johnnyzip84

My depth concerns are strictly related to QB. I sure hope KP16 can play the whole season without any significant injury, but that's a crap shoot. I'm hoping someone emerges as a clear back-up.

EA discusses KP16 and the prospect of UA adding a few "blue shirts" again this summer. That's all I need to hear. TB usually calls it like he sees it. KP16 looked very good when I saw him. Depth is still a concern for me though. As much as I've defended Chisholm, DJ Jones deserved to play more last year. Maybe we'll see that in 2014. Keep 'em coming!

QB Devyn Wood of Western Brown (Cincinnati area) has signed to play at UA. HUDL profile

The Beacon made a mistake on that one. DJ Jones played solely at RB on Saturday. I believe that is #29 Bryce Cheek defending (this was one of those deep balls that were underthrown - not by KP16).

Here is Crain's Business article on Tressel's candidacy.

zippy5 - I've only seen one scrimmage or practice, but Tommy was inconsistent today. He did make a few a few plays with his arm (certainly adequate strength) and he avoided the big mistake. In fairness to the QBs, the D-Line was getting pretty consistent pressure. Spin - Spring Game is in 2 weeks (April 19)

I think KP16 looked pretty sharp today, BUT NH15 did NOT have a good scrimmage. He underthrew several deep balls, and in one instance he simply threw one up for grabs over the middle. It's only one scrimmage, but it was not an encouraging performance from such an experienced player.

I joined ZipsWin!, 2Ball, and K92 in attending today's scrimmage. Here are a few observations: Heading into 2014, I was pretty concerned about the secondary, especially the loss of Freeman. My concerns are greatly subsided after seeing the secondary, particularly #21 Kris Givens, display competence and ability against a pretty good receiver corps. Givens will be a "shut down" corner.Nordly Capi is in significantly better condition now than he was in 2013. He had a decent season last year, but I predict he'll play more like the guy shown below in 2014 (i.e. he'll create turnovers like a machine):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi1x5tVI0N4 3. The backup QBs (Woodson and Hirschman) need to improve dramatically for UA to have any useful depth at this position. 4. Manny Morgan will get some playing time at RB in 2014. He has nice balance and decent speed and power. 5. LT Smith should have a banner 2014. The 2 long pass plays were both from KP16 to LT. 6. "Fresh" is now wearing #4 7. CJ Mizell also looks to be in better shape for 2014. 8. Jatavis Brown just keeps getting better and better. Ditto with Justin March. The LB corps is so deep Rossi has apparently been moved back to fullback. 9. Austin Wolf had quite a few balls tossed his way. He looks to be more of a possession receiver to me, but that's a bad thing, I like his hands. 10. The offensive line has some growing to do. There is talent there, but the D-line is definitely ahead at this point. 11. Hollis played very well, completely blowing up one running play for a big loss. Pittman played both DE and DL and played well in both positions. 12. MTB was targeted frequently, buy he needs to become more reliable at bringing in catchable balls. 13. As expected, Lane, Gauthney, and Moore did not participate. They should join the team for practices in summer camp. All in all, I'm pretty happy with the things I saw. The biggest concern is depth at QB. Perhaps Hoyer or Kincade, both of whom certainly looking the part physically, might eventually contribute in this area.

I think your Boals vs Christian question is interesting and valid. BUT, I sure wish TW would have had an overwhelming aversion to risk when he hired Ianello

Good catch. I wonder who left (or won't show)?

Martice Jackson from Wadsworth is walking on for the Zips.

Former Zip QB Steve Franco lands at IUP, but is now playing safety.

Thoughts and prayers to you, Zeke, Rhema and the whole family. I had a chance to speak briefly with Darryl at a turnpike rest-stop on the way to Auburn Hills last year. It was a very pleasant conversation and I recall being struck by his friendliness and presence. I'm sure he'll be missed by many.

It's still a little hard for me to form a strong opinion with the limited views, but so far I think this new look is a home run. While I also would like the zipper to be incorporated, I really like the striking color scheme (still true enough to "our" colors, IMO) and the increased size of the Z (was a LITTLE hard to make the Z out from afar last year). Can't wait to see the finished product! Go Zips!!

Hustle Belt has this fairly in-depth story on the poor status of MAC hoops (tied into why UMass said "no thanks"). It fits here about as well as anywhere. Perhaps the only good news is that 2013-2014 was actually a decent step forward in terms of conference BPI rank and non-conference winning percentage.

I think almost everyone on this board realized ZipsWin! wasn't implying that ACHIEVING this vision is simple. I took it as meaning there is a path, within the constraints of MAC membership, to potentially attain pretty impressive heights in both basketball and football.

I think that sums our situation up pretty well. I thought the prediction for Buffalo (2nd in MAC East) was pretty far off though.

Here is a very early prediction from USA Today. The Zips are picked 4th in the East. I think we'll do better.

From the PD, here is EA's peek at the 2014-2015 UA season.

ZipsWin! pretty much nailed it regarding an ambitious, yet achievable vision of "progress" for Zip athletics. Other than a possible pairing down of the MAC (addition through subtraction), with perhaps a few other forward looking schools added to the core group (UA, Ohio, U@B, UT, WMU), I see no other realistic path for UA in the next 10-15 years.

I am THRILLED that the MAC had the kahunas to force their hand. I've been calling for this ever since they were accepted. Let's not forget, UMass did get something out of this: a quicker route to FBS. I'm sure they have visions of AAC membership. I'd be curious to get Zip_Watcher's thoughts on their chances. Now let's whip these guys in their last years in the league, just like we did to Marshall and UCF

Wouldn't be the first football Zip to transfer to a MEAC school AND return to Infocision for a pasting at the hands of his former teammates.

Welcome to Zipsnation, ZIPSMOM2! I'm really looking forward to seeing Kwan and the rest of the young players develop over the next few years

Idaho (football) joins the FBS Sunbelt in 2014, not the FCS Big Sky.

The Vest is among 19 official applicants. The list