anything new before their planned move (by the end of October).

Is Baker really Bearcat? Sounds like Bearcat is the beneficiary of this activity.So I'm not the only cynic on this one.

I will pass along the requests!

+1!

By the services reported in USAToday, it looks like the money is swinging ever so slightly in favor of Akron.USAToday LinkI'm waiting until Friday to make my prediction, to hopefully get last minute word on injuries/eligibility.

UVA is only 2 hours away and U of Maryland is only 3 hours away. I think it more of an indication of how big football is in the area. The best high school football is played in that area. I imagine ODU will be very successful. Richmond had much success with many players coming from that area.While I agree the Tidewater region is very fertile recruiting grounds (and no doubt highly underated, particularly among the sometimes provincial midwestern football fan), I think you'd find a few people in Texas and Florida who would chuckle at this.As far as the upgrade to ODU's Foreman Field goes, it looks pretty nice. Their atheltics web site has some pics.LinkI didn't realize the Oyster Bowl was once played in Norfolk.

Drink beer, drink beerDrink beer, G__ D___, drink beer!I won't drink beer with any fanwho won't drink beer with an AKRON fanAkron onceAkron twiceHoly jumping J____ C_____G__ D___ Son of a B____GO Zips!!!!!!!!!

+1Then you better stay clear of "Zip Hop Ale" the next time it's brewed!I will try to get a handle on OBC's planned tailgating schedule this week.

baller4life, your name even suggests that you are in this for the "long haul". Thus I urge you have a little patience with how Patrick is being handled. Let's assume he is the most talented QB on the roster. Even if he is, true FR QB's are generally not expected to replace a returning SR who has started for 1 1/2 years and steadily improved his production. If Jacq stumbles badly out of the gate, then maybe I'm willing to listen. But even in that scenario, I'd still like to see what Rodgers can do 1st. There are a lot of long term benefits to being able to keep Patrick redshirted this year.