johnnyzip84

Are you sure his name is "Steely Phil"?

Maybe I missed it, but it looks like BOTH links just go to the YSU FB schedule. Where is the link about passing on the Rubber Bowl date?

It nearly sickens me , but I think I actually agree with the YSU intruder. I'll put my estimate at 25-30K. Hey, that JUST happens to be the reported capacity of the new stadium

Reggie Corner is a solid player, but I believe Andre Jones should have received more consideration. I think Andre will be FIRST team all-MAC at the end of the season (the only one that really counts).

Yeah, what HE said! Actually, I only out this up to show that at least Peter King thinks Frye will be the starter anyway. I'm in the camp that believes that we don't really know how good of an NFL QB Charley can be or not just yet. I hope he takes advantage of the limited opportunity he get this year. Obviously it's key that he gets out of the blocks well. Maybe he'll play with a "nothing to lose" mentality, which I think would serve him well.I disagree with the poster who maligned Charley's UA career by focusing on the team's record during his tenure. His teams moved the ball well, even against the better competition. The DEE almost always let them down.

LinkNot to pile on, but here is Peter King's NFL QB rankings.

LinkScout.com had him as a 4 star DL back in 2005!

At first glance, I couldn't find who contributed to the MAC section, but as I later saw in the back of the magazine, it was Doug Zaleski (Muncie Star Press) and someone (forgot his name) from the Toledo Blade. These guys (Zaleski in particular) have long been used by TSN in these pre-season magazine. Since they both cover West division teams, this helps explain (but in no way excuses) the "cluelessness" of the East predictions. Zaleski seems to always sell the Zips short for some reason. You RARELY find a Zip on his preseason all-conference team (zero this year). Maybe he has a big head from being the college sports writer of such an esteemed publication as the Muncie Star Press!

I just purchased the 2007 Sporting News College Football magazine. Here are their MAC predictions:East1) Miami2) Ohio3) BGSU4) Temple!!5) Akron6) Can't7) BuffaloWest1) Western2) Ball St.3) Toledo4) Central5) Northern6) EasternI didn't expect the Zips to be a favorite, but this could be the "slap in the face" needed to motivate the team. I surely hope it works that way. The one that really gets me is Temple being picked ahead of the Zips. For that matter, the Flushes seem to be getting dissed as well. I do agree that Ball St. will be a force. I might have them listed as the favorite at this point. Nate Davis will carry them a long way if he stays healthy. They list CJ among 3 players who "must step up". Good call there, assuming he gets the job (certainly not a forgone conclusion).

If you sort DR. Z's list by "Yds/play", we ended up tied for 20th! It just goes to show how the 2006 O often didn't help the 2007 D much, with way too many 3 and outs.

At least he didn't pick "STATE"

If the inference is that an 18-18 overall record is, by definition "average" (equal number of wins and losses), then I think this overlooks the obvious "skewing" in MAC (not just Akron) schedules. Every single MAC school, with the possible exception of Toledo, is basically forced to play more away games against difficult opposition in order to help offset ever-present concerns over budget shortfalls. I personally think an 18-18 overall record at the typical MAC school is actually "pretty good" and not just "average".

Let's hope ESPN can use the same, clever camera angles that they use in the MACC game. Everytime I watch my recorded copy of the 2005 game, I'm amazed that it's the same game that I attended. You don't see large expanses of blue nearly as often on TV (although, these tricks do seem to be more difficult to "pull off" outdoors, and with screaming orange seats for that matter).Are we allowed to bring cardboard cutouts? If each of us were to bring, say 5 a piece, the place might look relatively full Plus, the TV audience might catch a glimpse of some pretty interesting characters in the stands, if we use our imaginations. I'm thinking that a General Patton with an "Eat 'em up Zips" balloon might be appropriate.Here's the way I look at it. Is Army the perfect draw? No. Are the tickets a little pricy for the token Zip fan? Probably. BUT, at least this is a little different way to kick off the season. Acme-Zip used to be the focus and that has long since passed. Can this really be any worse than opening up with, say Middle Tennesee, in the Rubber Bowl? We're sort of in a bit of a holding pattern here, between stadiums. I think something like this is worth a shot. Who knows, maybe the modest momentum that the entire athletic program has been riding lately will result in a decent, if not terrific, turnout.One other point I'd like to make. I really cringe when I hear talk about needing to "blow out" an opponent, in particular one that handed you your lunch at YOUR place in the last meeting and one that you have never defeated before. I'll gladly "settle" for a Zip win before a crowd of 15K or better.

Excellent news indeed!! That means Pro #6 from a previous thread is a check!

These ticket prices are scaring me a little, even though (admittedly) I've stated previously what a good opportunity I think this game is for the Zips. Personally, I'm more than willing to purchase the best seat I can. I'm just concerned that the relatively high cost could keep attendance down. Is $20 the cheapest seat? Wouldn't it make more sence to have a very inexpensive section in the upper portions of each end zone?I also wonder if there will be any backlash that might affect ticket sales because of the Frye snub in drafting BQ. I'm not saying there will be. I'm just throwing it out there.Go Zips! Beat Army!!

I agree completely. I think they ARE going to be able to choose between 20' 9" and 20' 6" (FIBA rules) once they put it to a vote. Hopefully, they'll go with 20' 6", IMO.

I couldn't agree more. Quinn may end up being a decent QB (who really knows at this point), but I couldn't stand to watch the draft anymore with the way they kept dismissing Frye. I think Kiper was the only one who would mention him by name from time to time. Suzy Kolber was making me puke. The way they kept saying how BQ is a local boy and Dublin was "right down the road". It's closer to Cincinnati folks! And what about a much closer, local boy? Gimme a break.

The last time I saw you, Apollo, Drago had just administered a lethal 2000 psi right, smack on your temple. How are we supposed to put much credence in what you have to say after that beating?

My bad! Like I said, I was sleeping I'm pretty sure the word Akron appears on the screen though, correct?I did catch the last shot of #33, in the "Block A" (Owens) helmeted, GB Packer-patterned unis, diving to catch somebody near the sideline. I think they may have shown some old gold, "moving A" (Faust) action as well.

Obviously, this is well earned and totally justified! Great things are right around the corner!! GO ZIPS!!!!

I caught it last night, during ONE of the numerous mock drafts that ESPN aired (how many times can they do this??!!). Unfortunately, I had fallen asleep (go figure) and it was only hearing "Jason Taylor" and "Akron" that managed to wake me up. I'm hoping they run it a few more times during the real draft. By the time I had fully recovered from my slumber, there were only 1 or 2 Akron video clips left for me to see.

Keepr, I will respond to each of your points, but first let me say that I can understand some debate over whether my post was "well thought out" or not (though specifics to substantiate this claim would have been nice), but how in the world is this "not applicable"? The post concerns UA's involvement in Patriot Bowl 1. How could it be MORE applicable for a Zip football discussion thread? Now, I will respond to your individual points.1. I assume ARMY will bring the Corps of Cadets along, at the very least. What they may lack in numbers, they will compensate for with enthusiasm and tradition. How do you automatically assume that OUR students won't head up to the game? First, I would think that the Rowdies would have no trouble driving a little further for a single game. Look at what they did during basketball season (road games in which they could be heard clearly on the radio). Second, students were well represented at both games in Detroit in 2005.2. As another poster put it, Akron was a logical choice to represent the MAC in this first game, due to close proximity. It doesn't mean we won't participate in other neutral site games in the future against bigger names.3. I'll admit that I'm going completely on a hunch here. But I suspect that, while the cow-town horseshoe is undoubtedly a superior college venue in terms of size and amenities (particularly compared to MAC stadiums), I'll bet it has nothing on a professional facility as far a locker room comfort, technology, etc. I'm not belittling the atmosphere the Zips will experience at OSU, especially with the huge crowd that will be in attendance. I'm only saying that playing at Browns Stadium will provide a uniquely positive experience in its own right.

I agree! Are you sure you didn't miss him SGM? I have another site that has him getting picked by the Titans in the 3rd round with overall pick #80.Mock Draft Source - Bazuin 3rd Rd

By "they" I was referring to both UA and the MAC (when I said that "they" deserve credit). I should have made that more clear. So while the UA athletic office doesn't deserve any credit, the MAC does in my opinion.

There have been numerous references to the 2007 football opener against Army on several threads, but I thought it might be interesting to focus attention on this game, and the concept of the “Patriot Bowl”, in a single thread. Like a number of people here, I have not been overly impressed with UA sports marketing since Mack took over as AD. Now I’m not sure if Chryst, Rhoades, or either had much to do with the formation of this event or for selecting the Zips to participate in the inaugural game. But I will say that I, for one, am VERY excited about the event. I not only am happy to see Akron selected to participate, but I like the general concept of the game as well. The UA administration and the MAC gets criticized a lot for not being very creative with sports marketing or for not “thinking out of the box”. Well if they DID have much to do with the decision to start an event like this, then I think they deserve a lot of credit. Regardless, here is how I view the pros and cons of this game.Pros1) Zip supporters have shown in recent years that they will travel (in numbers) relatively short distances, particularly to neutral sites such as Detroit and Cleveland.2) ARMY presents both a recognizable name and a beatable opponent. I agree with many who have opined that we should have no reason to EXPECT to beat them (after all, I think we’re WINLESS in the all-time series), but it should nevertheless be a game that the Zips have a legitimate shot of winning.3) I’m borrowing this one from somebody else, but I agree that letting the kids play at a professional facility provides a psychological boost.4) I won’t have to wait in line for an hour and a half for a mediocre (if I’m lucky) hot dog.5) I can buy beer!6) Associating the game with Labor Day weekend helps to reinforce the patriotic theme. I haven’t heard anything yet about possible TV coverage, but I have to believe that the combination of service academy involvement and holiday timing will make for a good event to carry.7) In terms of exposure, the MAC has benefited largely from end of the season events, such as the MAC Championship and Motor City Bowl. Placing this game at the beginning of the season could help get that exposure started earlier.Cons1) This eliminates a true home game at the Rubber Bowl.2) Some MAC teams will have to travel pretty far to play in Cleveland, if this is indeed where subsequent games are planned.3) I’ll pay considerably more for my mediocre (if I’m lucky) hot dog.4) I will pay $7.50 for my beer!I’m curious to see what other people are thinking. I can’t wait until this game! Zip go the Zippers!!!