johnnyzip84

How he can keep Ball St. ahead of ANY team in the East is beyond me

Those teams would get crippled if they played a D-1 team. Physically crippled. If you thought the 65-0 beating of Hampton, w/65 scholarships, was a tragedy, wait til you saw Duquesne vs. Akron. 100 points might be achievable. By halftime.OK, so perhaps I went a little too far. Give me or give me death!!!! :DLooking into SDSU a little further, I notice that they will be breaking in a new QB this year, and he's replacing last year's 1st team ALL-MVC QB Berry. So that's definitely in our favor.BTW, CK, I know you like to remember it as Hampton for some reason. But it was HOWARD whom LO's Zips scored 65 on towards the end of his tenure (the Bison managed a late TD to spoil the shutout). For the record, I think some of the non-scholly FCS programs (Colgate, The Ivies, Lafayette, and even Duquesne/RMU in a good year) can most definitely beat the weaker MEAC and SWAC teams from time to time.

They are probably saying the same thing about Akron.Looking a little into past Jackrabbit schedules and results (see link), they have only played ONE FBS team in their history (Iowa St. last year). So I highly doubt they wouldn't be somewhat stoked about playing another FCS team, particularly in a brand new stadium.Also, they appear to be a pretty decent FCS program, even though they're only somewhat recently removed from D-2. They crushed the YSU Penguins last year and they've played even up with North Dakota St. recently, a program that has given Minnesota fits (beat 'em once and should have beaten them another time). I know there are many constrants, but if I were hand-picking an FCS team to fill out the 2009 schedule, I'm not sure I'd go in this direction. I'd prefer something the Zip hoops team has been feasting on of late --> Why not play someone like Robert Morris or Duquesne, both nearby and somewhat familiar (in other sports)? I know they're both non-scholly FCS, but who cares? If the objective is to schedule a "next to sure win", I say you don't take any chances.Link

Thoughts and prayers to Adam and his family, and to the extended Glenoak family. I'm sure Coach Steiner will be greatly missed.

The kilts are perfect Now how about some appropriate face paint? Substitute the white with gold?

Kool has a nice game, so it's good to see him complimenting UA. It'll be interesting to see if Western gets it going with their starting center back. Even though the Zips gave it to them yesterday, I feel the Broncos have quite a bit of skill and size out there. KD thinks they can probably still win the West and I tend to agree. They might not be such a great draw for anyone in the MAC tourney.

True. He's now more emotionally mature and stable than 90% of NBA players!It's hard to argue against that, B&G!I also think that if Nik can continue to keep his emotions in check with regards to the officials, he will start getting more calls going his way. The blocking call just outside the foul-line in the 2nd half (might have been his 3rd or 4th foul) was pretty close to being a charge. He might get that call as a JR or SR, especially if he has managed to stay out of the "referee doghouse".

Yeah...South Dakota State. I can hardly wait to mark that game down on the calendar. What a joke.remember that when we finish 7-5 I'll be the 1st one to say it. NO WAY this team loses more than 4 games in 2009. Mark it down.

I think this was Humpty's best game of the year, including the Dayton scoring explosion. I say this, because he had very good control of the team when he was on the floor today. Will he still make some "freshmen" turnovers down the stretch? Sure. But I think we saw a BIG step in his maturation process today.

A coach's job is to "break" players of habits that will ultimately be a detriment to the team. Nik's play today was FULL of enthusiasm, yet in a controlled, measured manner. I have to believe that KD has to be pretty pleased with the growth (so far) of this kid. Also, isn't it awesome to see a kid NOT become distracted by a media piece like Gaffney's story, but even take his game to another level right after it's written? This kid is a true find.

From what I can gather, the 3-3-5 isn't going anywhere. The mindset seems to be upgrading the talent level of players within the existing scheme. We'll see if there's any surprises in spring ball, but I don't expect any.While I'll be somewhat disappointed if I don't see a scheme change, I will be frustrated beyond belief if I don't see a "jumbo D-line" goal line and short yardage package installed with the players we now have on the roster.

If we manage to complete this transaction, may will refer to Mr. Clarke as "The Thrill"?

Does anyone know if we held one back for Clarke? That would be almost too good to be true.

I couldn't agree more. We have it pretty good being able to get that kind of information without having to fork over a credit card, like a LOT of guys I know who follow other programs. Thanks CK.

I asked about it last night. The explanation was that parents shell out a ton of money for their kids to go to Milford. In return, they all want their kids to get playing time. Thus no kid really gets a ton of reps, and none really have any eye-popping stats.He's at 325 now, and his natural playing weight is apparently 310. He's a pure Jerry Ball-type nose guard. You'll like his tape. He played fullback at 285lbs and looked good! He's also 100% healthy.From a pure entertainment standpoint, the clip showing him returning a punt (YES, returning a punt) while he was a HS junior in Harrisburg was pretty outrageous.Edit: I have to correct myself after watching the fruits of Dr Z's labor. It was a KICKOFF return, not a punt return but hilariously impressive nonetheless.

We were given every indication last night at OBC that the coaching staff expects Henderson to to able to play next year. He has schooling to finish at Milford Academy this spring, but that is not expected to be an issue.

I really enjoyed tonight's event, and I couldn't be more enthused for the upcoming season. How could you possibly spend time with Reno Ferri and not want to hit the field running yourself? I realize highlight tapes can sometimes lead to unjustified optimism, but I am absolutely thrilled with this class. I simply have to believe that, barring a crazy rash of injuries, 2009 will be every bit the success we have longed for during the initial campaign in the INFO. Four players really stood out to me:Phil TongaRandy GreenwoodChris Henderson (loved Reno's quip "as long as he doesn't go offsides more than 50% of the time, he'll play" LOLJeremy LaFranceThey'll ALL be making major contributions in 2009, IMHO.

Coach Brookhart:I realize depth on the front is always a concern, but we seem to be really loaded at DL with the addition of Tonga and Henderson. Has there been any thoughts of a scheme change to get more of these guys on the field?Coach Dambrot:Can you provide an update on Ronnie Steward?Coach Kest:You've had some excellent wins at the JAR this year. What do you see as being the biggest obstacle the team is facing in terms of seeing more success on the road?

Excellent news!!! I can't wait to see the film on these guys, but I REALLY can't wait to see them all suited up and ready to play at the INFO!!! Go Zips!!!!!!

I guess our 1st Mike Thomas has worked out pretty well, so why not add another?

I knew he had given up his scholly at one point, but I don't see in here when or if he's going to get it back. I guess that's just the way the numbers are right now.BJ Link

Straight from the philosophy of former Iowa, SMU, and North Texas head coach Hayden Fry, upon whom some think the lead role in the TV show "Coach" was loosely based. I like it!Link

My associates and I could make an offer ..Did your "associates" obtain that nice new aerial view of the Info?Although it's only a hunch, I'm sticking with Henderson as Mr X

I agree. To my knowledge, Tonga has open offers with Kansas State & Washington State.I am also VERY happy to welcome Phil aboard, if he chooses to enroll here at UA. I would certainly hope that my silly comments/graphics are taken simply as a further extension of the "monster hands" running joke. I humbly apologize if this was taken in any other spirit.dreal1scout, I've kidded with you earlier about showing me a DUPLEX, so I think you know that this is all in good fun. I hope to meet you one day at a future Zip game, in Akron or on the road.

Will do, Cap'n. Hopefully we'll have a decent idea of a rough head count by tomorrow afternoon